From the vision of Swiss owner Thomas Schmidheiny, Finca Decero is an acclaimed wine estate and the location of Remolinos Vineyard in Agrelo, Mendoza, Argentina. At an altitude of 1050m/3500ft, this land was chosen for its pristine water quality of glacial meltwater from an underlying aquifer and a unique tapestry of soils unmatched in the surrounding area. Decero means “from scratch” and the planning, development and growth of the winery have been very purposeful, from selection of the site, to nurturing of the vineyard by hand, and commitment to social and environmental sustainability.

Altitude plays a critical role in quality of Decero’s wines. Nighttime temperatures are low, which is key to preserving the natural acidity in the grapes. This acidity plays an important role in the aging potential of the wines (allowing the wines to age with grace over a long period of time), but also in the natural freshness/crispness of the wines. In addition, grapes grown at higher altitudes absorb more ultraviolet light. This has a significant impact on the phenol content of the grape skins as they thicken to protect from UV absorption. As such, grapes grown at higher altitude produce wines of enhanced texture and intensity of color. Decero wines are all VEGAN-certified and it maintains strict quality control procedures from production through to the sale of the wines.

We will taste:

2018 Malbec — Intense violet aromas, cherry and raspberry flavors along a silky, medium-bodied profile. Slightly rich in body yet well balanced with fresh acidity. Fourteen months in French oak. Alcohol: 14.5%. $22.99/$8

2018 Cabernet Sauvignon — Medium-bodied and classic in style, with cedar graphite and cassis notes reminiscent of Bordeaux. Cherry and red fruit flavors with fresh acidity. The wine veers towards elegance and balance rather than opulence and power. Fourteen months in French oak barrels allow for supple integrated tannins. Alcohol: 14.5%. $22.99/$8

2017 The Owl and the Dust Devil — In the tranquil environment of Remolinos Vineyard, a group of Lechuza owls have made their home. Perched atop vineyard posts, they keep a watchful eye over the vines, protecting against pests – both real and imagined! Throughout the growing season, a mystical battle unfolds: ‘Remolinos’, or whirlwinds, arise in spiral forms. Catching sight of the swirling dust, the owls take flight in chase until the dust devils disappear into thin air. The owls then return to their watching posts, satisfied that their precious vines are safe once again! Little do the owls realize that the dust devils play an equally important role in protecting the vineyard: their airflow defends the vines from spring frosts and keeps the grapes dry and cool during the summer. This wine is a single vineyard blend: 50% Malbec, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Petit Verdot, 11% Tannat, and 3% Cabernet Franc. Lithe and well-structured, with a richly savory blend of dark fruit, mineral and Asian spice flavors that feature peppery hints and note of forest floor on the finish. Ripe and concentrated, a bit oaky with a nice and soft texture. It finishes dry. It matured in French oak barrels, 20% of them new, for 18 months. Alcohol: 14.5%. Regularly $38.99/$13, now $35.99/$12

St. Lucio’s Gourmet and Cheese is open inside the store for your cheese needs and are bringing in some amazing new cheeses every week! Feel free to bring snacks/dinner with you, but please dispose of your own trash (there is a trash can at the back entrance).

See you Friday!