Durigutti Aguijon de Abeja | Cabernet Franc

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Durigutti's Aguijón de Abeja Cabernet Franc exemplifies the winery's dedication to crafting expressive, terroir-driven wines that honor Argentina's diverse viticultural regions. Sourced from the Pedernal Valley in San Juan, this wine showcases the unique characteristics of high-altitude vineyards and the meticulous care of winemakers Héctor and Pablo Durigutti.

Winemaker & Philosophy

Brothers Héctor and Pablo Durigutti founded their family winery in 2002, combining their extensive experience to produce wines that reflect Argentina's rich terroirs. Their Aguijón de Abeja line is a tribute to the diligent work of bees, symbolizing their mission to explore various Argentine regions to find the varietals that best represent each province. 

The Durigutti brothers employ organic farming practices, hand-harvesting, native yeast fermentation, and minimal intervention to preserve the natural expression of the fruit. 

Grape Variety & Terroir

• Grape Variety: 100% Cabernet Franc
• Region: Pedernal Valley, San Juan, Argentina
• Vineyard Practices: Traditional trellis system at high altitudes, with approximately 5,000 plants per hectare
• Harvest: Manual harvesting in 18 kg boxes during the second fortnight of April

Winemaking Process

• Maceration: Cold maceration until fermentation begins
• Fermentation: Alcoholic fermentation with native yeasts over 13 days at controlled temperatures between 20°C and 23°C
• Malolactic Fermentation: Conducted in second and third-use French oak barrels
• Aging: Aged for 7 months in the same barrels
• Bottling: Unfined, unstabilized, and unfiltered to preserve the wine's natural characteristics; bottled in December

Flavor Profile

This Cabernet Franc exhibits an earthy character with notes of ripe dark berries, cloves, licorice, grilled herbs, and wet stones. On the palate, it is toned and vibrant, featuring ripe, juicy tannins and a polished texture. The finish is crunchy and mineral-driven, reflecting the unique terroir of the Pedernal Valley. 

Pairings

The wine's complexity and structure make it an excellent match for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and dishes seasoned with herbs. It also pairs well with aged cheeses and hearty stews, complementing the savory and earthy flavors in these foods.

Key Details:

• Alcohol Content: 13.8% ABV
• Total Acidity: 5.06 g/L
• pH: 3.54
• Residual Sugar: 2.2 g/L
• Aging Potential: Enjoyable upon release, with the potential to develop further complexity over the next 3–5 years

Durigutti's Aguijón de Abeja Cabernet Franc is a testament to the winery's philosophy of exploring and honoring Argentina's diverse terroirs. Its vibrant acidity, complex flavor profile, and elegant structure make it a compelling choice for those seeking to experience the distinctiveness of Argentine Cabernet Franc.