High Note Argentinean Malbec

The Making of High Note

The velvety texture and deep flavor of the small juicy berries of High Note’s Malbec grapes are distinctively influenced by the environment in which they are grown.

Located 675 miles west from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Mendoza's stony soil allows for excellent drainage, and the high altitude of the vineyards – from 2,000 to over 5,000 feet above sea level – offers more intense sunlight and low humidity.

These conditions help reduce vine disease and provide a long, dry growing season with low yields of small grapes with concentrated flavor, color and tannins. Malbec from this area tends to be both concentrated and soft.

What is Malbec?

With its name coming from the surname of a Hungarian peasant who first spread the variety throughout France and then further afield, Malbec growth and development in France quickly caught the eye of South America and began to flourish in the warm and dry climate of Argentina and Chile.

It's a thin-skinned grape with large berries, needing lots of sunlight and heat to reach full maturity. It thrives in well-irrigated and well-drained soils but produces uneven crops in less than ideal years and is susceptible to rot in cool and wet conditions, and is very sensitive to frost.

The Flavors of High Note

High Note Malbec offers a brilliant violet color with intense, sweet spice on the palate balanced by notes of plums, cassis, blackberries, and black cherries. It is creamy, smooth, and ripe in the mouth with soft, round tannins and a long silky finish.

High Note has also been well-received by critics, earning a "Best Buy" honor from Wine Enthuiast magazine, a Gold Star Award from Sante magazine, and most recently was chosen as one of the best values in wine today by the Washington Post.

High Note Food Pairings

High Note is best paired with:

Grilled meat & vegetables

Rich, smoky flavors

Pasta dishes

Tomato sauces

Roasted chicken

Where to Buy High Note

High Note malbec can be found in various locations throughout the Chicagoland area, including:

Sams Wine & Spirits

Whole Foods

Cost Plus World Market

Treasure Island

Costco

Binny's Beverage Depot

and many fine Chicago restaurants

You can also try High Note at StyleChicago.com's South Beach Style event at Nacional 27 on Thursday, March 25th, 2010.

March 2010

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