Description

The Geisha Dragon Del Desierto is an intriguing blend of mostly Viognier with some Marsanne and 10% Pedro Gimenez (Criolla Blanca as opposed to PX) that is co-fermented in a single concrete egg. Following fermentation, 90% of the wine remains ‘sur lie’ in the egg whilst the remaining 10% ages under flor in old barrels.  The result is a fascinating white wine that is beautifully textured yet fresh, with semi-exotic fruits such as melon and pineapple mingling with a touch of bready/yeasty complexity courtesy of the flor aged proportion.  Generous, textured and ultimately extremely drinkable, this lovely wine is one for the adventurous drinker.

Ver Sacrum is the brainchild of a small group of viticultors / winemakers, self-styled as “Team Grenachista”. The aim of the project is to champion a comeback of the Mediterranean varieties that Argentina lost after the 1950´s in favour of Malbec plantings. They grow Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, Roussanne, Marsanne, Syrah, Mencía, Carignan, Teroldego and Nebbiolo, as well as some Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir, with the wines being made in a garage or rented warehouse.  The philosphy is to “bottle the vineyard”, and winemaking is therefore as hands off as possible, utilising natural yeast,  low intervention and primitive vessels.  This restrained approach to winemaking produces wines that lower in alcohol, naturally higher in acidity and posess a great purity of fruit and elegance.