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{ SOMMjournal.com } 7 Malbec and Merlot grapes grown in the Cruz de Piedra region, one of the first vineyard sites to be planted by farmers who flocked to western Argentina in the 19th century. Today, however, Medalla has evolved into two red offerings—a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Malbec—both of which are 100 percent varietal wines. The Medalla Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from Trapiche's vineyards in Cruz de Piedra area as well as from the Luján de Cuyo region of Mendoza. The grapes are hand-harvested at optimum ripeness and are then transported to the winery, where they undergo a cold maceration at 50 degrees F. About two days later, fer - mentation begins. Following this primary fermentation, the wine is allowed to go through a naturally occurring secondary or malolactic fermentation to ensure that the finished wine will have a smooth texture on the palate as well as a substantial mouthfeel. Finally, the wine is transferred to all-new French oak barrels, in which it is aged for 18 months before being bottled. The Medalla Malbec is sourced from grapes grown in the legendary Uco Valley at Tupungato, a particularly lofty area of the sloping Mendoza plains that is about 3,500 feet above sea level. Even though the altitude is high, Tupungato nevertheless has a very diverse soil profile, Pi says. The vineyard consists of alluvial, calcareous and stony soils that are in many ways similar to those encountered in Burgundy and Champagne. "There is a distinct minerality in the wines whose grapes come from this area," Pi explains. Because of the altitude and the proximity to the mountains, the climate is somewhat cooler here, which results in the grapes having a favorable acid profile that keeps the wines both fresh and well-balanced. Additionally, the grapes from the Los Arboles Vineyard that contribute to this wine are dry-farmed without benefit of irrigation in this normally arid climate. Once harvested, the Malbec grapes undergo the same wine - making process in the Trapiche cellars as does the Cabernet Sauvignon. Both wines have a pleasant ABV of about 14.5 percent. Trapiche's long history of winegrow- ing has allowed it to acquire through the years vineyards in various areas of the vast Mendoza region. The many different terroir profiles provide a variety of growing condi - tions needed for the various varietal wines and blends that make up Trapiche's diverse product lines. After its founding in 1883, Trapiche was purchased in 1971 by the Pulenta Family. In 2010, the Bemberg family purchased what is now Grupo Peñaflor, the largest wine company in Argentina and one of the larg - est in the world. The Wine Group began distributing Trapiche wines into the United States in 2012 as it continued to diversify its many offerings to the American market. The Livermore–based producer and importer was once part of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of New York and was launched in a management buyout of that division in 1981. Today, it is one of the world's largest wine companies and is known for its grow - ing collection of premium wines. Medalla bottles are easily recognized by their distinctive bronze medallions, created by the Argentina artist Victor Grippo. PHOTOS COURTESY OF TRAPICHE The $25 suggested retail price for Medalla Malbec and Medalla Cabernet Sauvignon makes them attractive for both restaurant wine lists and for retail store sales. "Trapiche Medalla is a true Argentine classic." PHOTO COURTESY OF TRAPICHE