A refined expression of Argentine Merlot from the foothills of the Andes. Don Cristóbal 1492 Barrel Selection Merlot 2020 combines ripe red fruit, elegant oak aging, and smooth tannins to create a balanced wine designed for relaxed dinners and memorable gatherings.

Crafted in Ugarteche, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, one of Argentina’s most historic wine regions, Don Cristóbal 1492 Barrel Selection Merlot reflects the balance and character that high-altitude vineyards bring to this classic varietal.

The grapes come from the La Santa María vineyard, located at 935 meters above sea level, where warm days and cool Andean nights allow the fruit to ripen slowly while preserving freshness and aromatic complexity.

Harvested manually in small 15 kg boxes during March, the grapes undergo careful selection before entering the winery. The winemaking process includes cold pre-fermentation maceration for six days, followed by controlled fermentation with selected yeasts to extract color, aroma, and structure.

After fermentation, the wine completes 100% spontaneous malolactic fermentation, contributing to its smooth texture and round mouthfeel. The wine then ages for 12 months in oak barrels (70% French oak and 30% American oak), adding subtle layers of vanilla, tobacco, and sweet spice.

In the glass, the wine shows a deep ruby red color with garnet reflections. Aromas reveal ripe red fruits such as cherry and plum, complemented by hints of vanilla, tobacco, and delicate oak spices.

On the palate, it delivers a fruit-forward attack with soft, mature tannins, balanced acidity, and a long, velvety finishthat reflects the elegance of Mendoza Merlot.

International critics have consistently recognized the quality of this wine, including 90 points from James Suckling and Silver Medal recognition at the Decanter World Wine Awards.

• 100% MERLOT VARIETAL - Produced entirely from Merlot grapes grown in the La Santa María vineyard in Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza.

• 12 MONTH OAK AGING - Aged in a balanced combination of French and American oak barrels to enhance complexity and structure.

• HIGH ALTITUDE VINEYARDS - Grapes grown at 935 meters above sea level, where Andean climate conditions support balanced ripening.

• RICH FRUIT CHARACTER - Aromas and flavors of cherry, plum, raspberry, and subtle blackberry with notes of vanilla, tobacco, and sweet spice.

• INTERNATIONAL CRITICAL RECOGNITION - Rated 90 points by James Suckling and awarded Silver Medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards.

• SMOOTH VELVETY FINISH - Medium-to-full body with mature tannins and balanced acidity for a refined drinking experience.

This wine is ideal for:

• Argentine wine lovers looking to explore Mendoza Merlot

• Argentines abroad wanting to reconnect with wines from home

• Wine enthusiasts discovering premium South American reds

• Anyone looking for a structured, oak-aged red wine for dinner or special occasions
  
  

  For the best experience:

  • Serve between 16–18°C (60–64°F)

  • Allow the wine to breathe for 20–30 minutes before drinking

  • Pair with grilled steak, slow-cooked meats, roasted lamb, or aged cheeses

  Its structure and oak integration also allow the wine to develop further complexity with bottle aging.

Brand: Don Cristóbal
Product Line: 1492 Barrel Selection
Varietal: 100% Merlot
Origin: Ugarteche, Luján de Cuyo – Mendoza, Argentina
Vineyard: La Santa María
Altitude: 935 meters above sea level
Alcohol: 14% ABV
Acidity: 5.7 g/L
pH: 3.65
Residual Sugar: 2.5 g/L (dry)
Oak Aging: 12 months (70% French oak / 30% American oak)
Body: Medium to full
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Aging Potential: Up to 7–8 years

Enjoy responsibly. Alcoholic beverages are intended for adults of legal drinking age.