Man Meets Mountain
The quest for higher quality has seen Argentina’s most ambitious winemakers push into the Andes foothills, where the higher altitude and meagre soils produce the finest grapes. Man Meets Mountain is an Argentinian wine project focused on expressing Malbec from high‑altitude vineyards in Mendoza, at the foothills of the Andes. Created in collaboration with experienced winemakers, it highlights the growing trend of sourcing fruit from more extreme, mountain‑influenced sites to improve quality and balance. The range is centred on approachable yet characterful wines that reflect the rugged terroir and natural challenges of the region.
Viticulture
Fruit is sourced from vineyards in areas such as Vistalba and Medrano, where high altitude, poor soils and a dry, desert‑like climate contribute to concentrated grapes. A vertical shoot positioning system and drip irrigation are used to manage vine growth and water availability in these arid conditions. The combination of intense sunlight and cool mountain nights allows for slow ripening, preserving acidity while developing rich fruit flavours typical of Mendoza Malbec.
Winemaking
Winemaking is relatively traditional but aims to retain fruit purity and balance. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel and concrete tanks, with controlled temperatures and regular pump‑overs to extract colour and flavour. Wines are typically aged briefly in older French oak to soften tannins and add subtle complexity, resulting in a style that is fruit‑forward, smooth and accessible.
Highlights
- High‑altitude Mendoza project showcasing Malbec from the Andes foothills with strong emphasis on fruit purity.
- Challenging vineyard conditions produce concentrated grapes with balanced acidity and expressive aromatics.
- Traditional yet restrained winemaking delivers approachable wines with ripe fruit, soft tannins and subtle oak complexity.
