Susana Balbo’s Cuvée Crios 2021 from the Uco Valley in Mendoza, Argentina, is a red wine that embodies both modern Argentine winemaking and respect for local terroir. While the precise blend isn’t specified, Susana Balbo’s Crios range is known for its expressive, approachable reds, frequently crafted from classic Mendoza varieties such as Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, or perhaps a combination of local and international grapes. 2021 was generally considered a promising vintage in Mendoza, with a favourable growing season and ideal ripening conditions, resulting in wines with fresh acidity and ripe fruit character. The wine is likely to have been vinified in stainless steel or used oak to preserve fruit purity and freshness, resulting in a youthful and vibrant profile.
The Uco Valley, situated at the foothills of the Andes Mountains, has emerged as one of Argentina’s most exciting wine regions. Its high altitude, with vineyards often exceeding 1,000 metres above sea level, provides hot sunny days balanced by cool nights, allowing grapes to ripen slowly while retaining natural acidity. The soils here are a diverse mix of alluvial stones, sand, and clay, which translate into wines with layered complexity and marked freshness. The combination of elevation, intense sunlight, and well-drained soils creates red wines with bold aromatics, bright fruit, and elegant structure. Mendoza itself is the heartland of Argentine viticulture, with a legacy built over centuries — and today, the Uco Valley is renowned for setting new standards in quality and innovation.
This Cuvée Crios would pair beautifully with a range of dishes, especially those that are grilled or roasted, to complement its likely vibrant fruit and gentle tannins. Consider serving it alongside classic Argentine asado, such as grilled beef, or empanadas filled with spiced beef or vegetables. Also, rich pastas, hearty stews, or lamb cutlets would harmonise well with the wine’s natural fruitiness and moderate structure.
For serving, this red wine will reveal its most expressive aromas and flavours at a slightly cool room temperature — aim for 16-18°C. Decanting for 30 minutes can help open up the bouquet, particularly given its youthful 2021 vintage. Enjoy discovering how this distinctive wine captures the essence of the Uco Valley.
