Wines Unspecified Doña Paula - Single Vineyard El Alto - 2021

Viniou Reviews

Doña Paula Cuvée Single Vineyard El Alto 2021 is a fine Argentine red wine, hailing from the renowned Mendoza region. This single vineyard cuvée is crafted with utmost precision, likely focusing on one or a blend of varietals typical to the area—most notably Malbec, possibly joined by Cabernet Sauvignon or other Bordeaux grapes, depending on the winery’s tradition for this cuvée. The 2021 vintage benefited from ideal ripening conditions, enabling the expression of fully matured fruit and a vivacious freshness in the final wine. The vinification process at Doña Paula typically emphasises fruit clarity, minimal intervention, and attentive barrel ageing, resulting in a wine that is both structured and remarkably faithful to its origin.

The Mendoza region sits at the foothills of the Andes, where vineyards stretch across high altitudes, basking in abundant sunlight yet benefiting from significant diurnal temperature shifts. These conditions allow grapes to develop optimal sugar ripeness while retaining essential acidity, producing wines of excellent balance and intensity. The soils in Mendoza, much of them alluvial with sandy and clay elements, contribute to good drainage, promoting healthy root development and limiting excessive vine vigour, which in turn enhances flavour concentration. Mendoza’s viticultural history is rich, with waves of European immigrants bringing their know-how in the late 19th century, establishing the region as the veritable heartland of Argentine wine.

For food pairings, this wine’s vibrant fruit profile, expressive tannins, and inherent freshness make it a wonderful partner for grilled red meats, such as Argentina’s celebrated “asado” (barbecue), prime rib, or a richly spiced lamb stew. Its robust character also matches well with empanadas, particularly those filled with beef and subtle spices, as well as mature, hard cheeses.

To best showcase its aromatic depth and structure, serve this wine at 16-18°C. Decanting for thirty minutes before serving will allow the bouquet and palate to fully open, revealing nuances of dark fruit, subtle spice, and a measured oak influence. This wine offers immediate pleasure but also invites further complexity with a few years of additional cellaring.