Wines Unspecified Bodega Yacochuya - Yacochuya - 2018

Viniou Reviews

Bodega Yacochuya’s 2018 Cuvée Yacochuya is a bold Argentine red that stands as a testament to the extraordinary potential of Salta’s high-altitude terroir. Crafted principally from Malbec, this cuvée often incorporates a proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties, yielding a wine of deep concentration and structure. The 2018 vintage is noted for its intensity, owing to optimal ripening conditions and meticulous selection of grapes, which are hand-harvested in the cool mornings from vines perched at over 2,000 metres above sea level. The wine is vinified with extended maceration to extract both the fragrant aromatics and robust tannic backbone, and then aged in French oak, lending finesse and further complexity.

Salta, located in Argentina’s far north, boasts some of the world’s highest vineyards, where the intense sun, crisp mountain air and arid soils combine to produce grapes with pronounced flavours and exceptionally pure expression. The diurnal temperature swings—warm days followed by cold nights—encourage slow, even ripening, resulting in wines with remarkable colour, freshness, and aromatic complexity. Salta has a rich history of winegrowing dating back to the Spanish colonists, but in recent decades it has become a beacon for premium Argentine wines, especially Malbec and Torrontés, thanks to its unique climate and pioneering winemakers.

This wine’s rich, dark fruit character—blackberry, plum and cassis—intertwines with notes of violet, spice, and subtle oak. It stands up beautifully to hearty dishes. Consider pairing it with Patagonian lamb roasted with local herbs, traditional beef empanadas, or a rib-eye steak with chimichurri. For an adventurous regional touch, try llama or goat stews enhanced with Andean spices.

For serving, decanting for at least an hour is highly recommended to allow the wine to fully express its aromatic depth and soften its tannins. The ideal serving temperature is 16-18°C, which will allow both the fruit and savoury nuances to shine. Enjoy now for its vibrancy, or cellar for up to a decade for further evolution.