Escala Humana - Malvasia 'Livvera' 2023

Escala Humana Wine was started in 2015 by husband and wife team Ayelén and German Massera. German began making wine since 2003 while studying Enology and Viticulture in Mendoza and he has worked with Matias Michelini since 2016. German became interested in the history of the Uco Valley and it’s forgotten places and varietals. While the majority of the oldest vines are in Lujan and Maipu, there are a small handful of 4th and 5th generation producers in the Uco Valley who brought vines from Europe. Aye and German fell in love with two of these small vineyards where they grow Malvasia, Bequignol (a light bodied red varietal from Southwest France), Sangiovese and a few other varietals. These vineyards are located in El Zampal, a sub region of Tupungato in the Uco Valley where the soils are comprised of clay, loam and sand. We currently import two cuvees from Escala Humana, a Bequignol and a skin contact Malvasia. Aye and German make these wines in the town of Tupungato at Matias Michelini’s Passionate Winery. The grapes are sustainably farmed and the wines are fermented naturally and made with minimal intervention. We love these fresh, light bodied wines and we are proud to import these almost forgotten varietals that are windows in to Argentina’s wine history.

This 100% Bequignol is from a single vineyard in the El Zampal region of the Uco Valley. The nose shows bright red fruits of ripe raspberry and cranberry with underlying notes of clove and cinnamon. The wine is light and silky with medium acidity and light tannin. Might be the only 100% Bequignol imported into the USA, or even made at all! Its a unique varietal but has some similarites to Gamay or Trosseau.

"From 97-year-old vines grown in the Uco Valley, this is a lively and perfumed white that has a good concentration of flavors and excellent acidity. The nose offers delicate aromas of jasmine and white fruit. Floral and white tea flavors blend with lemon and quince on the palate." - 92 Points, Wine Enthusiast

"Deriving from a minuscule plot of 1922 plantings, the 2023 Livverá Malvasía saw four months of skin contact in concrete eggs and matured for five months in equal parts French barrique and concrete. A gorgeously floral and exotic nose of dried ginger, geraniums and citrus oil introduces a pure, vibrant and quenching palate. It closes with a similarly spry, juicy finish that showcases a pleasant and measured retronasal perfume." - 92 Points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Producer: Escala Humana

Country: Argentina

Region: Mendoza

Varietal: Malvasia

Appellation: Tupungato

Vintage: 2023

Size: 750ml