Why it matters
The producer
High altitude vineyards in Argentina's Uco Valley are the setting for Bodega Belhara Estate. Stephen Huse is the winemaker behind the estate. He holds a Diploma of Enology and a Master of Science in Winemaking & Viticulture from the University of Bordeaux. His career includes work at estates in France, Napa Valley and Chile.
The property encompasses 300 hectares in total. Huse applies his Bordeaux training to Cuyo vineyard conditions, and the red range includes Malbec and Cabernet Franc.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
The estate lies in the Uco Valley, within Argentina's Cuyo region. Cuyo is the broader region, while Uco Valley narrows the location to a named valley.
The vineyards occupy high altitude settings at different elevations. Higher, cooler conditions generally slow ripening and help vines retain acidity while sunlight continues to develop the grapes. Those conditions are established before fermentation or wood ageing begins, so altitude affects ripeness and acidity before cellar choices enter.
Wines to know
The range in view
The range includes Belhara Estate Malbec and Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc. The Malbec opens with plum, blackberry and black cherry, followed by spice notes. Its palate carries smooth, spicy fruit; the finish is dry, juicy and long.
Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc is the range's one vineyard bottling. The term means that the fruit comes from one vineyard, so the label names a narrower source than a wine made from several sites. It is aged for 18 months in French wood barrel. Barrel ageing can allow gradual oxygen exchange and contribute wood spice as a red wine develops.