Why it matters
The producer
Finca Las Moras is a San Juan producer whose principal varieties are Syrah, Malbec, Viognier, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The winery operates modern, temperature controlled facilities in Tulum Valley. Its winemaking is connected to the wider Grupo Peñaflor team, while the vineyards extend across San Juan's principal wine valleys.
Eduardo Casademont studied winemaking at Don Bosco in Mendoza before making Finca Las Moras wines from 2006. He works closely with Daniel Pi, Grupo Peñaflor's winemaking director. In 2013, Finca Las Moras was appointed Argentina's wine producer of the year. The named red range includes PAZ Malbec, Mora Negra and Gran Syrah, alongside a broader program built around five principal grape varieties.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
The vineyards occupy three different elevations in San Juan. Pedernal Valley averages 1,350 metres, with cooler temperatures, a wide diurnal range and chalky soils. Zonda Valley lies in the Andean foothills at an average of 950 metres. Tulum Valley averages 650 metres and is among San Juan's warmest wine regions.
The vineyards sit about 20 kilometres from the city of San Juan. Each valley brings a different ripening setting, from Pedernal's cool altitude to Tulum's warmer conditions.
In the cellar
Vineyards and cellar
The Tulum Valley winery has capacity for 9.5 million litres and temperature controlled facilities. Mora Negra is harvested by hand into small 20 kilogram containers before fermentation in stainless steel tanks. It then spends 15 months in new American and French oak, followed by bottle ageing.
Gran Syrah receives 18 months in new French and American oak barrels, followed by further bottle ageing. Oak ageing allows wine to develop texture and spice as it matures, while bottle ageing gives the components more time to integrate.
Wines to know
The range in view
The named red range moves from PAZ Malbec to Mora Negra and Gran Syrah. Mora Negra is a blend of Malbec and Bonarda from some of the region's oldest vineyards. Gran Syrah brings together fruit from the producer's different valley settings, with lower sites associated with ripe fruit and higher sites with spicy herbal notes and freshness.
Mora Negra opens with ripe berries, vanilla, sweet spices and smoke. Its flavour is intense, with a soft texture that persists across the palate. The oak contributes the spicy and smoky character described for the wine.