4 Gatos Locos Malbec: A Treasure from Alto Gualtallary

The 4 Gatos Locos Malbec originates in the heart of Mendoza, specifically in the renowned Alto Gualtallary area in the Uco Valley. This wine fully expresses the unique characteristics of its terroir, with 20 hectares of vineyards planted on sandy-loam soils rich in stony skeleton. The vines, averaging 14 years old, are managed under strict certified organic farming protocols, ensuring biodiversity and pure fruit expression.

Viticulture and Harvest: Tradition and Sustainability

The grapes are hand-harvested to preserve their integrity, while fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts, promoting the natural expression of the terroir. The maceration lasts about 28 days in stainless steel tanks, a technique that adds structure and depth without losing freshness and finesse.

Aging and Tasting Profile

After fermentation, the Malbec matures for 24 months in new 500-liter barrels and large 5,000-liter French oak vats, followed by at least 9 months of bottle aging. This long process gives the wine an elegant balance between intense aromas, silky tannins, and extraordinary complexity, with notes of ripe red fruits, delicate spices, and mineral hints.

Exclusive and Limited Production

Production is around 10,000 bottles, packaged in four different labels and sold in boxes of four bottles, perfect for enthusiasts wishing to explore the nuances of this unique terroir. 4 Gatos Locos Malbec is an example of how tradition, environmental respect, and innovation combine to create a wine of great personality.

Technical Sheet

• Region: Mendoza, Alto Gualtallary

• Variety: 100% Malbec

• Appellation: Gualtallary Uco Valley

• Vineyard Size: 20 ha

• Soil: sandy-loam rich in stony skeleton

• Average Vineyard Age: 14 years

• Viticulture: Certified organic

• Harvest: Manual

• Vinification: Fermentation with indigenous yeasts, approximately 28 days maceration in stainless steel

• Aging: 24 months in new 500 L barrels and 5,000 L French oak vats, plus at least 9 months in bottle

• Production: 10,000 bottles

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4 Gatos Locos: Malbec Expressing the Alto Gualtallary Terroir in Purity

Origins and Philosophy
4 Gatos Locos was founded in 2017 by Juan Pellizzatti and his wife Mariana Salas, who had previously established Chakana, one of Argentina’s first biodynamic wineries. Their aim was to create an independent project focused on environmental respect and showcasing the unique terroir of Alto Gualtallary — a region that until recently was little known but full of potential. The team includes enologist Gabriel Bloise and agronomist Facundo Bonamaizon, both with extensive experience in the region and Chakana.

Unique Terroir and Vineyards
The estate spans a single 20-hectare plot at the foot of the Andes, at 1,350 meters elevation in the heart of Valle de Uco. Soils are sandy-loam with abundant gravel and a thick layer of calcium carbonate, giving wines structure, depth, and minerality. East-facing vineyards benefit from protection from the harsh afternoon sun and cool nights typical of the desert-like climate, allowing grapes to develop balanced acidity and fresh aromatics.

Sustainable Viticulture and Winemaking
Certified organic viticulture guides every decision, with carefully managed irrigation to maintain plant health without compromising terroir expression. Minimal intervention winemaking preserves the purity of the Malbec varietal and the richness of the land. Alongside Malbec from massal selections, small plots of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon add complexity. Fermentations are traditional, and aging techniques focus on freshness and elegance.

Wine Profile
4 Gatos Locos wines express the mountain’s unique climate and soils. Deeply colored with firm yet velvety tannins, their Malbecs strike a balance between power and finesse. Minerality, sapidity, and structure are hallmarks, producing complex, age-worthy wines that tell the story of their origin. Cabernet-based wines offer a spicier, more structured alternative within the portfolio.

Technical Sheet

• Region: Valle de Uco, Alto Gualtallary, Argentina

• Vineyard area: 20 ha (15 ha planted)

• Varieties: Malbec (massal selection), Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon

• Altitude: 1,350 meters above sea level

• Soils: sandy-loam with gravel and calcium carbonate layer

• Viticulture: Certified organic, minimal irrigation

• Founded: 2017

• Winemaker: Gabriel Bloise

• Agronomist: Facundo Bonamaizon