Origin and Terroir of MIAU Esencial 2023

MIAU Esencial 2023 comes from the prestigious Alto Gualtallary region in the Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina. The vineyards, averaging 14 years old, are planted on sandy-loam soils rich in gravel, ensuring excellent drainage and imparting a unique minerality to the wine. Certified organic farming reflects a deep commitment to sustainability and respect for the terroir, enhancing the natural characteristics of the Malbec grapes.

Harvesting and Winemaking Process

Hand harvesting allows careful selection of only the best grapes for this wine. The vinification includes 12 months of aging in 2,000-liter egg-shaped concrete amphorae, which enable natural micro-oxygenation while preserving freshness and aromatic purity. Afterwards, the wine is further aged for 6 months in the bottle before release.

Tasting Notes and Food Pairing Suggestions

MIAU Esencial offers intense aromas of ripe red fruits accompanied by well-defined mineral notes. Its freshness and balanced acidity make it an ideal match for red meats, aged cheeses, and dishes rich in umami flavors, delivering an elegant and profound tasting experience typical of the region.

Technical Sheet of MIAU Esencial 2023

• Region: Mendoza, Alto Gualtallary

• Variety: 100% Malbec

• Appellation: Gualtallary, Uco Valley

• Vineyard Size: 20 ha

• Soil: Sandy-loam rich in gravel

• Average Vine Age: 14 years

• Viticulture: Certified organic

• Harvest: Manual

• Aging: 12 months in 2,000 L egg-shaped concrete amphorae, 6 months in bottle

• Clarification: None

• Filtration: None

• SO2 Added: Minimal

• Production: 5,000 bottles

See all products of 4 Gatos Locos

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