This 100% Malbec represents the most unusual, elegant and expressive example of a high-altitude Malbec from Pedernal Valley. It is made with grapes from the Block No. 4 of our Firestone estate. The soil of this plot is extremely rocky, mainly of limestone and flint.
Intense violet colour with wild flowers, black fruits, blueberries and nicely integrated oak aromas. It is deep and rich, with flavours of black berries, spice, and minerals. Stunning, intense and luscious.

The Pedernal Valley has extremely high altitudes, with an average 4,600ft a.s.l. and is bordered by the “Cordillera Oriental” mountain range and the Andes. The cool, desert climate and high altitudes result in hugely varied temperature ranges, ensuring thick skin development and a prolonged ripening period. This 100% Malbec represents the most unusual, elegant, and expressive example of a high-altitude Malbec from Pedernal Valley. It is made with grapes exclusively grown on Block No. 4 of Pyros’ Firestone estate.

Hand harvested in the first of April, usually during the night or at sunrise to avoid oxidation and to preserve primary aromas. 95% of the grapes are destemmed and pre-fermented at a cool 50ºF immediately upon arrival at the winery and left for 72 hours. Fermentation follows for 12 days with both inoculated and native yeasts, followed by post-fermentation maceration for 10 days. Aged in 1, 2 and 3-year-old French and American oak barrels, with 10% aging in stainless steel for 12 months. Aged for an addition 12 months in bottle.

Pyros was part of a bigger winery but now operates on a smaller scale and independently in the Pedernal Valley in the province of San Juan, Argentina. The Pedernal Valley, only relatively recently recognised as an official wine region, contains vineyards at high altitude (up to 1500 metres) with granite, flint and slate soils (pedernal is Spanish for flint). It is widely recognised that the best Argentinian Malbecs are grown at altitude and this Special Blend is produced 70% from Malbec grapes grown at 1400m and in Pyros’ best vineyard at their Firestone estate with more limestone, flint and granite than other plots. The altitude and soils are two reasons why Pyros Special Blend 2014 is so complex and intense.

This more extracted style of Malbec is definitely best suited to beef: beef cheek braised in red wine, grilled beef sweetbreads, or porterhouse steak.