Mai grapes are sourced from our estate in Vistalba, from a century-old vineyard planted in 1910 and located 20 km (12.4 mi) south of the City of Mendoza, at 1,050 m.a.s.l. (3,444 f.a.s.l.) As is true of most regions in Mendoza, Vistalba’s soils are characterized by their alluvial origin, emerging from a process of water erosion in the Andes. These are deep, sandy loam soils, revealing smooth pebbles found at 100 cm (40 in.) deep and a loose and very permeable structure. In terms of climate conditions, annual rainfall levels do not exceed 250 mm (9.84 in.), yet the area offers a broad temperature range, low humidity and fantastic sun exposure. Wines from this region are famous for their distinct elegance and finesse, particularly true because of their round, deep, sweet and very complex tannins. Centenarian vineyards like Kaiken’s are rare, even more so when scouting Mendoza’s ‘first’ winemaking region, the cradle of the most captivating Argentine Malbecs. Mai brings back some of that history in this iconic, authentic, elegant wine.

Grapes are sourced from our century-old vineyards in Vistalba. Clusters are selected as soon as harvesting begins and then again upon arrival at the winery before being de-stemmed. After this step, grapes, rather than being crushed, are taken into a fermentation tank, where gravity breaks the berries open without damaging the seeds. Once inside the tank, low-temperature maceration takes place, a time when color and aroma extraction begins. This, in turn, will help reduce mechanical action during fermentation, which is done using selected yeasts for 10 to 15 days. Once fermentation is completed, wine is separated from the skins and stored in concrete vats, where malolactic fermentation begins. Following this, sulfites are added, and the wine is poured into new and second-use barrels, where it will age for 18 months.¬ For a few years now, 500- and 600-litre barrels have been introduced to deliver an even fruitier and fresher expression, laced very nicely with oak. Later, the wine is extracted from the barrels and stored in concrete vats for six months, after which it is bottled and stored for at least one year before being launched onto the market.

As regards quality for the 2021, it was a very good vintage especially for Malbec, while, in other varieties with longer cycles like Cabernet, the results were more varied. The temperatures during the 2020-2021 season were somewhat higher than the annual average during spring, and in the months of January and February in Mendoza, they were 4°C or 5°C lower than the average. This resulted in a prolonged ripening cycle for the grapes. In March, temperatures returned to normal, which helped to achieve maturity in practically all varieties. In terms of rainfall, 2021 started dry and cool. Towards the end of January and the beginning of February, rainfall became more frequent, resulting in significant water accumulation. Thanks to constant monitoring, reviewing harvest points, and implementing preventive measures by the team, no negative impacts were recorded.

Producer Tasting Notes: Intense ruby red color with violet tints and legs which flow more slowly down the sides of a glass. The effect of years in barrel and bottle ageing stands out as well as an elegant combination of aromas of ripe fruit such as cherry and figs, and red and black fruits like strawberries, cherries, plums, and raspberries, intertwined with notes of tobacco, vanilla, and nuts. It is intensely aromatic and very complex. The palate is intense but very delicate, with a sweet entry and balanced acidity that reveals a prolonged and elegant finish. This harmonious wine, with balanced tannins, delivers a complex and silky mouthfeel. Full-bodied with a persistent finish. The flavors enhance the aromatic sensations and prolong them over time, just like this centenary vineyard that continues to write its story with each harvest.