Criolla Chica

Argentina
San Juan
2023

100% Criolla Chica from 80 year old vines that are mixed between three parcels within the estate. A majority of the grapes are destemmed but 30% are kept whole cluster. Grapes are fermented separately depending on their parcel in 1,000- 2,000L concrete eggs. Fermentation is spontaneous without temperature control on the lees. Maceration lasts between 25-35 days with low extraction. The wine ages in concrete eggs for eight months.

94 points
"This is from a selection of three very old criolla chica vineyards (listán prieto from the Canary Islands) located in the Paraje Hilario area, all on soils of colluvial origin in the Andean foothills. It was fermented with 30% stalks, macerated with its skins for three weeks and then aged in concrete for seven months. This is a wine with a lot of fruit expression, but it also has herbal and earthy notes, and a tannin texture thaat’s pronounced, piercing, and sharp. This sensation gives it a certain austerity, cancels out any sweetness and underscores the freshness. As a means of interpreting a place, this seems to work very well."
Patricio Tapia,
Descorchados
92 points
"Criolla Chica, otherwise known as Listán Prieto, is the oldest variety in the Americas. This one comes from three 80-year-old vineyards in the remote Calingasta Valley and shows the quality of the grape. Savoury and intense, with notes of tar and rose petal, Nebbiolo-like tannins and plum, forest floor and redcurrant flavours. 2024-29"
Tim Atkin,
Tim Atkin
91 points
"The 2023 Criolla opens with a delicate, nuanced bouquet of dried cherries, pomegranates and crushed stones. It is followed by a sleek, racy and high-toned palate that closes with a taut, focused finish propelled by persistent mineral notes. It's a lovely, spry and cleansing expression of northern Argentina."
Matthew Luczy,
Wine Advocate
May 08, 2025

SKU/Code: 
DB9665-23
Product Line: 
Wine
Red
Varietal: 
País (Mission)
Farming Type: 
Organic