This stunning blend of Petit Verdot, Bonarda and Malbecis made grapes picked at an altitude of 969 metres above sea level hence the name ‘Altitude 969’. It is one of a trio of Dona Paula wines focusing on the altitude of unique and exceptional vineyards. The other 2 being ‘Altitude 1100’ and ‘Altitude 1350’. All three are exceptional and available from us.
In the glass the ‘Altitude 969’ is just delicious, the Petit Verdot offers aromas of blueberries and jasmine; Bonarda delivers intense notes of blackberries and raspberries and a touch of Malbec adds volume to the palate and a long finish.
This wine takes its name from the average height of the selected parcels for this blend. The grapes come from Finca El Alto in Ugarteche, Luján de Cuyo, where the Petit Verdot vines are planted at 1,030 metres above sea level in the stoniest plots which have the presence of calcium carbonate. The Bonarda vines are planted in the lowest part of the same vineyard, at approximately 908 metres’ elevation, where the soil is mostly clay with gravel and pebbles. The Malbec also comes from the same vineyard. The double cordon trained vines are drip irrigated and they yield between seven to 10 tonnes per hectare. The climate is characterised by its warm days and cool nights, with thermal amplitude of 14°C and an average annual rainfall of 250 millimetres. At Doña Paula the vineyards have always been managed with sustainable farming practices.
