Vintage: 2021

VintageProduct CodeFormatClosureAvailability
2021KA101B216 x 75ScrewcapContact Us
Vegetarian
Vegan
Producer

Kaikenes are wild geese, native to Patagonia, that fly across the Andes between Chile and Argentina. In the same way, legendary Chilean winemaker Aurelio Montes crossed the Andes to make wines in Mendoza. After several exploratory trips, Aurelio saw the enormous potential for premium viticulture in this region and founded the Kaiken winery in 2002. He aims to make great wines in Mendoza and, in doing so, to show the best of both sides of the Andes.

Kaiken’s estate vineyards are planted in the heart of Mendoza and further south in the Uco Valley, where many premium producers are now sourcing fruit. Their focus is primarily on Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, a variety once almost forgotten in the region. As a result of Kaiken’s protection, there are now several old vine Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards in Mendoza that produce excellent wines, including Kaiken’s vineyard in the Vistalba district of Luján de Cuyo which was first planted in 1910.

Originally planting the variety in secret from his father, it was through experimentation that Aurelio Montes Junior discovered that the Uco Valley’s high-elevation vineyards were also well suited to growing Cabernet Franc. Aurelio Junior has pioneered this variety in Argentina and together with a handful of other winemakers, has highlighted the country’s potential to produce top-quality Cabernet Franc. Kaiken’s ‘Obertura’ displays an intense and complex nose, with fresh redcurrants, plums and spicy notes of pepper and clove. The grapes for Kaiken’s traditional method sparkling wine are sourced from the renowned sub-region of Gualtallary, also in the Uco Valley. Here limestone-rich soils and elevations of around 1,400 metres provide optimal conditions for growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

‘Disobedience’ by Francis Mallmann represents Kaikens long collaboration with this famed Argentinian chef. Known for his distinct style of open-fire cooking, Mallmann has numerous restaurants worldwide including a site at Kaiken. ‘Disobedience’ comprises a blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot sourced from Altamira and Vistalba. 30% of the wine is aged in first-use French oak while the remainder is aged in used oak barrels to create a rounded, rich wine with expressive red fruit and sweet spice notes. Meaning ‘first’ in the Pehuenche dialect, ‘Mai’ is Kaiken’s top wine. Sourced from 100-year-old vines in Vistalba, this 100% Malbec is structured and powerful yet balanced. It is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, which lends the wine a complexity and roundness that carries through to the finish. The wine is ready to be enjoyed now but has the intensity and structure to age for the next decade.

Clásico

Kaiken’s ‘Clásico’ Mendoza Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are all made from fruit grown in the Agrelo region, 950 metres above sea level. The Chardonnay shows green apple and tropical fruit notes and balanced acidity. The Malbec displays an attractive plum character and is one of the most appealing Malbecs at this price point. This series offers superb value.

Vineyards

The grapes come from vineyards in the Agrelo zone, 40 kilometres south from the city of Mendoza and at an altitude of 950 metres above sea level. These vineyards feature soils composed of silt, clay and sand with stones at two metres derived from erosion from the Andes Mountains. The region’s climate is warmer than that of the Uco Valley, which allows Kaiken to obtain grapes with more fresh fruit aromas and flavours as well as very ripe, soft tannins.

Vintage

The 2021 vintage experienced generally warm and humid conditions, with grapes undergoing a slower maturation compared to previous years. Grapes also had lower levels of alcohol in comparison with the preceding vintages, with the resulting red wines nevertheless showing excellent structure, concentration and freshness.

Vinification

The grapes were hand harvested and transported in 300-kilogram batches, and once in the winery, individual berries were carefully selected. The juice was fermented in small tanks, followed by alcoholic fermentation and maceration lasting around 20 days. Forty percent of the wine was aged for six months in French oak barrels, afterwhich it was blended, resulting in a fruit-forward wine with soft, silky tannins.

Tasting Notes & Technical Details

This Malbec is deep purple in colour. On the nose, pronounced plum and blackberry aromas are complemented by notes of chocolate and tobacco. The palate is very fresh with soft and ripe tannins.

Alcohol (ABV)

14%

Acidity

5.46 g/l

Residual Sugar

2.52 g/l

pH

3.68

Other wines from this producer

Producer
Wine
Product Code
Features
Style
Kaiken`Mai` Mendoza MalbecKA108
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Vegan
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R
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Método Tradicional BrutKA110
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SpW
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`Obertura` Uco Valley Cabernet FrancKA112
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Disobedience by Francis Mallmann Red BlendKA124
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UltraMendoza Cabernet SauvignonKA105
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Mendoza MalbecKA106
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R
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Factsheet
Mendoza ChardonnayKA107
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Vegan
W
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Factsheet
Mendoza MerlotKA114
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Vegan
R
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Factsheet
Terroir SeriesCafayate TorrontésKA102
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W
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Factsheet
Vistaflores Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec/Petit VerdotKA103
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R
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Vistaflores Malbec/Bonarda/Petit VerdotKA104
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ClásicoMendoza Cabernet SauvignonKA109
R
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Mendoza ChardonnayKA120
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White
Kaiken Aventura`Aventura` Los Chacayes Norte MalbecKA121
R
Red
`Aventura` Los Chacayes Sur MalbecKA122
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Vegan
R
Red
`Aventura` Valle de Canota MalbecKA123
Vegetarian
Vegan
Sustainable
R
Red
Factsheet