Behind the Cork™ - Wines of TILIA (Part 2)
Wines of TILIA from Argentina
Tilia’s rural origins in Mendoza Argentina connect them deeply to the land and to their community. As the first Argentine wine to carry the Bodegas de Argentina Certified Sustainable Seal, the TILIA label illustrates their journey toward sustainable viticulture in Argentina. The Tilia or Tilo tree, their wine label’s namesake, produces leaves that are made into a calming tea which is traditionally drunk after lunch or dinner, to facilitate an afternoon siesta or bedtime.
The TILIA wines come from three growing regions in Argentina:
The Uco Valley is considered to be one of the premiere grape-growing regions in Mendoza. Located 100 miles due south from Mendoza city, its elevation reaches between 3,000-5,000 feet.
The Eastern Region is one of the oldest and most traditional viticultural regions in Mendoza. Located 50 miles to the southeast of the city of Mendoza, its reaches 1,950-2,150 feet.
The Central Region of Mendoza is home to the oldest high-quality vineyards. It is also a desert irrigated by the Mendoza River. Located 12 miles due south from Mendoza city, its elevation reaches 2,600-3,700 feet.
2020 TILIA Chardonnay ($11)
This wine is produced from 100% Chardonnay from Mendoza’s Eastern and Southeastern regions. It was aged for three months in French oak.
This wine is a deep gold in color and has aromas of bright, fresh apple and pineapple. On the palate it was creamy smooth with moderate acidity and nice caramel flavor from the oak aging. It finishes light and easy.
2020 TILIA Malbec ($11)
This is produced from 100% Malbec from Mendoza’s East Valley and Uco Valley. It was macerated in stainless steel tanks for 15-20 days before seeing six months in French oak. It’s medium-purple in color with big black fruit flavors, a bit of pepper, some sweet tobacco and herbal notes. On the palate it’s got chocolate flavor from the oak and light tannin with plum.
2020 TILIA Cabernet Sauvignon ($11)
This TILIA Cab is produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Mendoza’s East Valley. It was fermented for 7-10 days with maceration for ten days in stainless steel tanks. It was then aged for six months in French oak.
This Cab is deep ruby in color with very delicate aromas. On the palate it’s full-bodied with bright black fruit flavors, medium tannin, definite oak influences and medium acidity.
2020 TILIA Merlot ($11)
The TILIA Merlot is produced from 100% Merlot grape from Mendoza’s East Valley and Central Valley. It is fermented for ten days with ten days of maceration in stainless steel tanks. It is then aged for six months in French oak.
It’s medium ruby in color with red fruit aromas. On the palate it has good red fruit flavors plum, some sugar plum and nice black cherry along with a hint of leather from the oak aging. The tannins are easy and this Merlot finishes nicely.
These reds are quite young but very drinkable now and probably could use a couple more years on the bottle. These are all really nice wines that are very affordable and attainable (See wine.com) that fit right in as Behind the Cork™ Wines of the Week. Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Samples Provided by Nonni Strategic Marketing LLC