Stella Crinita Petit Verdot, Uco Valley, Argentina

Bold yet intricately layered, the 2022 Stella Crinita Petit Verdot reflects the vitality of Mendoza’s Uco Valley through biodynamic precision and artisanal care. This single-vineyard wine from Vista Flores combines rich fruit, floral spice, and textured depth for a truly distinctive expression of Petit Verdot.

Product Details:

• Varietal Composition: 100% Petit Verdot
• Vineyard: Stella Crinita Vineyard Parcels (Finca Tikal Natural), 3 acres planted in 2003
• Altitude: 3,600 ft
• Soil Type: Loamy, sandy, and clay soils
• Farming Practices: Demeter Certified Biodynamic
• Trellis System: Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP)
• Yield: 2.5 tons/acre
• Stem Inclusion: None
• Yeast: Native
• Élevage: 8 months in 70% concrete egg and 30% second-use oak barrels
• Maceration / Fermentation: 16 days in concrete eggs and stainless steel tank
• Lees Contact: Minimal
• Filtration: Unfiltered and unfined
• Case Production (12-pack): 400
• Alcohol Content: 13.5%
• Winemakers: Alejandro Kuschnaroff and Joanna Foster

Sensory Description:

Dark and alluring in the glass, this Petit Verdot opens with aromas of plums, blackberries, and ripe figs layered over vanilla bean, baking spice, sandalwood, and hints of lavender and nag champa. The palate is plush and powerful, delivering flavors of macerated cherries, dark berries, and subtle herbal florals wrapped in a textured, velvety frame. Firm tannins from the grape and a touch of oak add grip and structure, leading into a concentrated finish of leather, spice, and dark mixed-berry fruit.

Winemaker's Background:

Stella Crinita is the biodynamic project of winemakers Alejandro Kuschnaroff and Joanna Foster, who farm their Vista Flores vineyard parcels with holistic care under Demeter certification. Their philosophy emphasizes living soils, biodiversity, and minimal intervention in the cellar to craft wines that fully express place. By avoiding chemical inputs and embracing native fermentation, Stella Crinita creates authentic, site-driven wines that highlight the energy and vibrancy of Argentina’s Uco Valley.

Serving Suggestions:

Best enjoyed at 16–18 °C (60–65 °F), this Petit Verdot pairs beautifully with grilled meats, braised short ribs, hearty stews, and aged cheeses. Its floral-spiced complexity also complements dishes with aromatic herbs, game, or mushroom-based sauces. Decanting is recommended to reveal its full aromatic and textural depth.

As a single-vineyard, biodynamic wine with only 400 cases produced, this Petit Verdot offers both rarity and distinction. Concentrated yet refined, it embodies the philosophy of Stella Crinita, wines of purity, depth, and terroir expression, making it an essential discovery for those seeking Argentina’s most exciting artisanal reds.