Andeluna Cabernet Sauvignon

Andeluna Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Mendoza's Uco Valley, bottled at approximately 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Sourced from vineyards at 1,300 meters (4,300 feet) above sea level in Gualtallary, Tupungato, the wine has earned 90 points from Vinous for the Raices line and consistent recognition from critics including James Suckling (89 points) and Wine Spectator (87 points).

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina  |  Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Winery: Andeluna Cellars

Production & Heritage

Andeluna Cellars is a family-owned winery situated in Gualtallary, one of the most prized sub-regions within Tupungato in the Uco Valley. The estate's vineyards sit at 1,300 meters elevation, where rocky, calcareous soils with high minerality naturally restrict vine yields, producing grapes with concentrated color, aromatic intensity, and bracing natural acidity. After maceration, fermentation takes place with natural and selected yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by three months of aging in French oak barrels and a minimum of three additional months in bottle before release. The wide diurnal temperature swings at this altitude — warm days and cool nights — are the defining factor behind the wine's balance of ripe fruit and freshness.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with fresh dark and blue fruit — blackberry, plum, blueberry — layered with blue flowers and fine herbs. A subtle undercurrent of moist earth and white pepper emerges with time in the glass, along with a gentle clove spice.

Taste: The entry is juicy and fruit-forward, driven by ripe cherry and darker berry tones. At mid-palate, integrated tannins provide a crunchy, textured grip while herbal notes — green pepper, dried herbs — weave through alongside hints of cocoa and light oak influence. Medium-bodied with lively acidity that keeps the wine structured without heaviness.

Finish: The finish is refreshing and moderately long, carrying herbal nuances and a lingering spiciness. A trace of red pepper warmth fades gradually, leaving a clean, slightly mineral impression.

How to Drink Andeluna Cabernet

This Cabernet drinks well at cellar temperature (60–65°F) with no decanting required, though 20 minutes of air softens the tannins slightly. Its medium body and herbal freshness also make it versatile in red wine cocktails and food-forward pairings. A Kalimotxo works here because the wine's bright acidity and dark fruit hold up against cola's sweetness. In a New York Sour, the Cabernet's berry intensity floats beautifully over a whiskey sour base. For a simple red wine spritzer, the wine's natural freshness and crunchy tannins pair well with sparkling water and a citrus twist.

Best For

• Weeknight steak dinners where you want quality without overthinking
• Introducing friends to high-altitude Argentine Cabernet Sauvignon
• Building a South American wine collection at an accessible entry point
• Hosting an asado or Argentine-themed barbecue gathering

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Andeluna Cabernet taste like? It is a medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with juicy dark fruit, herbal notes of green pepper and dried herbs, crunchy tannins, and a refreshing spicy finish. Subtle hints of cocoa and earth add complexity without overwhelming the fruit.

How does Andeluna Cabernet compare to Catena Cabernet Sauvignon? Both are high-altitude Mendoza Cabernets, but Andeluna's Gualtallary vineyards at 1,300 meters emphasize mineral, calcareous soils and a distinctly herbal, peppery profile. Catena's Cabernet, sourced from multiple high-altitude estate vineyards, tends to show a fuller, more oak-driven style at a comparable price tier.

Is Andeluna Cabernet good for everyday drinking? Yes — its medium body, bright acidity, and approachable tannins make it an excellent daily red that pairs naturally with grilled meats, pasta, and casual meals without requiring decanting or aging.

Where is Andeluna Cabernet made? Andeluna Cabernet Sauvignon is produced by Andeluna Cellars, located in Gualtallary, Tupungato, within Mendoza's Uco Valley in western Argentina. The vineyards sit at approximately 1,300 meters above sea level along the foothills of the Andes.

What foods pair well with Andeluna Cabernet? Beef empanadas match the wine's acidity and herbal character especially well. Grilled flank steak with chimichurri mirrors the green, herbaceous notes. Hard aged cheeses like Manchego complement the tannin structure. Lamb chops with rosemary echo the wine's spice, and dark chocolate with a high cocoa percentage picks up the subtle cocoa undertones on the palate.

What sizes does Andeluna Cabernet come in? The standard release is available in a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely distributed format.

Is Andeluna Cabernet worth the price? Andeluna Cabernet positions as an entry-level to mid-range Argentine Cabernet Sauvignon, delivering high-altitude vineyard character — mineral soils, concentrated fruit, natural acidity — at a price point well below many comparably sourced wines from the Uco Valley.

Why Andeluna Cabernet?

What separates this wine from the crowded field of Argentine Cabernet is the specificity of its terroir. Gualtallary's calcareous, rocky soils at 4,300 feet naturally stress the vines into low yields, concentrating flavor in ways that flatter regions simply cannot replicate. The restrained French oak aging — just three months — keeps the fruit and site expression front and center rather than masking them behind wood. With scores from Vinous, James Suckling, and Wine Spectator confirming its consistency, Andeluna's Cabernet Sauvignon delivers genuine high-altitude Argentine character in a straightforward, food-friendly package.