Finca La Escarcha
La Arboleda, Mendoza, Argentina
Santiago Reta is the man behind the Rhône-infused, garagiste label Finca La Escarcha. His 64-acre vineyard is dedicated to the voluminous, aromatic whites and the dark, earthy reds of southern France. Santiago is a purposeful farmer and vintner; soil composition and variation determined the layout of his vineyard as well as specific farming approaches.
The winery, designed by architect and wife, Carolina, handles Santiago’s 1,000 case production and appeals perfectly to his sensibilities as a winemaker; concrete eggs, a small barrel room and a couple of stainless steel tanks are the essential elements in the minimalist, but well considered space. His wines demonstrate a skilled rhythm of acid, elegance, fruit and persistence.
Entrelíneas, or between the lines, is a fitting name for Santiago’s flagship varietal wines. A play on a literary reference that values the inexplicit over the obvious, these small release wines are made from vines planted in the chalky striations identified from the vineyard’s original soil mapping.
Encubierto, the newest addition to the La Escarcha lineup, was inspired by the mischievous old fox that wanders the vineyards. Offered simply as Blend de Blancas and Blend de Tintas, these young concrete and oak-aged wines offer great value and quality from this small estate.
Finca La Escarcha
Encubierto Blend de Blancas
91 | James Suckling | 2017"This has a fascinating smoky and citrus-zest nose that’s still very youthful. Ripe and complex on the full-bodied palate with lively acidity that drives the long, generous finish. A blend of roussanne, marsanne and viognier." -James Suckling
Entrelineas Malbec
91 | James Suckling | 2017"A fresh, rich and generously fruity style with red-plum and cherry aromas, leading to a palate that has a smooth array of supple, even and easy tannins. Shows a wealth of freshness and really attractive resolve." -James Suckling
93 | James Suckling | 2018
"So much black licorice and hints of tar with blackberries, too. Medium to full body. Very nicely polished yet chewy tannins. Flavorful finish. Very attractive, as always." -James Suckling
Entrelineas Syrah
92 | James Suckling | 2017"There’s a rich and spicy edge to the oak influence here that sits across a ripe plum and berry layer. The palate offers a rich, fresh, punchy feel with approachable and succulent tannins to close." -James Suckling
92 | James Suckling | 2018
"A bright, fragrant style with much in the way of red berries and light notes of meat and smoke. Some pepper and spice, too. There's a smooth feel to the palate with poached cherries and a sweet-spicy edge. The tannins are fine and the finish is awash with fresh red fruit." -James Suckling
