Who makes it
Four bodegas contribute to Clos de los Siete, a single shared wine from Tunuyán in Valle de Uco, Mendoza. Monteviejo, Cuvelier los Andes, DiamAndes and Bodega Rolland each manage their own vineyard portion and winery, contribute wine to the shared blend, and may also bottle under their own names. Michel Rolland is the project's originator, partner, blender and consulting winemaker.
Rolland first visited Argentina in 1988. The land was acquired in 1998, the first vines were planted in December 1999, and the first vintage was 2002. The project uses estate grown grapes from its own vineyards.
Where it grows
Clos de los Siete sits at the foot of the Andes in Valle de Uco. The site is very dry and has a large difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures. This temperature swing can let grapes ripen while retaining acidity.
The vineyards face south to southwest, giving the vines sun exposure in every season. Rounded stones, clay and sand make up the soils, while roots reach gravel about one metre below the surface. The gravel provides natural drainage. Drip irrigation controls water delivery in the dry setting.
What they make
Clos de los Siete is the project's single shared wine. The partner bodegas also make separate wines under Monteviejo, Cuvelier los Andes, DiamAndes and Bodega Rolland, so those labels sit alongside the collaborative bottle.
The 2022 is a Malbec led red blend from Mendoza. Cold pre fermentation maceration comes before alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel, followed by post fermentation maceration. The wine receives approximately 11 to 12 months in French oak. It is earthy and ripe, with gentle plum on the nose and medium bodied palate, followed by light sweet spice on the finish.