Honoring the spirit of those who sacrificed for our nation, DEFENDERS Fallen Malbec stands as a tribute to bravery and resilience. This profound wine, meticulously crafted in Uco Valley, Mendoza, offers a deep ruby hue with violet undertones. Plum, cherries, violet, vanilla, and a hint of spice tantalize the senses, followed by a full-bodied palate of silky tannins and balanced acidity. Aged for 20 months in new French oak, it's a testament to mastery. Hand-harvested from rocky, sandy, and silty soils at 3600 feet above sea level, every grape in these bottles embody the passion of creators Zane and Mindy. With only 600 bottles produced, DEFENDERS Fallen Malbec 2019 is not just a wine; it's a story of courage, transition, and the enduring connection shared over meals with family, teammates, and friends. Join us in raising a glass to honor the fallen and celebrate life's extraordinary moments.
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
Ruby red in color with violet tinges. This Malbec offers plum, cherries, violet, vanilla,
tobacco, and a hint of spicy notes. It is followed in the palate by full-bodied, silky tannins
and nice acidity. A wine that captivates by its balance, elegance, and lingering finish.
Vineyard Notes
Los Chacayes Tunuyán - Valle de Uco, Mendoza
Altitude 1100 meters (3600 feet) above sea level.
Soil composition: Poor soil very rocky with sandy and silt in its composition.
Production Notes
Manual harvest in 12 kg cases. Passed through two hand-sorting tables, first as whole
clusters and then as single berries after destemming. Cold soak and fermentation took
place in stainless steel tanks. Manual punch downs enhanced the wine`s extraction.
Malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels.
Winemaker Notes
Winemaker: Pablo Martorell
Pablo Martorell is accomplished with high marks from Wine Spectator, Wine Advocate and Wine Enthusiast. Born and raised in Tunuyán just minutes from our vineyard, he has worked at some of the most acclaimed wineries in Mendoza, including Bodega Nieto Senetiner, Catena Zapata, Trivento and Bodega Flecha de los Andes, under Michel Rolland’s tutelage. In 2006 he worked with Chateau de Lauret in Pomerol, Bordeaux, and in 2007, for Chateau Peyre Lebade and Chateau Clarke in Medoc, Bordeaux, both part of the Rothschild Group. He is currently the head winemaker for The Vines of Mendoza.
Food Pairings
Cheese/nuts: Parmesan, Pecorino-Romano, chestnuts, walnuts --
Meat/poultry: grilled meats, steak -- Seafood: grilled meatier fish, ahi tuna --
Fruits and Veggies: caramelized onions, tomatoes, plums.
Other Notes
For years, Zane and Mindy traveled the world perfecting one aspect of the wine business- drinking wine. Then, Covid happened. To a couple of adventurers, quarantine meant that traveling the world would simply have to take place around the dinner table. Creative dinners and blind tastings soon became a crazy idea: to have their own vineyard. Within six months, Zane and Mindy went from an everyday wine-loving couple to owning a vineyard (VINUV). They have several brands including DEFENDERS (a nod to Zane's military service) and Drunk Penguin. In 2023 they took another leap of faith, starting a wine import business to support other small Argentinian producers. VINUV celebrates Vin (that’s French for wine) grown and produced in Uco Valley (Vin from Uco Valley = VINUV).
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