Finca Don atilio
Total yields for 2006 were 98,000 kilos and 99,000 for 2007
Finca Don Atilio is located in San Rafael, Mendoza Province, Argentina, at approximately southern latitude 34.5.. At an elevation of 2,500 feet, the vineyard is one of the highest and closest to the Andes of all the San Rafael vineyards. We are located 8 miles west, northwest from downtown San Rafael and 4 miles from the San Rafael Airport.
The average annual rainfall is 12 inches which falls mostly in the winter. Summers are warm with little cloudiness and very low humidity. The Rio Atuel and the Rio Diamante descend from the high Andes and are held back in several large reservoirs. Irrigation water is distributed to the orchards and vineyards of San Rafael by a sophisticated system of canals. Finca Don Atilio is located at the head of this irrigation system, which provides a reliable and clean source of water. The melting snow provides not only our irrigation water but the alpine slopes create mountain winds that balance the areas hot daytime temperatures with cooler nights. This daily back-and-forth of hot and cool helps the grapes develop slowly, with rich flavors and balanced acidity.
Our vines grow without excessive vigor, producing moderate yields. The finca includes 2.5 hectares acres of Malbec, 5 hectares of Bonarda (planted in 1973), 2.5 hectares acres of Malbec, and 2.5 hectares of Syrah (planted in 2001). Bonarda is Argentinas second signature grape after Malbec. Bonarda tends to make lighter, fruitier wines than most of the other varietals common in Argentina. It is commonly blended with Malbec. The rest of the vineyard (5 hectares) was planted in 2005 with Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc that is not yet in production. Both of these varietals are used in the making of sparkling wines in San Rafael.
Finca Don Atilio is 20 hectares (49 acres) in total size. All grapes are covered by protective hail netting. We also have 300 olive trees which have been planted over the last several years.
