Bodega Pablo Fallabrino, Alcyone Tannat dessert wine

Previously known under the Vinedo de los Vientos winery label, the Bodega Pablo Fallabrino Alcyone Tannat dessert wine is a unique wine that combines two different techniques for dessert wines, Barolo Chinato and Marsala and fortified with brandy up to 16%. Like Barolo Chinato it’s aromatized with different roots and herbs. The base wine was aged for several years in French oak barrels. Polished tannins, radiant purple hue and honey like texture. Touched with a bouquet of winter flowers, Madagascan vanilla bean and wild apple mint indulged with a warmth and savor of white cacao souffle.

It’s utterly delicious with a rich hit of ripe cherries and a definite hint of vanilla, chocolate and some kind of spice (allspice?) though don’t run away with the idea that it’s spicy. Much like a vintage port only richer, less alcoholic and more caressing. It would be absolutely wicked with almost any kind of dark chocolate dessert, which of course makes it a perfect pick for Valentine’s Day.

The Vinedo de los Vientos property has been in the Fallabrino family since 1947 and has only recently been renamed as Bodega Pablo Fallabrino. With an aim to produce great wines in small quantities, in 1998, the Fallabrino family completed, an ultra modern winery with stainless steel tanks, pneumatic presses and French oak barrels. Despite these modern tools they like to make wine with forgotten or less-known old wine-making techniques.

Over the past 17 years the vineyards have been completely replanted transforming the vineyards into a world class viticultural property. Viñedo de los Vientos translates into "Vineyard of the Winds" and is located where the river Plate Estuary, the largest in the world, and the Atlantic Ocean meet. This provides clean cool ocean breezes and the ideal climate for the maturation of fine wine grapes.