Federada Fairtrade Malbec Reserve 2012

Drive seven hours north of Mendoza and you'll reach Famatina, a valley flanked on either side by mountains. So minimal is rainfall here that some of the children have never seen a cloud. Snowmelt, however, makes up for the lack of it. Vines tend to be grown organically here - many of the farmers couldn't afford pesticides anyway. This is a fabulous rich red from Rodolfo Griguol. He selected grapes from old, low yielding vines grown high to ensure real depth and richness, yet also the elegance and finesse normally associated with European wines. Eight months in mostly French oak casks has added to the Bordeaux-like profile of this delicious red - claret with an extra boost of ripeness. Steak or roast red meats are its perfect partner.