Maipe
 Mendoza (Argentina)

The Estate
Maipe was the Lord of the Winds for the ancient Andean people.  Argentineans still invoke his name to clear the skies after a heavy rain or to temper the summer heat.  These wines, children of the Sun and the Winds, are produced from grapes grown at the foothills of the Andes Mountains at an altitude of 3,000 feet above sea level.  The intense color and aromas capture the expression of the soils that gave them birth.

Maipe is produced in a state-of-the-art winery, Chakana, built with the purpose of achieving outstanding quality.

Chakana winery was founded by Juan Pelizzatti on May 2nd, 2002. Juan was driven to enter the wine industry first and foremost by his passion for wine, and also by the desire to invest his time and money on a product of agriculture. Although Juan did not know it at the time, the company was founded on the same day the Chakana was celebrated on the Andes highlands: on that same day, the Southern Cross (the Chakana for the Inca people) becomes vertical in the night Andean sky.
Juan's mission is to create an integral experience to introduce world consumers to the taste and culture of the Andes. His vision is to become one of the top 20 exporters of wine from Argentina, by consistently offering outstanding value for money.

"Alberto Antonini (think Altos Las Hormigas) is a consultant at Maipe which in and of itself is an indicator that the winery is focused on quality." - Wine Advocate (Dec 08)

The Vineyard Beneath the Andes

Juan Pelizzatti

Wine is currently produced in four different levels at Chakana, by winemaker Gabriel Bloise:
          Entry Level: Maipe
          Reserve Level: Maipe Reserve, Cueva de las Manos, Nuna
          Estate Selection
          Ayni

 The winemaking process is focused on treating the grapes with great care and with strict control of every step of the production.
Wines are designed under the responsibility of the renowned international wine consultant Alberto Antonini.
The winery is located on a 150 ha. estate, 34 km South of the city of Mendoza, in Agrelo, Lujan de Cuyo.
The grapes grown are 35 year-old Malbec, Bonarda and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Deep and textured soils facilitate plant development and confer great body and structure to the wines.
The year-long sunny and dry conditions allow almost organic viticulture practices. The outstanding feature includes a great daily thermal amplitude, with mild days and cold nights, permitting a particular richness of polifenols that improves the wines flavors and color.
A drip irrigation system has been set up to achieve a precise control of the vegetative cycle and a rational use of water. Waters are processed and used in the vineyards.

The Winery

The Winery

The Winery at Night

Stainless Steel Fermentation and Holding Tanks

The Vineyards
Chakana sources grapes from their own four estates:

Views of the Vineyards

Views of the Vineyards

Views of the Vineyards

Harvesting the Grapes

The Wines

[Maipe Sparkling Brut] - [Maipe Level] - [Maipe Bag in Box] - [Maipe Reserve Level]

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#AR1EE881097CHS
UPC code: 7 84585 00972 5
2012 Maipe, Chardonnay 12/750ml
Made from 85% Chardonnay, 15% Viognier.
Manual harvest.
5 hour maceration on skins in temperature controlled steel vats; fermentation with selected yeasts at 14°-16°C; 30% malolactic fermentation.
30% was aged in French oak barrels.

Brilliant yellow golden color with green hints.
The wine is crisp and filled with white peach, pear, green apples flavors, toasty vanilla.  Elegant and luscious wine, well balanced. Crisp and long finish.
Pairs well with creamy soups, pork, veal, vegetables.

#AR1EE881076CHS
UPC code: 7 84585 00972 5
2011 Maipe, Chardonnay 12/750ml
Made from 85% Chardonnay, 15% Viognier.
Manual harvest.
5 hour maceration on skins in temperature controlled steel vats; fermentation with selected yeasts at 14°-16°C; 30% malolactic fermentation.
30% was aged in French oak barrels.

Brilliant yellow golden color with green hints.
The wine is crisp and filled with white peach, pear, green apples flavors, toasty vanilla.  Elegant and luscious wine, well balanced. Crisp and long finish.
Pairs well with creamy soups, pork, veal, vegetables.

#AR1EE881007CHS
UPC code: 7 84585 00972 5
2010 Maipe, Chardonnay 12/750ml
"The 2010 Chardonnay (85% Chardonnay and 15% Viognier) reveals a perfumed nose of spring flowers, white peaches, and honeysuckle as well as intense fruit, medium body, and a subtle hint of oak. This fresh, lively white is meant to be enjoyed over the next year. It offers considerable value to the consumer."
- Wine Advocate (Aug. 2010), 87 pts
RECOMMENDED VALUE PICK


National Retail price: $12.99 / bottle

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2012 Maipe, Sauvignon Blanc 12/750ml
#AR1EE881131078SBS
UPC code: 7 84585 00980 0
100% Sauvignon Blanc. Manual harvest.
5 year old vines.
6 hour maceration on skins in temperature controlled steel vats; fermentation with selected yeasts at 13°-15°C

Yellow color with green hints.
Expressive wine, fresh, very aromatic. 
This Sauvignon Blanc displays grapefruit flavors, with hints of melon and honey. It finishes with bracing acidity and fresh mouth feels that make it a terrific aperitif and an excellent accompaniment to virtually all seafood, especially shellfish.

"Filled with notes of honeyed grapefruit, honeydew melon, and figs, it is a light to medium-bodied, fresh, lively Sauvignon Blanc that has significantly more character than one would expect in a $13 wine. It, too, should be drunk over the next year."

2011 Maipe, Sauvignon Blanc 12/750ml
#AR1EE881078SBS
UPC code: 7 84585 00980 0
100% Sauvignon Blanc. Manual harvest.
5 year old vines.
6 hour maceration on skins in temperature controlled steel vats; fermentation with selected yeasts at 13°-15°C

Yellow color with green hints.
Expressive wine, fresh, very aromatic. 
This Sauvignon Blanc displays grapefruit flavors, with hints of melon and honey. It finishes with bracing acidity and fresh mouth feels that make it a terrific aperitif and an excellent accompaniment to virtually all seafood, especially shellfish.

"Filled with notes of honeyed grapefruit, honeydew melon, and figs, it is a light to medium-bodied, fresh, lively Sauvignon Blanc that has significantly more character than one would expect in a $13 wine. It, too, should be drunk over the next year."

2010 Maipe, Sauvignon Blanc 12/750ml
#AR1EE881055SBS
UPC code: 7 84585 00980 0
100% Sauvignon Blanc. Manual harvest.
5 year old vines.
6 hour maceration on skins in temperature controlled steel vats; fermentation with selected yeasts at 13°-15°C
Yellow color with green hints.
Expressive wine, fresh, very aromatic. 

"This Sauvignon Blanc displays grapefruit flavors, with hints of melon and honey. It finishes with bracing acidity and fresh mouth feels that make it a terrific aperitif and an excellent accompaniment to virtually all seafood, especially shellfish."
- Wine Advocate (Aug. 2010), 87 pts
RECOMMENDED VALUE PICK


National Retail price: $12.99 / bottle

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2012 Maipe, Torrontes 12/750ml
#AR1EE881096TRS
UPC code: 7 84585 00981 7
100% Torrontes from the Salta region. Manual harvest.
7 day maceration with selected yeasts at 8°-10°C; fermentation with selected yeasts at 12°-14°.
Spring-like nose of fresh white peaches, pears, green apple, green melon and hints of jasmine and rose petals.
On the palate, it has a beautiful structure and acidity along with fruit flavors and plenty of body.  Well balanced, this wine displays a pleasant freshness with citrus notes and a long finish.
Best enjoyed in its youth either by itself, or as a wonderful partner with smoked meats,  mild to medium-strong cheeses, seafood and a great partner for spicy food as well.

2011 Maipe, Torrontes 12/750ml
#AR1EE881077TRS
UPC code: 7 84585 00981 7
100% Torrontes from the Salta region. Manual harvest.
7 day maceration with selected yeasts at 8°-10°C; fermentation with selected yeasts at 12°-14°.
Spring-like nose of fresh white peaches, pears, green apple, green melon and hints of jasmine and rose petals.
On the palate, it has a beautiful structure and acidity along with fruit flavors and plenty of body.  Well balanced, this wine displays a pleasant freshness with citrus notes and a long finish.
Best enjoyed in its youth either by itself, or as a wonderful partner with smoked meats,  mild to medium-strong cheeses, seafood and a great partner for spicy food as well.

2010 Maipe, Torrontes 12/750ml
#AR1EE881054TRS
UPC code: 7 84585 00981 7
100% Torrontes from the Salta region. Manual harvest.
7 day maceration with selected yeasts at 8°-10°C; fermentation with selected yeasts at 12°-14°C

Spring-like nose of fresh white peaches, pears, green apple, green melon and hints of jasmine and rose petals.
On the palate, it has a beautiful structure and acidity along with fruit flavors and plenty of body.  Well balanced, this wine displays a pleasant freshness with citrus notes and a long finish.
Best enjoyed in its youth either by itself, or as a wonderful partner with smoked meats,  mild to medium-strong cheeses, seafood and a great partner for spicy food as well.

"The torrontes grape produces Argentina's finest white wine and some of the best values in dry white wine in the world. The charm about this wine is its in-your-face freshness and fruit. The flavors are intense, penetrating and surprisingly complex — with hints of pear, peach, tropical fruit, minerals, white pepper and spices. This is an absolutely spot-on late spring and summer wine to serve well-chilled and outdoors. Buy a case and drink it all before Labor Day. (Actually, you might have trouble making supplies last until July 4.)
- The Baltimore Sun (May 2010)


National Retail price: $12.99 / bottle

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2013 Maipe, Rose of Malbec 12/750ml
#AR0EE881146MBS
UPC code: 7 84585 00982 4
Made from 100% Malbec. Manual harvest.
35 year old vines.
1 day maceration in temperature controlled steel vats; 10 day fermentation with selected yeasts at 14°-16°C; 
30 days of batonage (stirring of the lees).

Intense pink color with violet hints.
Fresh red fruit bouquet, strawberry and cherry flavors, balanced acidity, dry and lingering finish.
Excellent with tuna or green salad, pasta, spicy Asian dishes.

2012 Maipe, Rose of Malbec 12/750ml
#AR0EE881130MBS
UPC code: 7 84585 00982 4
Made from 100% Malbec. Manual harvest.
35 year old vines.
1 day maceration in temperature controlled steel vats; 10 day fermentation with selected yeasts at 14°-16°C; 
30 days of batonage (stirring of the lees).

Intense pink color with violet hints.
Fresh red fruit bouquet, strawberry and cherry flavors, balanced acidity, dry and lingering finish.
Excellent with tuna or green salad, pasta, spicy Asian dishes.

2011 Maipe, Rose of Malbec 12/750ml
#AR0EE881085MBS
UPC code: 7 84585 00982 4
Made from 100% Malbec. Manual harvest.
35 year old vines.
1 day maceration in temperature controlled steel vats; 10 day fermentation with selected yeasts at 14°-16°C; 
30 days of batonage (stirring of the lees).

Intense pink color with violet hints.
Fresh red fruit bouquet, strawberry and cherry flavors, balanced acidity, dry and lingering finish.
Excellent with tuna or green salad, pasta, spicy Asian dishes.

2010 Maipe, Rose of Malbec 12/750ml
#AR0EE881053MBS
UPC code: 7 84585 00982 4
Made from 100% Malbec. Manual harvest.
35 year old vines.
1 day maceration in temperature controlled steel vats; 10 day fermentation with selected yeasts at 14°-16°C; 
30 days of batonage (stirring of the lees).

Intense pink color with violet hints.
Fresh red fruit bouquet, strawberry and cherry flavors, balanced acidity, dry and lingering finish.
Excellent with tuna or green salad, pasta, spicy Asian dishes.

2009 Maipe, Rose of Malbec
"Produced in the Luján de Cuyo subregion of Mendoza, this tasty rosé of Malbec displays a medium dark rose color and light red cherry fruit on the nose. It has a clean and flavorful attack of ripe red berry fruit and is round on the palate with a long fruity finish."
- I-winereview.com (April 2010), 87+ pts

National Retail price: $12.99 / bottle

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#AR0EE881121CSL
UPC code: 7 84585 00882 7
2012 Maipe, Cabernet Sauvignon 12/750ml
100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35 years old vines. 
14 day fermentation with selected yeasts at 26-28°C; 
5 days post fermentative maceration; 1 day delestage; malolactic fermentation.
10% aged in American oak for 3 months.
This Cabernet Sauvignon has an intense ruby red color with aromas and flavors of ripe blackcurrant, red pepper, mint, chocolate and vanilla hints. The fruit and tannins are perfectly balanced to give a wine of excellent structure making it ideal for grilled meats, game, pasta or pizza.

#AR0EE881103CSL
UPC code: 7 84585 00882 7
2011 Maipe, Cabernet Sauvignon 12/750ml
100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35 years old vines. 
14 day fermentation with selected yeasts at 26-28°C; 
5 days post fermentative maceration; 1 day delestage; malolactic fermentation.
10% aged in American oak for 3 months.
This Cabernet Sauvignon has an intense ruby red color with aromas and flavors of ripe blackcurrant, red pepper, mint, chocolate and vanilla hints. The fruit and tannins are perfectly balanced to give a wine of excellent structure making it ideal for grilled meats, game, pasta or pizza.

#AR0EE881065CSL
UPC code: 7 84585 00882 7
2010 Maipe, Cabernet Sauvignon 12/750ml
100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35 years old vines. 
14 day fermentation with selected yeasts at 26-28°C; 
5 days post fermentative maceration; 1 day delestage; malolactic fermentation.
10% aged in American oak for 3 months.
This Cabernet Sauvignon has an intense ruby red color with aromas and flavors of ripe blackcurrant, red pepper, mint, chocolate and vanilla hints. The fruit and tannins are perfectly balanced to give a wine of excellent structure making it ideal for grilled meats, game, pasta or pizza.

"Direct and juicy, featuring a solid core of crushed currant and fig fruit backed by a hefty dose of roasted cocoa. Drink now. 5,000 cases made. –JM"
- Wine Spectator (August 31st 2011)

"The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is a straightforward, uncomplicated wine that will provide a modicum of enjoyment over the next 2-3 years."
- Wine Advocate -December 23rd 2011), 85pts

#AR0EE881047CSL
UPC code: 7 84585 00882 7
2009 Maipe, Cabernet Sauvignon 12/750ml
100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35 years old vines. 
14 day fermentation with selected yeasts at 26-28°C; 
5 days post fermentative maceration; 1 day delestage; malolactic fermentation.
10% aged in American oak for 3 months.
This Cabernet Sauvignon has an intense ruby red color with aromas and flavors of ripe blackcurrant, red pepper, mint, chocolate and vanilla hints. The fruit and tannins are perfectly balanced to give a wine of excellent structure making it ideal for grilled meats, game, pasta or pizza.

#AR0EE881026CSL
UPC code: 7 84585 00882 7
2008 Maipe, Cabernet Sauvignon 12/750ml
"The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from 35-year-old vines, is a saturated purple color. The nose offers up pure black currants and blackberry with some earth notes in the background. The wine is slightly austere on the palate but is likely to round out with another year or two in the bottle (not that anyone is likely to cellar this tasty effort). It is a lot of wine for the money."
- Wine Advocate (Dec 08), 88 pts


National Retail price: $12.99 / bottle



#AR0CC881122CSL
UPC code: 7 84585 00963 3
2012 Maipe, Cabernet Sauvignon magnum 6/1.5L

#AR0CC881107CSL
UPC code: 7 84585 00963 3
2011 Maipe, Cabernet Sauvignon magnum 6/1.5L

#AR0CC881086CSL
UPC code: 7 84585 00963 3
2010 Maipe, Cabernet Sauvignon magnum 6/1.5L



National Retail price: $17.99 / magnum

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AR0EE881117BOM
UPC code: 7 84585 01060 8
2012 Maipe,  Bonarda 12/750ml
100% Bonarda. 7,000 cases. 5,000 cases imported – come from vines planted 30+ years ago at the winery.
Deep red color with violet hints. Wild berries and violet aromas, round and velvety tannins and a long finish. Excellent value.

AR0EE881102BOM
UPC code: 7 84585 01060 8
2011 Maipe,  Bonarda 12/750ml
100% Bonarda. 7,000 cases. 5,000 cases imported – come from vines planted 30+ years ago at the winery.
Deep red color with violet hints. Wild berries and violet aromas, round and velvety tannins and a long finish. Excellent value.

AR0EE881063BOM
UPC code: 7 84585 01060 8
2010 Maipe,  Bonarda 12/750ml
100% Bonarda. 7,000 cases. 5,000 cases imported – come from vines planted 30+ years ago at the winery.
Deep red color with violet hints. Wild berries and violet aromas, round and velvety tannins and a long finish. Excellent value.

“Gives a blast of toast, backed by more modest plum and black cherry fruit. Soft fruit mixes with firm toast on the finish. Drink now. 10,000 cases made. –JM”
- Wine Spectator (Web Only 2010)

"The 2010 Bonarda, sourced from 30-year-old vines, is a sweetly-fruited, forward effort that will drink well over the next 3-4 years."
- Wine Advocate (December 23rd 2011), 86pts

#AR0EE881040BOM
UPC code: 7 84585 01060 8
2009 Maipe,  Bonarda 12/750ml
100% Bonarda. 7,000 cases. 5,000 cases imported – come from vines planted 30+ years ago at the winery.
Deep red color with violet hints. Wild berries and violet aromas, round and velvety tannins and a long finish. Excellent value.

#AR0EE881016BOM
UPC code: 7 84585 01060 8
2008 Maipe,  Bonarda 12/750ml
"The purple-colored 2008 Bonarda offers an enticing bouquet of smoke, mineral, and blueberry. Round and ripe on the palate, it has surprising depth and length for its humble price. Drink this succulent wine over the next three years."
- Wine Advocate (Dec 08), 89 pts

National Retail price: $12.99 / bottle

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#AR0EE881114MBM
UPC code: 7 84585 00883 4
2012 Maipe, Malbec 12/750ml
100% Malbec. Manual harvested.
35 years old vines. 
4 day maceration on skins in temperature controlled steel vats; 10 day-fermentation with selected yeasts at 27°C; 
5 days post fermentative maceration; malolactic fermentation.
10% aged in American oak for 3 months.

This Malbec has a deep purple color with violet tints, complex plum, fig, strawberry, spices and floral aromas;  rounded and velvety tannins, excellent length with a distinguished character. Excellent when paired with game, roasted red meats, pasta or pizza.

#AR0EE881092MBM
UPC code: 7 84585 00883 4
2011 Maipe, Malbec 12/750ml
100% Malbec. Manual harvested.
35 years old vines. 
4 day maceration on skins in temperature controlled steel vats; 10 day-fermentation with selected yeasts at 27°C; 
5 days post fermentative maceration; malolactic fermentation.
10% aged in American oak for 3 months.

This Malbec has a deep purple color with violet tints, complex plum, fig, strawberry, spices and floral aromas;  rounded and velvety tannins, excellent length with a distinguished character. Excellent when paired with game, roasted red meats, pasta or pizza.

#AR0EE881057MBM
UPC code: 7 84585 00883 4
2010 Maipe, Malbec 12/750ml
100% Malbec. Manual harvested.
35 years old vines. 
4 day maceration on skins in temperature controlled steel vats; 10 day-fermentation with selected yeasts at 27°C; 
5 days post fermentative maceration; malolactic fermentation.
10% aged in American oak for 3 months.

This Malbec has a deep purple color with violet tints, complex plum, fig, strawberry, spices and floral aromas;  rounded and velvety tannins, excellent length with a distinguished character. Excellent when paired with game, roasted red meats, pasta or pizza.

“Fresh and bright, with lots of cherry and plum fruit backed by a kiss of violet. Drink now. 40,000 cases made. –JM”
- Wine Spectator (Feb 28th 2011)

"The 2010 Malbec is a nicely concentrated, spicy wine with plenty of black cherry flavor. It will make for excellent drinking over the next 3-4 years"
- Wine Advocate (December 23rd 2011), 87pts

GOLD MEDAL - 2011 Dallas Morning News and TexSom Wine Competition

#AR0EE881041MBM
UPC code: 7 84585 00883 4
2009 Maipe, Malbec 12/750ml
100% Malbec. Manual harvested.
35 years old vines. 
4 day maceration on skins in temperature controlled steel vats; 10 day-fermentation with selected yeasts at 27°C; 
5 days post fermentative maceration; malolactic fermentation.
10% aged in American oak for 3 months.

This Malbec has a deep purple color with violet tints, complex plum, fig, strawberry, spices and floral aromas;  rounded and velvety tannins, excellent length with a distinguished character. Excellent when paired with game, roasted red meats, pasta or pizza.

UPC code: 7 84585 00883 4
2008 Maipe, Malbec 12/750ml
"A hot wine in a hot category, which makes it easy to find around town. Consultant Alberto Antonini (Altos Las Hormigas) also helped propel this new runaway hit. Scents of smoky leaves, violet, currant and huckleberry, with a bright surge of fruit. A mineral edge to the tannins adds depth."
"BEST OF THE BARGAINS"
- San Francisco Chronicle, November 2009
For bargain wines, this is a very good year

"The 2008 Malbec is a glass-coating purple color with a striking perfume of violets, black cherry, and black raspberry. Exhibiting surprising complexity for its price category, the wine has gobs of fruit, savory flavors, and excellent depth and length. It is an outstanding value for drinking over the next 3-4 years."
- Wine Advocate (Dec 08), 90 pts

"Noted Italian winemaker Alberto Antonini acts as consultant for this estate in Mendoza, helping make velvety reds like this one. Its flavor suggests freshly crushed berries."
 - Food & Wine Magazine (Feb. 09)
"Argentina's best reds for $10 to $20"

"This wine totally smokes!" says Bieler. "It's purple in color and loaded with everything that we know and love about malbec: It's relatively rich with aromas of blackberry, tar and violets. Sure there are bigger, richer and more complex malbecs out there, but not at this price. Don't buy a bottle--buy a case."
Join The Club--Drink Malbec
- Forbes.com, Eric Arnold, 08.21.09
Argentina's signature wine delivers big flavor for less money.


National Retail price: $12.99 / bottle



#AR0CC881115MBM
UPC code: 7 84585 00964 0
2012 Maipe, Malbec Magnum 6/1.5L

#AR0CC881094MBM
UPC code: 7 84585 00964 0
2011 Maipe, Malbec Magnum 6/1.5L

#AR0CC881064MBM
UPC code: 7 84585 00964 0
2010 Maipe, Malbec Magnum 6/1.5L

National Retail price: $17.99 / Magnum