Terrazas Altos del Plata Cabernet Sauvignon

Terrazas Altos del Plata Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Mendoza, Argentina, bottled at 14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Recent vintages have earned 90-point scores on Wine-Searcher's aggregated critic scale, and the wine consistently demonstrates what high-altitude Cabernet from the Southern Hemisphere can deliver at an accessible price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Mendoza, Argentina  |  Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Winery: Terrazas de los Andes

Production & Heritage

Terrazas de los Andes sources this Cabernet Sauvignon from vineyards in Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley, situated at approximately 3,200 feet above sea level. That elevation brings wide diurnal temperature swings — warm days for ripening and cool nights for acid retention — which directly shapes the wine's balance of fruit concentration and freshness. The winery employs precision drip irrigation that reduces water usage by roughly 60% compared to traditional flood methods common in the region, and the winemaking philosophy centers on gentle handling designed to preserve the grape's original aromatics rather than impose heavy extraction or oak influence.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Blackcurrant leads immediately, followed by layered hints of mocha, fine-grained leather, and licorice. A thread of dark spice connects the fruit to the oak-derived nuances beneath.

Taste: The entry is marked by concentrated forest berries and jammy Cabernet fruit that build quickly through the mid-palate. A sweet, creamy texture develops at the center, carrying notes of cherries, red currants, caramel, and warm toast. The medium body keeps everything proportioned without heaviness.

Finish: Soft, well-integrated tannins provide a silky texture that lingers without astringency. Subtle spice and ripe dark fruit echo through a clean, moderately long close.

How to Drink Altos del Plata Cabernet Sauvignon

This Cabernet shows well at cellar temperature — around 60–65°F — served in a standard Bordeaux glass that lets the blackcurrant and mocha aromatics open up. Decanting for 20–30 minutes can soften the tannins further, though it drinks smoothly without extended aeration. For cocktails and mixed wine drinks, it works in a Kalimotxo (equal parts red wine and cola) where the fruit intensity holds its own against the sweetness; a Red Wine Sangria loaded with stone fruit and citrus that plays off the berry-driven palate; and a classic New York Sour, where the Cabernet's structure floats beautifully over bourbon and lemon.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners with grilled red meats or pasta in tomato-based sauces
• Introducing someone to Argentine Cabernet Sauvignon beyond Malbec
• Stocking a versatile house red for casual entertaining
• Building a value-driven South American wine selection

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Altos del Plata Cabernet Sauvignon taste like? It delivers concentrated blackcurrant and forest berry fruit with supporting notes of mocha, caramel, and leather, wrapped in soft, silky tannins. The medium-bodied palate is juicy and approachable rather than heavy or tannic.

How does Altos del Plata Cabernet Sauvignon compare to Altos del Plata Malbec? Both wines come from the same Terrazas de los Andes estate and share the high-altitude Mendoza terroir, but the Cabernet Sauvignon leans toward blackcurrant, leather, and firmer tannin structure. The Malbec, by contrast, tends toward plum and violet aromatics with a softer, rounder mouthfeel typical of the varietal.

Is Altos del Plata Cabernet Sauvignon good for everyday drinking? Yes — its medium body, approachable tannins, and fruit-forward profile make it an easy match for casual meals and informal gatherings without requiring decanting or cellaring.

Where is Altos del Plata Cabernet Sauvignon made? It is produced by Terrazas de los Andes in the Mendoza wine region of Argentina, with grapes sourced from vineyards in the Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley sub-regions at approximately 3,200 feet elevation.

What foods pair well with Altos del Plata Cabernet Sauvignon? Grilled Argentine-style steak (asado) mirrors the wine's regional identity and stands up to its tannins. Lamb chops with rosemary complement the spice notes. Aged cheddar or Manchego echo the caramel undertones. Mushroom risotto bridges the earthy, leather-tinged aromatics. Dark chocolate desserts harmonize with the mocha finish.

What sizes does Altos del Plata Cabernet Sauvignon come in? The standard bottling is 750ml, which is the most widely available format.

Is Altos del Plata Cabernet Sauvignon worth the price? It positions as an entry-level expression within the Terrazas de los Andes portfolio, delivering 90-point-caliber quality at a value tier that outperforms many similarly priced Argentine Cabernets.

Why Altos del Plata Cabernet Sauvignon?

What separates this wine from the crowded field of sub-$15 Argentine reds is the specificity of its terroir. The combination of Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley fruit at 3,200 feet gives it a freshness and aromatic purity that many warm-climate Cabernets lack. Recent vintages scoring 90 points on aggregated critic scales confirm the consistency of Terrazas de los Andes' approach — precision viticulture with minimal intervention in the cellar. For drinkers who associate Argentina exclusively with Malbec, this Cabernet makes a compelling case that the country's high-altitude vineyards produce structured, expressive reds across multiple varietals.