A hundred years ago Malbec thrived in our valley. Now, only a few acres of this majestic variety remain, its ancient vineyards having been grafted over to more commercially popular wines. At Occasio, we believe it is time to renew our love affair with this historic variety, and each year harvest Malbec from the best of the few remaining vineyards to craft a wine we believe pays tribute to Livermore’s proud heritage with this grape.

The grapes were hand harvested in the early morning hours of October 4th. Hand sorted and de-stemmed without crushing, the grapes were cold soaked for 48 hours before fermenting in half ton bins. The cap was punched down by hand three to four times each day with a daily pump over during the first stages. At completion of fermentation, the wine was pressed off the skins and transferred to 60% new and 40% used French oak barrels, where the wine was aged for eighteen months.

The fruit for our 2018 Malbec was sourced entirely from Ghielmetti Vineyard, one of Livermore’s premier vineyards, tucked into the base of the Altamont foothills. Move over Argentina. Our 2018 Heritage Malbec is a firm structured wine, rich with pomegranate and raspberry. Subtle hints of coffee and leather add to the enjoyable complexity that is characteristic of this variety. If you love Malbec, then this is your wine. If you’re new to the variety, then this wine will make you a believer.