Norton Privada Family Blend, Mendoza

Description

Norton Privada Family Blend is probably the best-known of Norton’s wines; it is a fantastic Argentinian wine blend of Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from 50 to 90 year old vines.

The Norton Privada range was originally reserved for the Swarovski family’s private cellar to enjoy among their friends. This range also includes the Norton Privada Malbec.

Bodegas Norton: An Argentinian Wine Pioneer

Bodega Norton is one of the longest-established wineries in Argentina. It was founded in 1895 by a British engineer named Edmund James Palmer Norton, who had come to work on the railway joining Chile and Mendoza, when he planted vines (imported from France) in Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza. He built what is the current winery in 1919. In 1973, Norton Malbec was first exported to the USA and became the first Malbec to be sold outside of Argentina.

Acquisition By The Langes-Swarovski Family

The estate remained in the Norton family until 1988, when it was bought by Austrian businessman Gernot Langes-Swarovski (of crystal fame). During the 1990s, under the supervision of Gernot’s son, Michael Halstrick, the estate underwent a period of significant investments, modernisation and growth with expansion into export markets. Wine Spectator named Bodega Norton as one of the top 20 wineries in the world in 2006, and many awards have followed since. Norton Wines can now be found in over 72 countries worldwide.

Bodegas Norton Vineyards

Norton has five distinct vineyards in Mendoza, which are located across the main terroirs of Mendoza in the foothills of the Andes mountains. All of the vineyards are within an area known as the “First Zone”, an area recognised for the quality of its grapes.

The grapes for Norton Privada Family Blend come from the winery’s oldest vineyards in Finca La Colonia, Lunlunta and Agrelo, in Luján de Cuyo. These vineyards’ average age is between 50 and 90 years old, and they are located at an altitude of between 850 and 1100 metres above sea level. T

The high altitude moderates the temperature, causing an extended ripening season, and also exposes the vines to more ultraviolet light, which encourages the development of colour and tannin in red grapes.

Norton Privada Family Blend Winemaking

• Old Vine Grapes: Sourced from old vines aged 50-90 years for exceptional depth and concentration.
• Hand-Harvested Grapes with Berry Selection: Hand-picked grapes undergo rigorous berry-by-berry selection to ensure only the best fruit is used.
• Cold Maceration: A 3-day cold maceration period extracts vibrant aromas, colours and tannins.
• Alcoholic & Natural Malolactic Fermentation: The Norton Privada Family Blend undergoes a gentle alcoholic fermentation followed by spontaneous natural malolactic fermentation which softens acidity and adds creamy, layered textures.
• Aged for 16 months: 100% matured in premium French oak barrels which imparts rich vanilla, toast and spice notes.
• Bottle Ageing: Further matured for 6 months in the bottle before release.
• Three-way Grape Blend: Typically composed of 40% Malbec, 30% Merlot, and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon for a balanced, full-bodied red wine with bold fruit and velvety tannins.