Karim Mussi Winemaking
Karim Mussi is charismatic, passionate and one of the finest winemakers in the New World. Based in Mendoza, Argentina, he has built up his vineyards, winery team and brand portfolio, working with ethics, commitment and values to produce emblematic wines. There is a real sense of engagement, mission and togetherness at the winery – a happy place to work together in the pursuit of innovation and excellence.
The winery produces 6 wine brands in Argentina, 5 from vines grown in different areas of Mendoza (La Consulta, Tunuyán, Valle de Uco) to high altitude vineyard in Salta (Cafayate).
Altocedro is the core brand of the winery- the first-born and the most awarded one. Produced at La Consulta, a unique spot in the Uco Valley, Altocedro is famous for high quality grapes from ancient vines up to 100 years old. Production adheres to sustainable practices, all harvesting, sorting and crushing in individual batches by hand. Altocedro wines are terroir-driven, well- balanced, elegant and suitable for aging.
Varieties include Merlot Rose, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, various Malbec expressions, Petit Verdot, and some wonderful blends. These wines receive many plaudits and high review scores. The Gran Reserva Malbec (4% Semillon) received 100 points from Wilfred Wong, and The Old Vine Malbec Reserva was included in Wine Spectator´s Top 100.
Alandes , (translated as "Wines from Along the Andes") is one of Karim Mussi's projects, who along with his partners, found a beautiful old winery to develop new brands and styles without the restrictions of producing wines with grapes from a single terroir. Every label of Alandes is driven by an individual concept that represents absolute freedom, a "Laissez Faire" winemaking philosophy that is spread in an extensive territory without boundaries.
It is a beautiful old winery from 1904, where the wine team innovates by creating conceptual wines under the laissez-faire principles. Malbec varietals are carefully explored to determine the best microclimate from different vineyards. The Paradoux Blend is an equal mix of 5 classic Bordeaux grapes, the Gran Cabernet Franc combines great character and finesse and won a Decanter Gold Medal. Tim Atkin gave 95 points for a harmonious and vibrant white blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc barrel aged on the lees for 14 months.
Abras are wines from Cafayate, a high-altitude desert in the Salta province. Vines are planted in alluvial soils, developing mineral notes and refined expressions of the region´s terroir. Torrontes is the signature grape: it´s spicy, ripe and floral, a powerful pungent white, which remains balanced with good freshness. Malbec is ripe with dark plum tones and espresso aroma, succulent dark berries, juicy and smooth. Camino Real is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Tannat – a complex bouquet, deep and intense color, robust and elegant wine, perfect for meat dishes.
The Qaramy vineyards are grown in the foothills of the Uco Valley. Dry and stony soils, wide temperature range and high sun exposure produce grapes of unique strength and personality. An obsessive maintenance and attention to all stages of production maximize the most of each varietal – Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah. The results are expressive wines full of character, fruit and body. Qaramy 600 is particularly distinguished as a world-class quality blend.
The Phoenician is a single title brand, reflecting Karim Mussi´s Lebanese family roots, and is a signature wine, in which Malbec is blended with other varieties to create a full orchestra of flavours and aromas.
Los Poetas wines are inspired by Karim Mussi´s love for literature, taking a libertarian and experimental technique to blended wines, with some wonderful results.
The wines of Karim Mussi provide a complete feast of diverse Argentinean terroir, exemplifying the best of the region whilst also pushing the boundaries and setting new standards. The approach of the winery is highly professional, providing all necessary resources for distributors to achieve successes. Importers will find it a pleasure to represent them. Recommended for premium retail and HORECA distributors, and all consumers with good taste.