Brothers Salvador and David Michel founded the winery in
1892, 22 years after discovering the Cafayate as an area suitable for fine wine
production. The Cafayate Valley averages 330-340 sunny days per year, and has
low humidity and a great thermal range, with evenly warm days (82 degrees) and
cool nights (54 degrees). Irrigation is mandatory, as only 3-6 inches of rain
fall per year.
All of the Michel Torino wines are hand-harvested in the estate's own
vineyards. Additionally, Andrés Höy, Torino's production manager, practices
sustainable, environmentally- friendly farming by minimizing the use of fertilizers
and chemicals in the vineyard. The unique Cafayete climate manifests itself in
the elegant, focused profile of Michel Torino's wines. These are wines with an
indelible sense of place, wines which complement food rather than overpower,
wines which are true to their origin.
Grapes are carefully chosen from Michel Torino's own estate, in the 'La
Coleccion' vineyard. The vineyard rests in the province of Salta in Cafayate
Valley, at an altitude of 5600 ft. above sea level. The grapes are stemmed and
crushed with a roller system. Fermentation is done with selected yeasts at
controlled temperatures of 82-86°F. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation. The
wine is then aged for 12 months in oak barrels of first to fifth use (60%
American, 40% French).
Don David Malbec Reserve is a rich red with full body and flavors of
blackberry, plum, black raspberry, cedar and spice. Enjoy it over the next
10-12 years with roast beef, grilled meats, venison, roasts, and BBQ ribs.
