Argentina is home to many German immigrants including the Funcke family who arrived to Mendoza in the late 1800s.  In honor of his maternal ancestors, Kurt Heinlein founded the Funckenhausen Vineyards in the San Rafael appellation of South Mendoza. The region is located at the foothills of the Andes mountains near the banks of the Diamante river where they grow distinctive Malbec, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Bonarda.  Funckenhausen Vineyards is a family-owned winery that seeks to honor Kurt and Alejandro’s German ancestry while establishing an Argentine tradition of winemaking for future generations.  Kurt Heinlein and his grandson Alejandro Leirado Heinlein chose to bottle their Malbec blend in a unique 1.0 liter bottle so there would always be plenty available at gatherings with friends and family. “Because to share you need more than 750ml” is aptly printed on the front of each and every bottle.

Funckenhausen Cabernet Sauvignon (85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot). This wine is dark violet with ruby edges in the glass, there are black fruits and red pepper mixed with subtle notes of spice and vanilla. The texture is bold, but elegant on the palate with a balanced finish that invited another pour.