Top views and wines at Bodega Septima, Luján de Cuyo

Bodega Septima, at the eastern edge of the Andean Mountains, has spectacular vineyard and mountain views from its top deck. It is located in Mendoza’s Luján de Cuyo, the first appellation recognized in Argentina in 1993. Bodega Septima is one of the established names here, along with other well-known names, like Catena Zapata. The winery is part of the Codorníu Raventós group, the oldest family business in Spain, which was founded in 1551. Codorníu Raventós has ten wineries that are located in the world's top wine regions. During an earlier visit to Rioja, Spain Spaswinefood visited Bodegas Bilbainas, which was my first introduction to this group of wineries. Fortunately we had the opportunity to discover their Luján de Cuyo winery as well.

Top Views, Bodega Septima, Luján de Cuyo © Spaswinefood

It was the perfect summer's day for our Mendoza wine country explorations when we visited the winery. Even though Septima is located in the rain shadow side of the Andes there were scattered clouds in the nearby foothills. We visited Luján de Cuyo a number of times to gain an overview of this wine region. Our list included a number of smaller and larger wineries to visit. Septima is one of the well-known and larger wineries that we visited. 

Wine Tasting at Bodega Septima
The winery produces both sparkling and still wines. Our wine tasting included some of Septima's most popular wines. 

Bodega Septima, Sparkling Wines  © Spaswinefood

We began with sparkling wines.

Bodega Septima, María Codorníu Sur

Bodega Septima, María Codorníu Sur © Spaswinefood

This particular sparkling wine is produced using Chardonnay grapes. Septima's sparkling wines is a natural for Codorníu group given they are known for their sparkling wines. After all it was Codorníu that first introduced cava in Spain in 1872.

Bodega Septima, Sauvignon Blanc 2016

Bodega Septima, Sauvignon Blanc 2016 © Spaswinefood

This is a very delightful Sauvignon Blanc.


Bodega Septima, Obra Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Bodega Septima, Obra Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 © Spaswinefood

Bodega Septima, Obra Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 (Back Label) © Spaswinefood

Although Malbec is king here Cabernet Sauvignon does quite well in this region.

Bodega Septima, Gran Reserva 2013 

Bodega Septima, Gran Reserva 2013 © Spaswinefood

Bodega Septima, Grand Reserva 2013 (Back Label) © Spaswinefood

Their Gran Reserva is a blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Tannat. This wine had all the hallmarks of a premium wine.

After a most delightful tasting at Bodega Septima I was happy to discover that their wines are available in most countries. In fact 60% of Bodega Septima's wines are produced for the international market.

Before left the winery we visited Bodega Septima's restaurant.

María Restaurante, Bodega Septima
We were taken on a tour of their María Restaurant with our host.

Entrance María Restaurante, Septima © Spaswinefood

While we did not dine there I was happy to be able to view the restaurant. I later met a tour leader who took his group there to dine. They were very pleased with their lunch experience.

María Restaurante, Bodega Septima © Spaswinefood

 María Restaurante © Spaswinefood

Tables Ready, María Restaurante © Spaswinefood

Given that the restaurant is located on the top level diners will be treated to great views of the surrounding vineyard and the Andes.

Andes Reflection, María Restaurante © Spaswinefood

Their rooftop patio is the perfect location to take in the stunning views of the vineyard and the nearby mountains. Bodega Septima visitors should not miss the views at the edge of the Andean Mountains.

Rooftop Views, Bodega Septima © Spaswinefood

Bodega Septima in Context
I would also like to note that Bodega Septima architecture is quite stunning against the local landscape. It resembles that of pre-Columbian Huarpe (indigenous people who lived in the Cuyo region) styled Pirca (fortress). A major difference is that winery's modern construction was designed to meet seismic safety standards. Codorníu Raventós group purchased the estate in 1999. They completed the wine facility in 2002.

Septima's vineyards are expansive. You certainly get a sense of this expansiveness as you drive into the winery. Yes, with over 150 hectares under vine, it is quite impressive to see. You certainly get a sense of this as you drive into the winery.

Arriving at Bodega Septima © Spaswinefood

Moreover, when you arrive in the parking lot you are completely surrounded by vineyards.

Bodega Septima Estate Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Given that I was totally surrounded by vineyards in all directions I could not resist taking a peek at  the grapes.

Veraison, Septima Estate Vineyard © Spaswinefood

It was hard not to notice that veraison was already beginning in early February.

Our drive from Mendoza city south to Luján de Cuyo took us about 40 minutes. Within the Luján de Cuyo sub-region there are many wineries, spread over a large area. However, where Bodega Septima is located on the route to Chile there are a number of wineries nearby that we visited. Across the highway (Rute Nationale 7) is Bodega Caelum. Almost next door is Ruca Malen, which we also visited in the past for lunch and loved it. During our most recent visit we enjoyed a wine tasting at Bodega Norton, and an amazing lunch at Lagarde. On a prior visit we did wine tastings at Alta Vista, and Belasco De Baquedano. Overall we have been quite pleased with the Luján de Cuyo wineries that we have visited.

Obviously we did not have enough time to tour Mendoza's wine regions. Mendoza’s over 1,500 winery vineyards are amongst the highest altitude vineyards in the world, averaging between 600-1,100 meters (2,00-3,600 feet) above sea level. The three wine regions nearest the city of Mendoza include Valle de Uco, Luyán de Cuyo, and Maipu. I invite you to join me in my travels in Argentina and elsewhere at Spaswinefood.

Sharon

February 2017

Mendoza, Argentina

© Spaswinefood

Bodega Septima and María Restaurant © Spaswinefood


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