Matias Michelini launched Passionate Wines to make pleasurable and affordable wines that express the terroir of the remote Tupungato region in the Northwest corner of Mendoza, near the foothills of the Andes at an altitude of 3700 feet. An equal blend of Syrah and Malbec, grown on calcareous and sandy soils, the grapes are harvested by hand, destemmed and cofermented with native yeast for 15 days in concrete eggs where the wine rests for an additional six months. The result is a well-balanced, medium-bodied red with dark fruit notes, a bit of earthiness, a hint of baking spices and firm, moderate acidity and dry, well-integrated tannins on the finish. Pairs well with slow-roasted short ribs or grilled portobello mushroom steaks.