Francis Mallmann to release his own wine range

Argentine chef Francis Mallmann is planning to branch out from food into wine with his own range made at his vineyard in Mendoza’s Uco Valley.

Never one to follow the crowd, Francis Mallmann has planted his vines in circles rather than rows

Speaking to the drinks business in London this week, where Mallmann is hosting a three-day pop-up at Cut at 45 Park Lane in Mayfair, the chef revealed that he’s had a vineyard for a while but currently sells his grapes to other producers.

“I have six hectares of vineyards planted at 1,600 metres altitude in the Uco Valley in Mendoza and the plan is to make my own wine. For the time being I’m selling the grapes to other wineries. When I make my own wine I’d like to build a tiny winery next to the vineyard.

While Argentina’s flagship grape, Malbec, is under vine at the site, Mallmann is also experimenting with a wide range of varieties, including Pinot Noir, Carignan, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Barbera.

Mallmann plans to build a winery at his vineyard in the Uco Valley in Mendoza

Not one for sticking to convention, Mallmann has also elected to plant his vines in circles rather than rows, as he believes it will lead to more even sun exposure.

“I’ve planted the vines in circles because I think it will bring a balance of the sun’s influence, so when you blend the grapes you’ll have a mixture of different sunlight exposure, instead of some grapes getting all the sun and others nothing. I think this approach is more balanced,” he told db.

Mallmann, who drinks a glass of wine every day at lunch and dinner, revealed that he will be enlisting the help of a consultant on his wine project, but isn’t sure who that will be yet.

“I have a lot of winemaker friends in Mendoza,” he said. He also talked of the huge respect and admiration he has for winemakers and the patience required to master their craft.

“Chefs and painters practice their trade every day. A good winemaker is lucky if he can make 60 vintages in his lifetime.

“It’s quite incredible how slow a game wine is. I love the patience and the risk involved in winemaking. It’s incredible what they do,” he said.

Mallmann collaborated with Champagne brand Krug last year

When it comes to food and wine pairing, Mallmann believes balanced matches are boring.

“Obviously some pairings really don’t work – like asparagus and red wine – but besides that, choosing a wine is all about the moment – am I by the beach, am I falling in love – that’s the beauty of food and wine matching.

“Harmony in food is for toddlers. For grown ups I find it so boring. Obviously I enjoy a steak with a red wine, but I think we should be more adventurous, and I love to have clashes in my mouth when I eat,” Mallmann said.

“It’s not only about food and wine but also to flavours and textures that contrast one another. Opposites are very important in life, which for me extends to food and wine – I really dislike pairings,” he added.

One of Mallmann’s favourite daring pairings is steak with Montes Outer Limits Sauvignon Blanc.

“I love that combination – it’s a delicious wine, you can taste the salt of the sea air from where the grapes grow within it,” Mallmann said.

A man with his fingers in many pies, in addition to his restaurant empire and wine venture, Mallmann will be launching his own fashion label – Best Made Mallmann – in New York next week.

“I love sewing – I sew every day and travel with my sewing kit. The new collection is elegant outdoor clothing, but there isn’t a feather in sight,” he said. The range will also include grills (of course), jeans and leather goods.

An in depth interview with Francis Mallmann will be published on thedrinksbusiness.com soon.