Zencial
The purity of lavender, rosemary and roses
We had met Zencial products during a trip to the Calchaquí Valleys, when we stayed at Hacienda de Molinos. At first sight we were struck by the sophistication of its packaging and then by the superlative of its contents. Therefore, during one of our visits to Cafayate we decided to go to Finca La Armonía.
It was really almost like an invasion. We saw the gate open and with unusual brazenness, without asking permission, we went straight to the first person we met. That is how we met Ignacio Avellaneda, who is in charge of the sensational fields at the foot of the Sierras de Quilmes, very close to Animaná.
He introduced us to this incredible universe of aromatic herbs in a very friendly manner, despite our intrusion.
His explanation began with the story of Mary Carey Wilson, the English visionary who bet on northern Argentina years ago and decided to innovate in the production in the Calchaquíes Valleys, the cradle of high altitude wine. This terroir, so rich in minerals, watered by the adjacent San Antonio River, combined with the sunshine at 1700 meters above sea level, is the perfect scenario for the cultivation not only of grapes but also of aromatic plants. It was Mary and her partner Pedro who dared to undertake such a romantic but difficult project. Thanks to this courage and avant-garde spirit, Zencial was born.
On the one hand, the estate consists of lavender and rose fields. In addition, centuries-old walnut and almond trees guard the lines of lavandula angustifolia, as well as the erect cactus trees that dominate the area. The field is completed with rosemary trees and others dedicated to roses.
All this production bears a phenomenal result. Walking along these planting lines transported me to many years ago when I visited Aix de Provence in the south of France, where everything is tinged with lilac and where the characteristic aroma of the beautiful lavender prevails. The memory of our wedding trip was also present when we immersed ourselves in the world of the scents of the Officina Profumo S. Maria Novella in Florence, the perfumery that dates back to 1612. And the peculiar aroma of Moroccan argan oil and how hard it was for me to find the genuine one and not the version with which tourists are harassed to buy by the insistent sellers of the giant souk in the medina of Marrakesh. The sense of aroma is undoubtedly one of the most active and connects with memory.
For any lover of skin care, the results obtained by Finca La Armonía generate devotion. Indeed, Zencial is a seal of excellence for those who propose a lifestyle rooted in the goodness of nature and the simplicity of purity.
Finca La Armonía's lavender and rosemary essential oils and hydrosols are a guarantee of extreme quality. The flowers are extracted with a handful of leaves, all by hand, on the occasion of Vita Zencial, the annual harvesting event. Then the harvested is delicately treated in the distillery. A first stage is carried out in the boiler for the extraction of the oil, then the passage through the still. No other elements are used in the process, thus ensuring maximum purity. And a bonus: all organic.
Rosemary, in its pure form, is recognized among other properties to be antibacterial, antidepressant, insect repellent, antifungal and an excellent stimulant of blood circulation, as well as an ideal topical astringent. Lavender, in addition to its obvious relaxing aroma, works as an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, decontracting and healing. All in its maximum natural state without any additives.
Knowing about these innovative projects, which revalue our beloved northern Argentina, is the best encouragement for @tripticity_ to continue our adventures, traveling and being surprised.
