Exclusive wines from Argentina inspire worldwide. High altitude, ideal temperatures, local knowledge, the courage to embrace new technologies and a deep-rooted wine culture give Argentina’s wines uniqueness. The excellent climate promotes organic viticulture in Argentina. What does that taste like? Just try it out, here are our recommendations.
Oje de Agua Winery – Argentina
In the late 1990s, the artist and avant-gardist Dieter Meier fulfilled his long-standing dream: In Mendoza, Argentina, he acquired a winery of 380 hectares, of which around 120 hectares are still planted today. Dieter Meier is fully committed to wines from controlled organic cultivation. He himself calls his wines pure and honest. In addition to viticulture, Dieter Meier invested in Argentine cattle breeding; its organic meat enjoys an excellent reputation. Dieter Meier’s Puro collection includes three different wines. One of them is a single-varietal Malbec, which also bears this name. The other two are blends of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Only organically certified grapes are used for the production of these wines.
Do you want to experience how the Ojo de Agua wines are made? They look forward to welcoming you as our guest in Mendoza! Registration at guest@ojodeagua.global
Alta Vista – Argentina
Alta Vista connects and unites the two great wine cultures of France and Argentina. The French side is expressed by blending different grape varieties and terroirs and by using French oak barrels. Through the climate, the soils and of course the people who accompany the wine, the Argentine expression is shown. Alta Vista stands as an ambassador for the typical grape varieties of Argentina: Torrontés as a white wine variety, Bonarda and above all Malbec as red wine varieties. Since great wines are produced in unique places, the vineyards of Alta Vista are home to the best terroirs of Mendoza and Salta. A total of 209 hectares of vineyards are spread over a total of five vineyards, all of which are at least 1,000 metres above sea level. The Malbecs of the Terroir Selection and Premium line are the perfect example of how grapes from different soils can complement each other. Under the extreme conditions that prevail in the vineyards (altitude, drought, poor soils), the Malbect grape can develop its aroma in the best possible way. www.altavistawines.com
Budeguer – Argentina
This winery is also a family project and was opened in 2005 by the Argentinian Juan José Budeguer. In contrast to Clos de Charcas, the bodega is not a restored old building, but a modern new building. Dynamism and simple openness are the common thread running through all areas of the winery. Even the heart – the wine cellar – is not closed behind several cellar doors, but you can look through a huge glass wall onto the spacious barrel storage immediately after entering the bodega. The wines stored here are all hand-picked. In addition to some Malbecs, there is also a Rosè made of Pinot Noir on offer (very refreshing and nice change from many other Malbec Rosès in Mendoza) as well as the highlight of Budeguer, the Black Blend 4000. www.budeguer.com
Clos de Charcas
Clos de Charcas is a family-run boutique winery with an excellent restaurant, fantastic wines and an idyllic country house flair. Only a few pictures and the descriptions of the employees testify to the fact that Clos de Charcas was actually once a huge mass operation (like almost all Argentine wine producers before 1990). Even before the closure in 1987, about 45 million litres of wine were “flooded” onto the Argentine market every year. However, with the reopening in 2004 by the grandchildren of the original owner, this has changed fundamentally. Since then, the focus has only been on premium wines. And this very successfully. In addition to a great Malbec (2014) and the Grand Estirpe Blend (made from Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Merlot), we particularly liked the Chardonnay.
Editor’s tip: On weekends, the restaurant’s own restaurant also offers an à la carte menu (which is also very rare in Mendoza – usually only menus with corresponding wines are offered). Registration via the website is possible: www.closdechacras.com.ar
Nieto Senetiner Bodegas – Argentina
The small bodega Casa Nieto Senetiner is located in the Vistalba Valley, Argentina, surrounded by vines, with the imposing Andean Cordillera behind it and accessible through a magnificent avenue of olive trees. At 1000 to 3000 meters above sea level lies this oldest and most important wine region in the country. This is where the top wines Cadus and Nieto Senetiner Reserva are pressed and aged. With modern cellar equipment, a new barrique cellar and a young team, the style has changed in recent years. Despite their dense structure and beautiful fullness, the wines are said to be a lot of fun at a young age. They are intensely fruity, fresh, juicy and with a delicate melt. www.nietosenetiner.com.ar
Bodegas Salentein – Argentina
In 1995, the Dutchman Meindert Pon founded Bodegas Salentein in Argentina. Just 8 years later, the company was already awarded the title of “Argentinian Winery of the Year”. Since 2010, José Galante, who, by the way, is considered one of the most important and successful oenologists in the country, has been Chef Winemaker. His goal is to make the most of the excellent conditions that prevail both in the vineyards and in terms of the technical conditions of the winery. The highest priority is to preserve a maximum of natural fruit aromas in the wines. The cellar of Bodegas Salentein is an imposing structure in the shape of a huge underground cross. The centre of the four two-storey cellar corridors is laid out like an ancient forum with columns.
Our tip: The Salentein Barrel Selection Chardonnay. The spirited Argentinian comes across as wonderfully fresh and aromatic. Citrus tones, tropical fruits, aromas of apples and pears as well as the delicate scent of white flowers rise from the seductively complex bouquet into the nose. www.bodegasalentein.com
Trapiche – Argentina
From more than 125 years of experience, Trapiche draws the potential to produce first-class wines with consistently high quality. The winery is based in Mendoza, the centre of Argentine viticulture – known for its first-class wine-growing regions that cling to the Andes. But Trapiche also sources the grapes for its characterful wines from other top areas of Argentina. In the vineyards, which are located at an altitude of up to 2,300 meters, rainfall is rare. The glacial water from the Andes provides optimal irrigation in the partly desert-like areas. The hot days and cool nights of Argentina challenge the vine and result in ripe, full-fruited wines – completely à la Trapiche. And often at surprisingly low prices. www.trapiche.com.ar/
Other topics about wine at GO Sixt:
Primitivo wine package from Southern Italy
Dieter Meier and his PURO wine
The history of the corkscrew
