Iglesias’ pick: top 12 from Uco Valley
1 Zuccardi, Fósil, San Pablo, Tunuyán 2019 95
£43.50-£ 53.85 Berry Bros & Rudd, Bordeaux Index, Cru, Exel, Farthinghoe Fine Wines, IG Wines, NY Wines of Cambridge
The cold climates of the Uco Valley have redefined Mendozan Chardonnay, and Fósil is a good example of why. Created by Sebastián Zuccardi with grapes from the San Pablo GI ( 1,400m), it is mostly aged in concrete (30% in used barrels) and is a vivid colour in the glass, with aromas of green apple, citrus and white flowers. In the mouth it presents exhilaratingly vivacious acidity – perfect for accompanying oysters or grilled fish. Drink 2021-2028 Alcohol 13.5%
2 Alandes, Paradoux Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc, Uco Valley NV 94
£21.99-£28 Widely available in independent merchants via UK agent Condor Wines
Inspired by Bordeaux blends, Karim Mussi combines Semillon from La Consulta with Sauvignon Blanc from Los Chacayes, which he then ferments in barrel and ages on lees for more than a year, to create a fragrant, floral white with a nose of citrus and white fruit along with notes of honey and spice. In the mouth it flows well, with good balance, taut acidity and a full flavour. A white with excellent cellaring potential. Drink 2021-2027 Alc 13.4%
3 Mendel, Semillon, Paraje Altamira, Uco Valley 2019 93
£ 20.49 Latin Wines Online
Semillon is a grape with a long history in Argentina that many winemakers are now rediscovering in old vineyards. Roberto de la Mota was a pioneer of this trend, reviving a 70-year-old vineyard in Paraje Altamira from which he produces this fragrant white with a nose of lime, green apple and honey. Its elegant but sharp texture makes it the ideal companion for seafood or paella. Drink 2021-2025 Alc 13.3%
Salentein, Single Vineyard Los Nogales Sauvignon Blanc, San Pablo, Tunuyán 2018 93
N/A UK www. bodegasalentein.com
A 2.5ha vineyard at 1,500m above sea level in San Pablo provides the grapes for this revelatory Sauvignon Blanc, in which the combination of the cold Uco Valley climate and rocky, limestone-rich soils results in fresh aromas of citrus fruit, herbs, minerals and spice. Aged for eight months on its lees, it is both tense and
refreshing, boasting a lengthy finish that is excellent with grilled prawns and garlic butter. Drink 2021-2025 Alc 13%
4 Bodegas Caro, Caro, Paraje Altamira, Uco Valley 2017 96
£45 DBM Wines, Harvey Nichols,
Lea & Sandeman, Ocado
Now in its 16th vintage, this wine, which was first made in the year 2000 in a partnership between the Catena and Rothschild families, is a blend of 74% Malbec and 26% Cabernet Sauvignon from Paraje Altamira. It combines a sense of Bordelais refinement with the power of the rugged mountain landscape. Aromas of dark fruit and spice precede a velvety feel on the palate, rich texture and fine tannins. An eloquent assemblage for collectors. Drink 2021-2030 Alc 14%
5 Piedra Negra, L’Esprit de Chacayes, Los Chacayes, Tunuyán 2019 95
£ 25 Viñals Wine & Food
Los Chacayes GI is the home of fierce reds, and this organic blend of unaged Malbec and 30% Côt (vines from France), with no added sulphites, is about as pure an expression as you’re likely to find. Fruity and balsamic with hints of earth and mountain herb, and those notes return in the mouth with good juiciness and tension as well as chalky tannins. Delicious with lamb ragù. Drink 2021-2028 Alc 14.5%
Zorzal, El Barba Malbec, Gualtallary, Tupungato 2017 95
N/A UK www. zorzalwines.com
‘ El Barba introduced us to a new Gualtallary,’ says Juan Pablo Michelini, referring to the iconic label from Zorzal Wines, a Malbec grown in dunes of sand and limestone. Dominated by aromas of fresh dark fruit, mineral notes and wet stone, the wine is linear and energetic in the mouth, with a light touch imparted by the two years spent in oak. An essential wine for the curious drinker. Drink 2021-2030 Alc 14.5%
6 Domaine Nico, Soeur et Frères La Savante Pinot Noir, Gualtallary, Tupungato 2018 94
N/A UK www.domainenico.com
Laura Catena realised early on that the Uco Valley was an excellent place to grow Pinot Noir, and thus began this exclusive project which makes use of grapes from a parcel 1,460m above sea level in Gualtallary. This vintage offers aromas of fresh berry, violets and minerals, while the palate is taut with a gentle texture and fine tannins. A New World Pinot Noir of surprising quality. Drink 2021-2028 Alc 13.5%
7 Escorihuela Gascón, Organic Vineyard Malbec, El Cepillo, San Carlos 2018 94
£ 18.99 Fine Wines Direct UK
Escorihuela Gascón’s Organic Vineyard line is a self-consciously modern venture from a traditional winery with a fresh new style and philosophy. Made with grapes from a biodynamic vineyard in El Cepillo, its complex nose is both fruity and floral. Intense and fluid with a chalky texture, it offers rich freshness and a medium body. The evocative finish lingers at length. Drink 2021-2028 Alc 14%
8 Trapiche, Terroir Series Finca Laborde Cabernet Sauvignon, La Consulta, San Carlos 2015 94
£ 29.99 Enotria& Coe
The La Consulta GI in the Uco Valley features several old vineyards such as the one from which this red was made. Planted in rocky soil in a dry river bed, the Cabernet achieves exquisite power and concentrated flavours, which include dark fruit and spices that come out on the palate. Free-flowing with full body and character, the finish is long and compelling. Drink 2021-2027 Alc 14.5%
9 Bodega Aleanna, Gran Enemigo SIngle Vineyard Los Chacayes, Tunuyán 2016 93
£41.66 Seckford Wines
Alejandro Vigil has made Cabernet Franc from four different vineyards in the Uco Valley, and this one from the Los Chacayes GI has turned out to be the most wild and original of the quartet. A deep violet in colour, the floral nose offers a decent amount of red fruit, berries and spice from an ageing process that managed to tame the natural power of the terroir. Velvety in the mouth with juicy acidity and chalky tannins, this is a red for daring palates. Drink 2021-2030 Alc 13.5%
Flechas de los Andes, Gran Corte, Vista Flores, Tunuyán 2015 93
£ 24.95 Waddesdon Wine
Several producers in the Uco Valley have established themselves as classic figures with well-defined personalities, as seen in this Bordeaux-style blend from the Campo Los Andes region, which Pablo Richardi makes with Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Syrah. Serious and refined, it has a luxurious feel with rich freshness and solid tannins. A red that expresses the potential of the valley with every sip. Drink 2021-2027 Alc 14.5%