Argento Winery Uco Valley
Title: Unveiling the Mystique of Organic Vineyards: A Deep Dive into Argento’s Terroir in Uco Valley
Escaping the humdrum of synthetic monoculture, the Argento winery in the heart of Argentina is a tribute to the principles of organic farming and viticulture.
An exquisite testament to the terroir, the vineyards of Finca Alta Agrelo, Finca Gualtallary, and Finca Paraje Altamira, scattered across the bountiful Uco Valley, exemplify a harmonious synergy between nature and human stewardship.
Diversity of Soils
The Finca Alta Agrelo vineyard, enveloped by the pre-Andean mountains, is located in the northern part of Mendoza.
Here, vine roots penetrate the challenging yet rewarding alluvial soil, loaded with gravel, sand, and clay. Set at a generous altitude of 1000 meters, it attains the savory flavors from the thermal amplitude of cool nights and hot days.
Predominantly growing Malbec grapes, a single sip transports you through time, tasting history, climate, geography, and diligent organic farming practices. The wines embody a bold structure, boasting of dark fruit flavors, accentuated by the striking balance of acidity and tannin.
Next, deep within the terrain of the Uco Valley lies the uncharted gem of Finca Gualtallary. Planted at an altitude of over 1300 meters, it’s noteworthy for its calcareous and rocky soils and a climate marked by distinct temperature variability.
The vineyard creates an environment perfect for teasing out the high-intensity flavors and floral notes in its premium Malbec and Cabernet Franc grapes. The implementation of organic farming enhances the purity and precision of these wines, compelling an exploration into this hidden high-altitude vineyard.
Last but not least, is the Finca Paraje Altamira. Blessed with a latitude that exposes the vineyard to an abundance of sunlight, the terroir is characterized by profound layers of pebbles, calcium carbonate, and sandy loam. Positioned at 1100 meters above sea level, its offerings of Malbec and Chardonnay wines reveal an intricate array of flavors and aromas. Organic cultivation plays a significant role in unmasking the terroir’s unique personality, leading to wines that are both elegant and complex, featuring a vibrant acidity and a profound mineral character.
What ties these three vineyards together is the commitment to organic winemaking principles. Argento’s organic vision strives for healthier soil and a more balanced ecosystem.
No synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers touch the grapevines. Instead, natural compost enriches the soil, and beneficial insects control any potential threats. Biodiversifying the vineyards tangibly impacts the expression of the terroir in the wines, translating the vineyard’s soul into unforgettable sips.
In the Viticulture world, the Argento winery stands as an epitome showcasing how organic farming can interplay with terroir, throwing light on the impact of various natural factors on grape cultivation.
Juan Pablo Murgia Head Winemaker
Through organic vineyards’ lenses, it paint the image of the Uco Valley, highlighting the three key vineyards’ exclusive terroirs echoed in their produce. This approach is a brilliant merge of respecting the soil, showcasing a region’s identity, an epitome of human respect for nature’s bounty, and ultimately a win-win for the future of viticulture and the discerning wine connoisseur.
The Wines
1. Otronia 45 Rugientes Corte de Blancas 2020 ($39.95)
2. Otronia Block III & IV Chardonnay 2020 ($89.95)
3. Otronia Block I Pinot Noir 2020 ($89.95)
4. Argento Single Vineyard Gualtallary Chardonnay 2021 (not available in market)
5. Argento Single Vineyard Agrelo Cabernet Franc 2021 ($40)
6. Argento Single Block Gualtallary Malbec 2021 (not available in market)
7. Argento Single Block Altamira Malbec 2021 ($55)