Some people head for an island every year; others return to a favourite spot on the mainland. As for me, I choose Argentina — it combines the spirit of a quick getaway with the ease of a holiday and plenty of fascinating new impressions. The only real drawback is that afterwards, I have to make my way up to Mavros Gatos to enjoy a proper steak. But that’s the only serious disadvantage of my virtual trip compared to the real thing. And perhaps not even that, since the Argentines themselves — renowned prime-cut aficionados — often admit that their steaks back home can be a touch overcooked!
The wines from the land of the Andes, however, are never “overdone.” The country’s high altitudes create vine-growing oases in the midst of desert landscapes — and each year, the Argentine Embassy’s annual tasting offers the perfect opportunity to explore them. Here are some of the “coolest” of the lot.
White Wines
Colomé, Altura Máxima Sauvignon Blanc 2021: Nothing has changed since last year! This Sauvignon Blanc, from just 2 hectares at an altitude of 3,111 metres, is explosive with peppery aromatics, razor-sharp in acidity, endlessly long on the palate, and truly world-class in quality. +5 years cellaring potential (9/10)
El Porvenir, Laborum La Parcela Torrontés 2023: It may cost €40, but it’s worth every cent. This outstanding Torrontés from Block 10 of Finca El Retiro fills the glass with an exhilarating mix of smoke, green pepper, and rose, while the finish goes on and on. (8.5/10)
Bodega Norton, Torrontés Colección de los Andes 2023: The iconic estate excels even at the entry level. The Colección bursts with notes of smoke and pepper, light and refreshingly bright, with its low pH giving this Torrontés a solid three-year ageing potential. (7.5/10)
Rutini, Trumpeter Torrontés 2024: Argentina’s historic producer once again proves that large-scale production can coexist with high quality. This “everyday” Torrontés from Tupungato shows delicacy, vibrancy, and a lovely rose-petal character. (7.5/10)
Ver Sacrum, Geisha de Jade 2022: This Marsanne/Roussanne blend from Los Chacayes confirms its saline, mineral-driven austerity — and reminds me just how far removed it is from Rhône Valley styles. +2 years cellaring potential (8/10)
Viña Cobos, Felino Chardonnay 2023: New Yorker Paul Hobbs divides his time between seven wineries across four continents, yet he still works his magic here — delivering a Chardonnay that’s rich and vanilla-laced, full-bodied yet taut and nervy. (8/10)
Rosé Wines
Krontiras, Doña Silvina Rosé 2023: Argentina has never quite mastered rosé, but this blend of Syrah, Aglianico and Criolla brings a touch of Greek flair — along with smoky notes, blackcurrant and green pepper. Firmly structured, high in acidity and with a faint grip of tannin, it stands out as a serious, characterful rosé. (8/10)
Red Wines
Altos Las Hormigas, Malbec Terroir Valle de Uco 2022: Concrete eggs and a touch of large oak give this relatively light blend from Tupungato and La Consulta a delicate freshness, rounded acidity and juicy fruit. +2 years cellaring potential (8/10)
Amalaya, Corte Único 2020: A superb blend of Malbec, Franc and Tannat, combining a dense nose of black fruit and ink with outstanding balance between sweetness, acidity and tannins. The value is remarkable, too. +5–10 years cellaring potential (9/10)
Clos de los Siete, Clos de los Siete 2021: Blending master Michel Rolland brings together the fruit of six grape varieties, four wineries and one estate. The result is a wine of complex floral aromas, refined tannins and an airy, red-fruited elegance. (8.5/10)
Colomé, Estate Malbec 2021: From vineyards between 1,800 and 3,100 metres, the world’s highest winery offers a Malbec brimming with aromas of damson and mint. Generous yet weightless, with a fresh, persistent finish and a peppery twist. +5 years cellaring potential (8/10)
El Enemigo, Bonarda La Esperanza 2022: El Enemigo’s plush, opulent style isn’t always my favourite — but here it suits the lighter-footed Bonarda perfectly, turning this single-vineyard cuvée into an expressive, dense, sweet-sour delight. (8.5/10)
El Porvenir, Laborum La Parcela Malbec 2022: From the Alto Río Seco estate in Cafayate, this Malbec is the epitome of generous balance — a rich, layered wine offering an indulgent overdose of blackberries and liquorice. (9/10)
Lagarde, Guarda Cabernet Franc 2022: If herbal delicacy isn’t your thing, steer clear of this Cabernet Franc from Luján de Cuyo. Otherwise, pour it and enjoy a taut, near-austere red of true world-class quality. (9/10)
Krontiras, Doña Silvina Family Selection Malbec 2020: This Greek-owned Malbec shows layers of floral, black fruit and liquorice complexity, its firm, powerful tannins reminiscent of Cabernet Sauvignon. +5 years cellaring potential (8.5/10)
Riccitelli, Kung Fu Malbec 2024: The charismatic winemaker Matías Riccitelli strikes hard with this minimal-intervention Malbec from Gualtallary — dark, dense and wild. It needs decanting to tame its fierce acidity and unrelenting tannins. (8.5/10)
Rutini, Cabernet–Malbec Colección 2022: This 50/50 blend from the Uco Valley wears its oak proudly, but supports it with plenty of fresh fruit, Cabernet-like acidity and firm yet polished tannins. +2–4 years cellaring potential (8/10)
Viña Cobos, Felino Malbec 2022: At 15% ABV, the Felino is full-bodied, ripe and powerful, yet stops short of jammy. Its blockbuster character is wrapped in fresh notes of blackberry and plum, keeping everything lively and balanced. (8/10)
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