Terroirs
The Influence of Terroir on Argentine Wines: From Malbec to New World Classics.
Terroir plays a significant role in shaping the character of Argentine wines, as demonstrated in a recent study of Mendoza’s Malbec vineyards. While each vintage offers unique characteristics, some vineyard parcels can produce consistent results, regardless of the year, through the analysis of their phenolic profiles. Modern Argentine viticulturists are combining cutting-edge technology with the legacy of old vines, resulting in wines that are both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.
A new generation of Argentine winemakers, alongside the country’s most prestigious, traditional wineries, is crafting some of the finest and most highly rated wines in the New World. From fresher, lighter, and more approachable styles to silky, delicate, and elegant high-end offerings, Argentina has become a true force in the global wine scene. Whether you’re seeking light-bodied or full-bodied wines, Argentina offers a diverse range to suit every palate.
Mendoza's Vineyards
High-Altitude Desert Vineyards: The Secret to Consistent and Age-Worthy Wines
High-altitude desert vineyards benefit from abundant daytime sun and cool, dry nights, which help produce wines with bright acidity and deep fruit flavors. Wines from warm-weather regions with consistent sunny days tend to show less vintage variation, though extreme weather events can still influence a harvest. High-end red wines from exceptional vintages often have the best potential to age gracefully, as they have the structure and balance needed for long-term development. Furthermore, good vintages typically offer better value wines because a successful harvest often requires less intervention at the winery, allowing the natural qualities of the fruit to shine.
- Cepandes selects the best wines from their best vintages
- Some of our selected wines will age nicely in the bottle
- However, they're all set to be enjoyed now!
Best Vintages
The 2013 vintage in Mendoza was marked by cool, dry weather, producing fresh wines with bright acidity and balanced tannins. The moderate temperatures and lower alcohol levels helped create elegant, age-worthy reds.A great year for premium wines with ageing potential.
Mendoza’s 2015 vintage was cool and wet, resulting in an irregular harvest with lower yields. This vintage was ideal for lighter wines, especially whites and Pinot Noir, which thrived in the moderate temperatures. While reds were less concentrated, the cooler conditions created fresh, vibrant wines, particularly for those seeking more delicate and refined styles.
The 2018 vintage in Mendoza is considered one of the best of the decade, with near-perfect growing conditions. Warm, dry days and cool nights produced Malbec wines with rich, expressive fruit and smooth tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Chardonnay also excelled, making 2018 a standout year for high-quality, well-balanced wines.
The 2019 vintage followed the success of 2018 with another exceptional year in Mendoza. Ideal weather conditions resulted in wines with intense fruit flavours, smooth tannins, and excellent structure. Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay are particularly outstanding, making 2019 one of the top vintages for quality and value in Mendoza.
- 2013: Outstanding for Uco Valley top terroirs
- 2015: Atypical year best suited for Pinot noir and whites
- 2018: Excellent quality
- 2019: Great value across the board