TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Cuyan Beverage Types
Malbec originally comes from southwest France, but recently it has become one of the most important grape varieties in Argentina, where it developed an entirely different flavor profile. Due to the unique geographic and climatic features, Argentinian Malbec usually displays fruity notes of cherries, strawberries, or plums that are complemented by soft and velvety tannins.
When aged in oak, the wine usually develops chocolate, vanilla, tobacco, or cocoa nuances. Argentinian Malbec is best paired with grilled or roasted beef, especially leaner cuts such as skirt steak, but it can also work well with pork or poultry.
THE BEST Malbec Argentina Wine Varieties
Torrontés Riojano is a white Argentinian grape that is used in the production of the namesake varietal wine. These light-bodied wines are usually perfumed and aromatic, while they typically display a wide array of fruity and floral aromas which are complemented by well-balanced, bright acidity.
They are best enjoyed young and can match a variety of fish dishes, as well as veal or pork based courses. The grape is dominant in the northern Salta and La Rioja regions, and it is related to Torrontés Sanjuanino and Torrontés Mendocino varieties.
Although it originated in Savoie, where it is known as Douce Noir, this red grape variety has shown great potential in Argentina. The grape is dominantly planted in Mendoza wine region, and up until recently, it has been the most commonly planted grape in the country. Bonarda is used in blends, as well as high-quality varietals that are typically light-bodied and fruity, with moderate tannins and well-balanced acidity.
These pleasant and approachable wines usually display aromas of cherries, plums, and cloves, and can match various dishes, from tomato-based pasta dishes to hearty meat-based courses. Argentinian Bonarda should not be mistaken with the Italian Bonarda Piemontese.
Traditionally prepared in Northwest Argentina and the Argentine Chaco region, aloja de chaucha is an alcoholic beverage that is made by fermenting the fruit of white or black carob (Prosopis alba or Prosopis nigra). A paste of crushed ripe carob beans (carob chauchas) is combined with water and it's then allowed to ferment in a dark place for several days or more than two weeks.
The fermentation process gives the beverage a pleasant flavor, an orange-like hue, and alcoholic content that increases with extended fermentation. This alcoholic beverage is typically enjoyed chilled, and it is traditionally consumed during the community ceremony known as the Fiesta of the Chiqui, taking place in the villages of the La Rioja and Catamarca provinces.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Cuyan Beverage Producers
Catena Zapata is a renowned Argentinian winery located in the Mendoza region, celebrated for pioneering high-altitude viticulture and producing world-class Malbec wines. Founded in 1902, this family-owned winery is led by the Catena family, who have played a crucial role in elevating Argentina's wine reputation globally.
Catena Zapata focuses on sustainable practices and meticulous vineyard management, especially in the Andean foothills, where they grow their grapes at various altitudes to enhance complexity and character.
AWARDS
James Suckling - 100 points
2024
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2021
Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2017, 2016
AWARDS
USA Wine Ratings - Gold
2023
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2022
Familia Zuccardi is a prominent olive oil producer based in Mendoza, Argentina. The company cultivates several varieties of olives, including Arbequina, Arauco, and Manzanilla. Familia Zuccardi is committed to sustainable agricultural practices in their olive groves.
They employ state-of-the-art technology in their production process to ensure high-quality olive oil. The company's product range includes extra virgin olive oils that have received international recognition.
AWARDS
Olive Japan - Gold
2023, 2022, 2020, 2019
Flos Olei - The Best
2024
Olive Japan - Premier
2023, 2022
BEST Familia Zuccardi Olive Oils
Finca Sophenia is a renowned winery located in the Gualtallary sub-region of Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina. Established in 1997 by Roberto Luka, a former President of Wines of Argentina, the winery was named by combining the names of his partner's daughter, Sophia, and his own daughter, Eugenia.
The vineyards are situated at an elevation of approximately 1,200 meters (4,000 feet) above sea level in the Andes Mountains. This high-altitude terroir is recognized for producing wines with complex and intense aromas, balanced by natural acidity, resulting in freshness and elegance.
AWARDS
James Suckling - 95 points
2023
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2022
Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2021, 2018, 2017
BEST Finca Sophenia Wines
Viña Cobos is a renowned winery located in Mendoza, Argentina, established in 1998 by the esteemed winemaker Paul Hobbs. Since its inception, Viña Cobos has become internationally recognized for its expertise in producing luxury-class wines and is a world leader in Malbec quality.
The winery focuses on creating wines that naturally express the terroir from which they originate, emphasizing elegance, power, and balance. This is achieved through meticulous vineyard management, where craftsmanship and respect for the land are fundamental.
AWARDS
James Suckling - 99 points
2024
Vivino - 4.8
BEST Viña Cobos Wines
Terrazas de los Andes is a winery located in the heart of Argentina's Mendoza wine region, renowned for producing high-quality wines at high altitudes. Established in 1996, the winery restored an old facility originally built in 1898, combining traditional architecture with modern winemaking techniques.
The winery's vineyards are situated at varying altitudes, ranging from 980 to 1,250 meters above sea level, providing optimal conditions for cultivating different grape varieties. Each variety is planted at a specific altitude to achieve the best quality and unique characteristics of the wines.
AWARDS
James Suckling - 95 points
2023
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2021, 2020
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2023
BEST Terrazas De Los Andes Wines
The Zuccardi Valle de Uco winery was founded in 1963 when engineer Alberto Zuccardi planted his first vineyard in the Maipú region of Mendoza, Argentina. His goal was to demonstrate a new irrigation system, which laid the foundation for the family's passion for winemaking.
Zuccardi Valle de Uco is recognized as one of the best wineries in the world, thanks to the Zuccardi family's dedication to producing wines that faithfully express the uniqueness of their origin.
AWARDS
James Suckling - 99 points
2024
Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2022
International Wine Challenge - International Malbec Trophy
2017
BEST Zuccardi Wines
AWARDS
Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2022, 2017, 2016
BEST Zorzal Wines Wines
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2023, 2020
Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2022
AWARDS
Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2024
BEST Bemberg Estate Wines Wines
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Cuyan Beverages
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
Adrianna Vineyard White Bones Chardonnay 2022 is a premium white wine from Bodega Catena Zapata, one of Argentina's most esteemed wineries. This 100% Chardonnay is sourced from select rows within Block 1 of the Adrianna Vineyard, situated at nearly 5,000 feet elevation in the Gualtallary sub-district of the Tupungato region.
The vineyard's name, "White Bones," refers to the calcareous deposits, limestone, and fossilized animal bones found in the soil—remnants of an ancient river that once flowed through the area. This unique soil composition imparts distinctive floral aromatics and earthy minerality to the wine.
AWARDS
James Suckling - 100 points
2024
AWARDS
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2022
AWARDS
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2021
AWARDS
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2017
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2024
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2022
The Adrianna vineyard, located at an altitude of almost 1,500 meters above sea level, is named after the youngest daughter of Nicolás Catena Zapata. The soils of this plot are composed of calcium carbonate and marine fossils that covered the region millions of years ago.
The calcareous layers provide good drainage and are rich in rhizobacteria, the microorganisms that help the vine root to withstand stress and absorb nutrients. Hence, the term “mundus bacillus terrae” or “elegant microbes of the earth”.
AWARDS
Falstaff - 100
Catena Zapata has identified the best quality lots within the family vineyards. The cultivation and manual care of these lots has allowed us to identify the plants that consistently produce the best fruit. These plants are marked in the vineyard with a red ribbon, which indicates the special care that must be given to them.
Harvested separately, at different times, the "Zapata" plants make up the origin of the Catena Zapata Estiba Reservada wine.
AWARDS
Vivino - 4.7
The Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino blends grapes from Angélica Vineyard in Lunlunta and Nicasia Vineyard in Altamira. It's a classical Malbec that fermented in 225- and 500-liter rolling oak fermentors and matured in French barrique for 18 months.
They have changed the image and also the blend for this wine, which is now all from old vines. The label shows the history of Malbec with four relevant women (including Madam Phylloxera!) from the 12th century to the rebirth in the 20th century.
AWARDS
Vivino - 4.7
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