Wine[ry] Of The Month: A Sky-High Surprise In The Andes

Published: Monday, June 30, 2025 at 4:06 pm

Sky-High Malbec: Terrazas de los Andes Redefines Argentine Wine

Terrazas de los Andes, an Argentine winery, is making waves with its innovative approach to winemaking, particularly its focus on high-altitude vineyards in the Uco Valley. The winery is pushing the boundaries of viticulture, cultivating grapes at elevations reaching nearly 5,413 feet above sea level. This unique approach is yielding elegant wines that challenge traditional perceptions of Argentine offerings.

The winery's "Parcel Series" showcases this "Ascension Journey," with each wine sourced from vineyards at progressively higher altitudes. The pinnacle of this series is the Extremo Malbec, sourced from the El Espinillo parcel, claimed to be the highest vineyard in the Uco Valley. This single-vineyard Malbec is garnering critical acclaim, with industry publications hailing it as a new icon for the variety. The Extremo Malbec is noted for its unique aromatic properties, reminiscent of Pinot Noir, and retails for $200. Other wines in the series, sourced from lower elevation parcels, retail for $99.99.

Terrazas de los Andes was founded by Herv Birnie-Scott, and the earliest plantings date back to 1929. The winery is also committed to environmental sustainability. It has implemented initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint, including using a new lightweight bottle that reduces CO2 emissions. Terrazas de los Andes is one of the few wineries to receive Regenerative Organic Certified status. The winery has also reduced its water usage and supports the local community through its "Guardians of Mountain Life" project. Furthermore, Terrazas de los Andes is collaborating with environmental organizations to support the conservation of Andean glaciers.

The winery's Extremo Malbec was featured at the Naples Winter Wine Festival, where a package of the wine, including personalized bottles and a trip to Argentina, fetched $500,000 at a charity auction.

BNN's Perspective: Terrazas de los Andes' commitment to both quality winemaking and environmental stewardship is commendable. Their innovative approach to high-altitude vineyards is producing exciting results, and their dedication to sustainability sets a positive example for the industry. The success of their Extremo Malbec at the Naples Winter Wine Festival highlights the growing global interest in Argentine wines and the potential for premium offerings.

Keywords: Argentine wine, Malbec, Terrazas de los Andes, Uco Valley, high-altitude vineyards, Extremo Malbec, Parcel Series, wine, vineyard, environmental sustainability, Regenerative Organic Certified, Herv Birnie-Scott, Naples Winter Wine Festival

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