Images Courtesy of My Cava, TheWinetoBuy.com , and Wine.com Argentina  Although Malbec remains one of the handful of permitted red grape varieties in Bordeaux , today it is most notably associated with Argentina. Introduced in the mid-19th century, the grape quickly adapted to the country’s high-altitude vineyards and dry, sunny climate. Across Argentina’s diverse terroirs, Malbec takes on bold, fruit-forward characteristics with vibrant acidity and polished tannins. Cooler, high-elevation areas like the Uco Valley yield wines with floral aromatics and mineral structure, while warmer sites produce richer, more opulent styles. “Since the early 2000s, many wineries have been established in the Uco Valley, where vineyards are situated at even higher altitudes than those in Luján de Cuyo ,”  says Vargas. “The Uco Valley is now home to several geographical indications , each with distinct microclimates and soil compositions. For instance, the San Pablo appellation boasts a cool climate and produces fresh wines, while Paraje Altamira is recognized for its limestone soils, lending texture. Gualtallary’s diverse soils and high elevation yield elegant wines with notable grip.” Wine Enthusiast recommends Antigal 2019 One La Dolores Single Vineyard Malbec (Uco Valley) Coming from Gualtallary, one of the top subregions in Uco Valley, this red starts with aromas of dried herbs, and peppercorn followed by pomegranate. It has a savory palate, where flavors of thyme and rosemary are followed by dark-chocolate shavings and prunes. 93 points —  J.V. $47 Saratoga Wine

In spite of what the media may be saying, wine sales are not going down. They are suffering from what is plaguing everything else these days: inflation. The proof is to take a look at the stores that are currently selling wine – not the liquor stores but marketplaces and, believe it or not, drugstores. To put it in perspective, all shelves in a store must produce a profit or they will not be there for very long. What is taking a hit in the wine industry are wines that are currently selling at considerably higher prices than they formerly did. I do not know of many families who can put a $25-plus bottle on their dinner table every night. Being a person who has been accused of squeezing a dollar bill so hard that I broke George Washington’s nose, I am constantly scouring the wine industry for affordable wines that are, at the least, the equal of their higher-priced competitors. I believe that I have found wines that not only fit my requirements but do so for all wine drinkers, the Antigal Uno line of Argentinian wines. Not only are they well-made and affordable, but they are also vegan friendly. Antigal Uno 2021 Malbec ($16) It would be almost sacrilege to start a column on an Argentinian wine producer without beginning with the malbec, the wine that is the pride of Argentina. The first thing that is noticed when this malbec is poured is its intense violet color and the aromas of cassis, vanilla, coffee, plum and coconut in the background. These aromas remain alive in the glass and on the palate for an exceptionally long time. Here is a red wine that can accompany all the red meat dishes that come off the grill, as well as many of Italian or Spanish dishes, vegan or not. Antigal Uno 2023 Sauvignon Blanc ($13) Antigal Uno 2023 Sauvignon Blanc adds new interest to a variety that has become humdrum in recent years. The wine does have the variety’s signature aroma, which offers a slightly smoky fragrance combined with pineapple, citrus and a suggestion of fresh cut grass. In the flavor department, melon, pear and fig are present. What makes this wine a standout is the creaminess and richness that it displays, as well as an underlying mineral flavor. If you have lost interest in sauvignon blanc wines in recent years, try the Antigal Uno 2023 Sauvignon Blanc. I believe that you will be pleasantly surprised. This wine, like all other Uno products, can be easily spotted on dealers’ shelves or an internet lineup by the 3-inch No. 1 that appears like it has been riveted onto the bottle. Antigal Aduentus 2019 Cabernet Franc ($30) Cabernet franc is a red wine variety that is not often presented by itself but is used to soften cabernet sauvignon wines. This cabernet franc proves that it too can be a red wine winner on its own. A deep garnet color introduces a wine of amazing depth, flavor, warmth and finesse. The wine opens with a pronounced pomegranate and licorice aroma, which is followed by the aromas of cherries and summer red berries close behind. The flavor is warm, presenting a pleasant earthy mineral component, a background of hickory and an under-flavor of nutmeg. It is a wine that is ready to drink now or can even be cellared for further aging. Antigal Uno 2023 Rose ($13) This wine brings to mind the name of an old-time radio program called “I Love a Mystery,” as the grapes that were used to make this wine are just that, a mystery. The winemakers have kept the names of the grapes used to make this wine a secret to prevent other winemakers from duplicating this beverage. The aroma of this wine covers an entire spectrum of summer fruits such as cherries, strawberries and cooking spices, which mingle with the unmistakable scent of roses and whose flavor remains on the palate for a long time.

In a momentous achievement for the wine world, One La Dolores of Antigal winery has earned its place among the prestigious Top 100 Wines of 2024 by Wine Enthusiast . This recognition highlights the exceptional quality, artistry, and dedication that define One La Dolores, cementing its reputation as a standout in the global wine industry. The Wine That Stole the Spotlight The wine that garnered this accolade is a masterpiece, celebrated for its impeccable balance, vibrant flavors, and elegance. Described by the Wine Enthusiast  panel as "a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation," One La Dolores has captivated both connoisseurs and casual wine enthusiasts alike. Cheers to One La Dolores and the journey ahead!

Viña Vik, the renowned Chilean winery located in the Millahue Valley, has achieved an impressive milestone by securing the third position in the prestigious World's 50 Best Vineyards  ranking. This accolade not only highlights the exceptional quality of its wines but also recognizes the winery's innovative architecture and commitment to sustainable viticulture practices. The World's 50 Best Vineyards  evaluates criteria such as wine quality, visitor experience, and the overall impact of the winery. Viña Vik’s breathtaking landscapes, luxury accommodations, and unique art installations have significantly contributed to its esteemed reputation, making it a top destination for wine enthusiasts and travelers alike. This recognition emphasizes Chile's growing influence in the global wine industry and showcases Viña Vik as a leader in both winemaking and wine tourism. As one of the few wineries to be honored at this level, Viña Vik continues to promote innovation and excellence, further establishing its status as a must-visit location for wine lovers around the world. For more details on this recognition and the winery's offerings, you can explore the official World's 50 Best Vineyards  website.

Wine Enthusiast’s Best New World Winery continues its legacy of excellence with the appointment of a visionary leader. Buenos Aires, (XX September 2024 )– Antigal Winery & Estates, one of Argentina’s most historic and celebrated wineries, proudly announces the appointment of Paula González as the new Head Winemaker. Following the winery’s accolade as Wine Enthusiast’s  2023 Best New World Winery,  González is set to lead the winemaking team with a fresh vision while preserving the rich heritage of Antigal. “I’m incredibly honored to join the Cartoni family and Antigal Winery & Estates”, said González. “Together, with a talented team, I look forward to elevating the brand’s presence both in Argentina and on the global stage. Our mission is to craft authentic wines that truly reflect the unique terroir of this remarkable region.” Paula González brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role. A 2013 graduate in Enology from J. A. Maza University, her impressive career includes key positions at Pyros Wines and Pernod Ricard. Her international experience with Comando G in Madrid, Spain, has further honed her ability to explore diverse terroirs and adopt innovative winemaking techniques. About Antigal Winery & Estates Founded in 1897 in Maipú, Mendoza’s first wine region at the foothills of the Andes, Antigal Winery & Estates is one of Argentina’s oldest and most prestigious wineries. With primary vineyards located in the renowned Valle de Uco, including Gualtallary and La Arboleda, Antigal has undergone a complete transformation from value wine production to crafting premium, high-end wines. The historic 19th-century estate is dedicated to producing balanced wines that encapsulate the essence of Mendoza’s terroir. Antigal’s flagship wine, UNO Malbec, is recognized among the top 10 Argentine Malbecs in the United States. The winery’s distinctive metallic label featuring the number 1 has become a symbol of elegance and innovation. In 2023, Antigal was honored with the Wine Star Award for Best New World Winery by Wine Enthusiast, underscoring its commitment to excellence and its growing influence on the global wine stage. For more information, visit www.antigal.com By Patricia Schneider 2024

In a preview of his 2024 Report, the prestigious US critic James Suckling, based in Hong Kong, has awarded Preludio, Uruguay's high-end icon wine, an exceptional recognition with 96 points, placing it among the best wines in South America. Cru D'Exception Albariño also received 95 points, reaffirming our position as a world reference in the production of Albariños. It is worth noting that this wine had previously achieved the highest score ever awarded to an Albariño in the history of James Suckling tastings. We are pleased to share this exciting news that fills us with pride. These recognitions are an encouragement to keep moving forward, convinced that we are on the right track. Suckling described Preludio as “complex and complete. Traditional in the best of senses. Classic in nature,” a statement that highlights the elegance and unique character of this blend. This flagship of Uruguayan winemaking, with its rich history and unique method of aging in selected barrels followed by extended rest in bottle, reflects the cellaring potential and excellence of Uruguayan wines. “We are deeply honored and happy to see how Uruguayan wine is consolidating its position on the world stage. This recognition from James is a testament to the tireless work, innovation and pursuit of excellence that we have driven from our winery, always with the aim of exploring and enhancing the best terroirs in Uruguay. These scores are a spectacular encouragement to move forward, knowing that we are on the right path”. Santiago Deicas. About James Suckling At 65, James Suckling is positioned as one of the world's most influential wine critics, whose reviews are followed and respected by wine enthusiasts, collectors and the wine trade worldwide. President and publisher of JamesSuckling.com, a wine media and events platform with offices in Hong Kong, he has tasted and rated more than 200,000 wines over the course of his career. In 2023, he and his team rated more than 40,000 wines, providing over 200,000 ratings on his website JamesSuckling.com attracts more than 600,000 unique visitors a year and organizes around 20 wine events in cities around the world.

Antigal Winery & Estates was named New World Winery of the Year 2023, an award given to the most outstanding winery located outside of the U.S. and Europe. MENDOZA, RUSSELL-MAIPU, ARGENTINA, February 9, 2024, nestled in Argentina's Uco Valley, proudly announces its recent accolade as Best New World Winery at Wine Enthusiast magazine 's gala in Miami. This prestigious recognition from a leading industry authority marks a significant milestone for the family-owned winery. At the 24th Wine Star Awards, honoring global wine innovators, Antigal stood out as the sole Argentine nominee in the coveted Best New World Winery category. Jesica Vargas, Wine Enthusiast journalist, noted Antigal's role in elevating the Uco Valley with its signature Malbec and diverse wines. The fierce competition in this category included top wineries from New Zealand, South Africa and Chile. Director Alessandra Cartoni expressed profound gratitude, emphasizing the winery's steadfast dedication to excellence and innovation. "We're honored to receive the Best New World Winery award from Wine Enthusiast magazine. This recognition speaks volumes about our commitment to producing world-class wines that showcase the unique qualities of our vineyards and Argentinean terroir. The tribute shows appreciation of the hard work and dedication of my family, our team in Mendoza, partners in the U.S. and worldwide. Together, we strive for excellence, meticulously attending to every detail, driven by shared values and the pursuit of wines that stand among the world's finest," she stated. For more information about Antigal Winery & Estates, please visit www.antigal.com