Argentina Natural Wine Guide: From the Andes to Patagonia | Malbec, Torrontés & the New Wave

From the Andes to Patagonia

Argentina

From the extreme altitudes of Salta to the desert vineyards of Patagonia, discover how Argentina's natural winemakers are redefining Malbec, reviving ancient Criolla vines, and creating wines of extraordinary purity at the edge of the possible

Malbec Torrontés Extreme Altitude Criolla Orange Wine Patagonia

3,100 Meters (Max Altitude)

220,000 Hectares

5th Largest Producer

100% Natural Wine Growth

The Land of Extremes

Where altitude meets attitude

Argentina's natural wine movement represents one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving scenes in the New World. Unlike the ancient traditions of Georgia or the punk rebellion of Australia, Argentine natural wine emerges from a culture of extreme viticulture—vineyards planted at dizzying altitudes, from 1,000 meters in Mendoza to over 3,000 meters in Salta, where the sun is intense, the air is thin, and the wines achieve a concentration and freshness that seems impossible.

This guide focuses on the new wave of Argentine natural winemakers—producers who combine organic and biodynamic farming with minimal intervention winemaking. From Matías Michelini's revolutionary orange wines in Gualtallary to Bodega Chacra's biodynamic Pinot Noir in Patagonia, from the extreme altitude expressions of Bodega Puna in Salta to the natural Criolla revivals in Cafayate, these winemakers are proving that Argentina can produce wines of profound authenticity and terroir expression.

What unites them is a commitment to organic or biodynamic farming, native yeast fermentation, minimal sulfur, and an embrace of Argentina's unique viticultural heritage—including the revival of ancient Criolla varieties and the exploration of extreme high-altitude terroirs. The result is wines that are vibrant, alive, and deeply expressive of one of the world's most dramatic wine landscapes.

Key Facts

Location: Southern South America
History: Spanish missionaries (1550s)
Key Regions: Mendoza, Salta, Patagonia, San Juan
Main Grapes: Malbec, Torrontés, Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon
Method: Extreme altitude, organic, native yeast
Style: Concentrated, fresh, high-altitude elegance
Notable: Highest vineyards in the world

From Criolla to Malbec to Natural

500 years of evolution, 20 years of revolution

1550s

Spanish Arrival

Spanish missionaries bring vines to Argentina, planting the first vineyards in Mendoza and San Juan. The Criolla varieties (Mission/Pais) become the backbone of Argentine wine for centuries, used primarily for sacramental wine and local consumption.

1853

Malbec's Arrival

Michel Aimé Pouget brings French grape varieties, including Malbec, to Argentina. The variety finds its true home in the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza, thriving in the intense sunlight and cool nights.

1990s-2000s

The Malbec Boom

Argentina emerges as a global wine power, with Malbec becoming the country's signature grape. Large-scale industrial production dominates, but a few pioneers begin experimenting with organic and biodynamic viticulture.

2007

The Michelini Revolution

The Michelini brothers (Matías, Gerardo, and Juan Pablo) establish Zorzal Wines in Gualtallary, focusing on high-altitude, terroir-driven wines. They become pioneers of the "new wave" Argentine wine movement, emphasizing elegance over extraction.

2010s

Orange Wine & Natural Movement

Matías Michelini creates the first orange wines in Argentina, sparking a movement. Producers begin experimenting with skin-contact whites, zero-sulfur wines, and native yeast fermentation. The "Vino de los Andes" natural wine fair is established.

2020-Present

Criolla Revival & Extreme Exploration

Young winemakers rediscover ancient Criolla varieties in abandoned vineyards. Bodega Puna plants at 3,400 meters, pushing the limits of viticulture. Natural wine bars open in Buenos Aires and Mendoza, creating a local market for artisanal wines.

"Natural wines should be enjoyable; they have to be pleasant. The best I have tasted are the result of a long journey by producers who understand that the natural movement should not overshadow the wine, the true protagonist." — Romina Rolón, Mendoza sommelier

Mendoza, Salta & Patagonia

The diverse terroirs shaping Argentine natural wine

🏔️ Uco Valley, Mendoza

The epicenter of Argentine natural wine. High altitude (1,000-1,600m), alluvial soils, intense UV radiation. Sub-regions like Gualtallary, Altamira, and San Pablo produce wines of exceptional freshness and minerality. Home to Zorzal, Passionate Wine, and PolOpuesto.

🌵 Calchaquí Valleys, Salta

Extreme altitude (1,600-3,400m), desert climate, 300+ days of sun. The highest commercial vineyards in the world. Torrontés thrives here, as do Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. Home to Colomé, El Porvenir, and Bodega Puna's extreme altitude experiments.

🌊 Río Negro, Patagonia

Cool climate, desert conditions, riverbed soils of sand, clay, and limestone. Pinot Noir finds an unexpected home here. Bodega Chacra proves that Patagonia can produce world-class natural wines with Burgundian elegance.

🌾 Luján de Cuyo & Maipú

Historic heart of Mendoza wine, lower altitude (800-1,000m), traditional vineyards. Finca El Mirlo and Familia Cecchin practice organic and natural winemaking here, with some of the region's oldest Malbec vines.

🏜️ San Juan

Argentina's second-largest wine region, hotter and drier than Mendoza. Finca Las Moras produces organic wines here, while the region is known for Syrah and native varieties like Pedro Giménez.

🍇 The Criolla Heritage

Ancient varieties brought by Spanish conquistadores, including Torrontés, Pedro Giménez, and Moscatel Rosado. Nearly extinct, now being revived by natural winemakers for their unique character and adaptation to local conditions.

Key Natural Wine Regions

Region	Altitude	Climate	Natural Wine Character
Gualtallary (Uco Valley)	1,200-1,600m	Cool, mineral soils	Elegant, fresh, terroir-driven
Cafayate (Salta)	1,600-2,100m	Desert, intense sun	Concentrated, floral, high acid
Cachi (Salta)	2,600m	Extreme altitude, cold nights	Wild herbs, unique aromatics
Río Negro (Patagonia)	300-500m	Cool, windy, desert	Elegant, Burgundian Pinot Noir
Perdriel (Luján de Cuyo)	900m	Warm, traditional	Historic vines, natural approaches
La Poma (Salta)	3,400m	Extreme, limit of viticulture	Experimental, boundary-pushing

The Featured Producers

The pioneers defining Argentine natural wine

Mendoza – The Heartland

Matías, Gerardo & Juan Pablo Michelini

Zorzal Wines, Gualtallary, Uco Valley

Founded in 2007, the Michelini brothers are pioneers of the "new wave" Argentine wine movement. Located at 1,400m in Gualtallary—the highest winery in Mendoza—they focus on terroir-driven wines from limestone and granite soils. Practice organic methods and use only indigenous yeasts. Known for the "EGGO" line (wines fermented and aged in concrete eggs) and early-harvested, elegant expressions of Malbec, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc. Their vision: "have a light hand in the winemaking to let the fruit and terroir shine." Also run Passionate Wine project from an abandoned bodega in Tupungato—"The Monkey's Place"—focusing on experimental, minimal-intervention wines.

Since 2007 Organic Concrete Eggs Pioneers

Matías Michelini

Passionate Wine, Tupungato, Uco Valley

Matías's solo project, started after transforming an abandoned Italian-immigrant bodega into a collaborative winemaking facility. Known for "Via Revolucionaria"—experimental wines including orange wines, skin-contact Semillon ("Hulk"), and innovative blends. The winery features street art murals, including a giant gorilla that gave it the nickname "The Monkey's Place." Focuses on undiscovered terroirs and creative freedom, making "pleasurable wines while exploring." Also produces "Kung Fu" natural wines with minimal intervention, spontaneous fermentation, no filtering, no clarifying, no sulfites. A 2022 addition to the natural wine scene, exported globally.

Experimental Orange Wine Pioneer Zero Sulfur Street Art

Pol Andsnes

PolOpuesto Wines, Gualtallary, Mendoza

American winemaker based in Mendoza, producing "rebellious and experimental wines" through nomadic micro-vinifications in both Argentina and Spain. Focuses on biodiversity and creative aging techniques. His "Primavera Negra" blends Malbec with Semillón for complexity. Hand-harvests, works with gravity, favors long macerations. Only a few thousand bottles produced annually. Represents the nomadic, boundary-pushing side of Argentine natural wine—challenging traditional winemaking customs and systems with a truly international perspective.

Nomadic Experimental Small Production International

Ricardo García & Victoria Brond

Finca El Mirlo, Perdriel, Luján de Cuyo

"Spontané Malbec" comes from one of the first areas in Mendoza to plant Malbec—old vines growing without trellising (no pruning), their tendrils blending with the environment. Everything is spontaneous: growth, development, maturation, fermentation, and aging. A collaborative project of agronomist Ricardo García, winemaker Victoria Brond, and sommelier Romina Rolón. They gather friends for three years to harvest and experiment with these old Malbec vines. Represents the communal, friends-making-wine-together spirit of the natural wine movement.

Collaborative Old Vines Spontaneous Community

Ernesto Catena & Joanna Foster

Wine is Art / Stella Crinita, Vista Flores, Uco Valley

Mission: "transform viticulture into a true art form." Collaborative wines from Finca Tikal Natural, an organic and biodynamic estate. Produced in their artisanal experimental winery "L'Orange." Known for "Stella Crinita" Cabernet Franc and orange wines. Each label features different artists—"art in all its expressions." Ernesto Catena, son of Nicolás Catena, is known as the "Wine Poet." The estate includes llamas, chickens, pigs, and horses, with biodynamic agriculture and pre-Columbian-style architecture. Also produces Tikal Natural and Domaine Almanegra lines.

Biodynamic Artistic Collaborative Wine Poet

Alberto Cecchin

Familia Cecchin, Maipú, Mendoza

Over 100 years producing organic and natural wines in Maipú. Fourth-generation family winery committed to "conceiving an organic wine is to provide a scenario of natural harmony, where vines coexist with herbs and fruit trees, favoring ecological balance." Certified organic wines with minimal intervention, native yeasts, and no additives. Visitor experiences include sensory tastings with cheese and chocolate pairings. Represents the historic, family-tradition side of Argentine natural wine—proving that natural winemaking has deep roots in Mendoza.

100+ Years 4th Generation Organic Family Tradition

Maricruz Antolin & Liliana Suárez

Bodega Krontiras, Lunlunta, Maipú

Organic, biodynamic, and vegan wines from Maipú. The winery architecture is inspired by biodynamic principles and ancient "sacred geometry." Their Krontiras Malbec Natural 2023 was the world's first Natural Malbec, awarded 95 points and Gold at the 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards. Also produce "Cosmic Amber" orange wine (Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay blend). Focus on minimal intervention, respecting the vineyard's natural environment. Constantino and Silvina Krontiras brought their passion for wine from Greece to Argentina.

Biodynamic Award-Winning Vegan Sacred Geometry

Lucas Pfister

Bodega 40/40, Ugarteche, Mendoza

"40/40" refers to the location on National Route 40, kilometer 40. Winemaker Lucas Pfister has experience in Saint Emilion, Margaret River, and Bolzano. Produces "Otro Andar"—a Torrontés orange wine fermented with pomace and whole bunches, aged one year in barrels. The label represents "the blend of classic and modern, experience, and what is yet to come." Focuses on taking risks in both vineyard and winery, creating complexity and structure in unexpected places like Ugarteche for orange wines.

Route 40 International Experience Orange Wine Risk-Taking

Lucas Richardi & Cristian Santos

Casa Tano, Godoy Cruz, Mendoza

Urban winery founded in 2011 with motto "Vino por el Arte" (Wine for Art). Indigenous yeasts, early harvests, minimalist winemaking aiming for "the good to emerge on its own." Lines include Pet-Nat, experimental co-fermentations like "Al Compás," and clay amphora whites ("De Barro"). Also features an artistic bistro, live music events, and "Casa Tano en Vivo" series blending art, cuisine, and wine. Represents the urban, creative side of Mendoza's natural wine scene—where wine meets culture and community.

Urban Winery Since 2011 Amphora Art & Wine

Salta – Extreme Altitude

Bodega Puna

Cachi & La Poma, Salta (2,600m - 3,400m)

One of the highest wineries in the world, with vineyards at 2,600m (Cachi) and 3,400m (La Poma)—the absolute limit of viticulture. Produces Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo, Torrontés, and Sauvignon Blanc in extreme conditions. The name refers to the Puna plateau, an "indomitable, immense, inhospitable" landscape. The altitude, climate, thermal amplitude, and UV radiation create wines with unique characteristics. Also produces orange wines and sparkling wines. Restaurant and wine bar on site with stunning views of snow-capped peaks.

Extreme Altitude 3,400 Meters World Record Orange Wine

Antonio Cabezas & Family

Bodeguita Don Aurelio, Tolombón, Cafayate

Small-scale artisanal producer in the Calchaquí Valleys, part of a vibrant family-run wine movement. Antonio Cabezas was a pioneer of artisanal winemaking in the valley, making wine in an adobe extension to his home with dirt floors. The family continues traditional methods passed down through generations, working with small plots inherited from ancestors who toiled in large estate vineyards. Represents the "patero" (foot-trodden) wine tradition and the resistance of small producers against industrial dominance. Part of wine cooperatives addressing inequalities in access to capital and water.

Artisanal Patero Tradition Family Legacy Social Justice

Lucia Bulacio

Lado Salvaje, Buenos Aires & Nomadic

Sommelier and natural wine advocate who discovered natural wine in Spain in 2016 and started making her own in 2018. Her production is nomadic—visiting natural wine producers, living with them, helping with harvest, and carving out corners to make her own wines. Opened Lado Salvaje store in Buenos Aires in 2021, then launched Feria Salvaje—Argentina's most important natural wine fair. Philosophy: "consciousness, respect and coherence" rather than extremism. Believes natural wine is about "what you are going to leave behind in this life"—how you treat the earth.

Nomadic Feria Salvaje Advocate Buenos Aires

Patagonia – The Cool South

Piero Incisa della Rocchetta

Bodega Chacra, Río Negro Valley, Patagonia

Grandson of Sassicaia's creator, Piero made a bold gamble in 2004 after discovering Patagonian Pinot Noir at a blind tasting. Found a dilapidated 1932 vineyard of ungrafted Pinot Noir producing so little fruit the owner tried to talk him out of buying it. Now the cornerstone of Bodega Chacra, applying rigorous biodynamic and organic farming. The desert climate with only inches of rain annually creates intensely pure conditions. Single-vineyard Pinot Noirs ("Treinta y Dos" from 1932 vines) possess saline elegance compared to red Burgundy. Also produces "Barda" Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with advisor Jean-Marc Roulot. One of Patagonia's crown jewels and most exciting New World projects.

Since 2004 Biodynamic 1932 Vines Burgundian

Matías Riccitelli

Riccitelli Wines, Patagonia & Mendoza

Born in Cafayate, Salta, Matías developed his skills in Mendoza before creating Riccitelli Wines in 2009. The winery is in Las Compuertas (1,100m), the highest area of traditional Luján de Cuyo, managing 20 hectares of old ungrafted vineyards. Also makes wines from Patagonia's Río Negro Valley—including old-vine Semillon and rare varieties like Bastardo. "The Apple Doesn't Fall Far from the Tree" Cabernet Sauvignon and "Hey Malbec!" represent his playful, serious approach. Awarded Michelin Green Star for sustainable gastronomy at Riccitelli Bistró. Focuses on maximum expression of variety with balanced freshness and acidity.

Patagonia Old Vines Michelin Green Star Rare Varieties

"The landscape is not only what we can see like earth, sky, climate and grapes, but it's also the person who is behind it, the context, and how they live." — Lucia Bulacio, Lado Salvaje

The Grapes of Natural Argentina

Malbec, Torrontés & the Criolla revival

Red Variety • The Icon

Malbec

Argentina's signature grape, originally from Cahors, France. Thrives at high altitude with intense UV radiation, producing wines of deep color, velvety tannins, and floral aromatics. Natural winemakers emphasize freshness and terroir over extraction.

Style: Black fruit, violets, plum, chocolate
Natural Wine Role: Fresh, elegant, lower alcohol
Top Producers: Zorzal, Krontiras, Finca El Mirlo
Altitude: Best at 1,000-1,600m
Notable: First Natural Malbec (Krontiras, 2023)

White Variety • The Aromatic

Torrontés

Argentina's signature white, a cross of Muscat of Alexandria and Criolla Chica. Intensely aromatic (rose, jasmine, citrus) with surprising acidity when grown at high altitude. The perfect grape for orange wine production.

Style: Floral, citrus, aromatic, fresh
Natural Wine Role: Orange wine, skin contact
Top Producers: Bodega 40/40, Chakana, Puna
Regions: Salta (Cafayate), Mendoza
Notable: First orange wines by Michelini

Red Variety • The People's Grape

Bonarda

Originally from Savoie, France (Douce Noir), Bonarda is Argentina's second most planted red. Traditionally used for bulk wine, now being reclaimed by natural winemakers for its fresh, juicy, low-tannin character.

Style: Red fruit, fresh, juicy, low tannin
Natural Wine Role: Glou-glou, carbonic maceration
Top Producers: Bodega Chakana (Sobrenatural)
Method: Carbonic maceration popular
Notable: "Sobrenatural" is 100% carbonic

The Criolla Revival

Ancient varieties being rediscovered

Pedro Giménez: Rapidly declining white Criolla grape, mostly grown in San Juan and Mendoza. Unrelated to Spanish Pedro Ximénez. Makes fresh, aromatic wines when handled naturally.

Moscatel Rosado: Cross between Muscat of Alexandria and unknown grape. Distinct from Portuguese Moscatel. Used in orange wine blends for aromatic complexity.

Criolla Chica (Pais): The original Mission grape brought by Spanish missionaries. Nearly extinct in Argentina but being revived for its historical significance and unique character.

Bastardo: Rare variety from Patagonia, producing light, fresh reds. Matías Riccitelli champions this nearly forgotten grape.

Food Pairing & Argentine Asado

Natural wine meets the world's greatest barbecue tradition

Pairings for Malbec

The classic Argentine match

Asado: Grilled beef, chorizo, morcilla
Empanadas: Beef, spicy, baked or fried
Hard cheeses: Aged cheddar, Parmigiano
Mushrooms: Grilled portobello, morels
Stews: Carbonada, locro
Local match: Bife de chorizo with chimichurri

Pairings for Torrontés

High-altitude freshness

Ceviche: Citrus-marinated fish
Spicy foods: Thai, Indian curries
Goat cheese: Fresh chèvre
Seafood: Grilled shrimp, octopus
Salads: With citrus dressing
Local match: Locro (corn and meat stew)

The Asado Tradition

Where natural wine finds its home

The asado is Argentina's sacred barbecue tradition—slow-grilled beef over wood fires, lasting for hours with friends and family. Natural Malbec, with its freshness and lower alcohol, is the perfect companion to the smoky, rich flavors of asado. Unlike over-extracted, high-alcohol conventional Malbecs, natural versions don't overwhelm the palate, allowing the subtle flavors of the meat and the company to shine. The communal, unpretentious nature of asado aligns perfectly with natural wine philosophy—authentic, shared, and deeply connected to the land.

Visiting Natural Argentina

From the high-altitude vineyards of Salta to the desert of Patagonia

🏔️ Mendoza

Base yourself in Luján de Cuyo or Chacras de Coria. Visit Zorzal and Passionate Wine in Gualtallary (appointments essential). Casa Tano in Godoy Cruz offers urban winery experiences. Don't miss Feria Salvaje if timing aligns. Combine with traditional wineries like Catena Zapata for contrast. Best time: March-May (harvest season).

🌵 Salta & Calchaquí Valleys

Fly into Salta city, drive the Quebrada de las Conchas to Cafayate (3 hours). Visit Bodega Puna in Cachi (2,600m) for extreme altitude wines. Colomé offers the world's highest vineyard (3,111m). Stay at Miraluna or El Cortijo in Cachi. The landscape is otherworldly—red rock formations, cacti, and snow-capped peaks. Best time: April-June or September-November.

🌊 Patagonia

Fly to Bariloche or Neuquén, drive to Bodega Chacra in the Río Negro Valley. The desert landscape with riverbed vineyards is stunningly different from Mendoza. Combine with hiking, lakes, and outdoor activities. The cool climate produces elegant Pinot Noir that rivals Burgundy. Best time: December-March (Patagonian summer).

10-Day Natural Wine Itinerary

Day 1-3 - Mendoza: Arrive, explore Luján de Cuyo. Visit Familia Cecchin and Finca El Mirlo. Dinner at Casa Tano. Day trip to Gualtallary for Zorzal and Passionate Wine.

Day 4-6 - Salta: Fly to Salta. Drive to Cafayate via Quebrada de las Conchas. Visit El Porvenir and Bodega Colomé. Continue to Cachi, stay at Miraluna, visit Bodega Puna.

Day 7-8 - Buenos Aires: Return to Buenos Aires. Visit Lado Salvaje natural wine bar. Explore the city's food and wine scene.

Day 9-10 - Patagonia: Fly to Bariloche. Visit Bodega Chacra for biodynamic Pinot Noir. Explore the lakes and mountains before departure.