Alberto Arizu Jr.: “Argentina is making the best wines in its history”

Talking with Alberto Arizu Jr. is like peering into the intimate soul of Argentine wine — a family that has spent over 120 years interpreting the land and perfecting Mendoza’s elegance, bottle after bottle. At the head of Luigi Bosca, one of the country’s most iconic wineries, Arizu embodies that increasingly rare balance between tradition and innovation, legacy and risk, heritage and future.

The launch of Paraíso 2022, presented at Finca El Paraíso, serves as the perfect excuse to listen to him. It’s the winery’s flagship wine, yes — but also a statement of principles: a collectible red meant to transcend trends, preserve style, and honor four generations of winemaking history.

In this conversation, Arizu talks about what it means to safeguard a family legacy, why Argentine wine should hold a cultural (not just commercial) place, how to innovate without losing identity, and the challenge of continuing to surprise when you’re already a classic. There’s also space for favorite pairings, music to uncork by, and that sensory memory that runs through generations.

What does Paraíso 2022 mean to you, and how does it differ from previous vintages?

Paraíso 2022 is, to me, the ultimate expression of Luigi Bosca’s style — a wine where tradition and innovation meet in perfect harmony. It’s the result of 125 years of history, a tribute to the generations that came before us, and an inspiration for those to come.

“Paraíso 2022 is the ultimate expression of Luigi Bosca’s style”

This vintage has a different kind of ripeness — more rounded — that enhances the fruit and gives it remarkable depth. Each year we strive to maintain Paraíso’s essence — its elegance and balance — while also reflecting the character of the year and the evolution of our vineyard work. It’s a wine that transforms harvest after harvest into a true classic, standing out for its quality and representing the values of our land and our family.

Paraíso 2022 is a wine that transcends time because, beyond the character of each year, it preserves its spirit intact: the tireless pursuit of excellence.

You belong to a generation that not only maintains family tradition but also seeks to innovate and bring Argentine wine to the world. How do you experience that ambassador role?

Throughout my life at Luigi Bosca, I’ve had the privilege of serving as an ambassador not only for our wines but for Argentine wine in general. In 1993, I had the honor of being one of the founders of Wines of Argentina, where I also served as president for several years. I feel enormous pride and satisfaction in having been part of the process that brought our wines international recognition and respect. Luigi Bosca played a very active role in that journey; our wines have earned prestige and recognition that have been key to our global success.

You grew up among vineyards and wineries. What’s it like to be part of one of the most influential families in Argentine wine? What values and lessons from that heritage stay with you?

My family has been part of Argentine wine since its beginnings, helping to build it since the late 19th century. Being part of that legacy fills me with pride, and I hope to enjoy it for many years while inspiring future generations. We must preserve this cultural heritage for our children — we must not deprive them of it.

At the vintage presentation, you said that “wine must occupy its rightful place as a beverage that represents Argentina.” Beyond the business, what does wine mean to you?

It’s history, art, and culture. Wine-growing regions have richer, deeper cultures. Wine has existed for thousands of years: it was vital to the Greeks, celebrated in the Roman Empire, and central to Christianity. Being part of that ancient tradition is a privilege. Wine brings people together, celebrates gatherings, and connects us to what’s most human — sharing.

“Wine brings people together, celebrates gatherings, and connects us to what’s most human — sharing”

Your father, Alberto Arizu, is a benchmark in Argentine wine. What aspects of his leadership did you adopt, and what did you choose to do differently?

My father taught me the value of humility and the power of communicating knowledge simply. Thanks to him, I fell in love with wine forever. I learned so much from his way of seeing the world — and I still learn every day. He was a true visionary: he put Mendoza on the international map and founded the first Controlled Denomination of Origin in the Americas, to protect our Malbec when few believed in its potential.

You’ve led an emblematic winery for years. What dream or goal do you still hope to achieve at Luigi Bosca?

I have many dreams ahead, and I keep working toward them. I want Luigi Bosca to be admired not only for the quality of its wines but also for its contribution to Argentine wine culture. Our purpose is to leave a mark, to chart a path. We know perfection doesn’t exist, but striving for it every day is what drives and inspires us.

What do you expect for Argentine wine in the coming years? What’s your vision for the country’s wine industry?

I always say Argentina is making the best wines in its history — and we continue to build on that. Today we have knowledge, talent, and a strong identity. Our challenge is to keep showing that Argentine wine is not just a beverage but part of a cultural and emotional legacy that represents us to the world.

PING PONG

When you’re not drinking wine, what do you enjoy?

A Negroni Sbagliato.

Your perfect pairing?

A goat ragout wrapped in an almost transparent dough we make at Finca El Paraíso, paired with a Los Nobles Cabernet Bouchet 1996. Simply unforgettable.

What music accompanies the opening of a special bottle?

Adiós Nonino by Astor Piazzolla — perfect for stirring every fiber of your being and preparing you to receive a great wine.

A new face in the wine world that’s caught your attention recently:

There are many new faces bringing extraordinary freshness to wine.

What’s the ideal moment to open a bottle of Paraíso 2022?

It’s the perfect wine for a deep conversation with someone special.

The flavor of your childhood — the one that takes you back:

The dry, thirsty summers and the taste of a glass of soda with a little red wine as a child — that takes me back instantly.