What Are “Vinos de Sed” (Thirst-Quenching Wines) and Which Ones to Choose

When Martina talks about the Portillo line, she sums it up in just a few precise words: “Fresh, fruity, easy-drinking wines with good varietal typicity.” And that’s exactly what you need to know.

Portillo is Salentein’s line of young wines, expressing in each varietal the color, aromas, and distinctive flavors shaped by the winery’s tradition. All born in the Uco Valley, they offer a great expression of Mendoza’s terroir while remaining accessible—without sacrificing quality.

Did you know? The Portillo wines are named after the historic mountain pass linking the Andes with the Uco Valley, used by General San Martín during his liberation campaign and later by Charles Darwin.

Where to find it: Wine shops and select supermarkets nationwide, or via the link provided.

Serbal is Atamisque’s young, fruit-forward line, born on a 700-hectare estate where vineyards coexist with fruit trees, century-old groves, and untouched wilderness. Martina describes it as “aromatic, medium-bodied, with herbal notes and light red fruit”—exactly what a hot day calls for.

This vibrant wine perfectly reflects the essence of vinos de sed: red-fruit notes combined with delicate herbal touches and a juicy acidity that captures the terroir in every bottle. No complications, no pretensions—just freshness and fruit in the spotlight.

Did you know? The line’s name pays tribute to the “Serbal,” or “Lady of the Mountains,” a magical tree from Celtic mythology that thrives on mountain slopes and can grow up to 15 meters tall.

Susana Balbo, Argentina’s first female winemaker, is known as the “Queen of Torrontés” for transforming this grape from an obscure blend component into the country’s flagship white varietal. Her Críos line is living proof of that legacy. Martina defines it as a “fresh, floral white in the classic Argentine Torrontés style.”

This wine brings together the best of two regions: Cafayate in Salta and the Uco Valley in Mendoza. Aromas of citrus, passion fruit, lychee, and white flowers make it the perfect companion for hot days. Ideal for pairing with Asian and fusion cuisine, white meats, crab, fresh fish, or citrus-based or creamy desserts.

Did you know? The Críos line was born from Susana Balbo’s love for her children and her desire to build a family legacy that would help them forge their own paths.

From the Alluvia Estate in Gualtallary, at 1,350 meters above sea level, comes this Riesling that Martina describes as “a different white—citrusy, mineral, with marked acidity.” Planted on sandy soils with alluvial and calcareous stones, this wine is a faithful expression of its terroir, with climate and soil speaking clearly through the bottle.

Also of interest: What are Pét-Nat wines and which ones to try?

Pale yellow in color, with expressive aromas of white flowers like jasmine and inviting citrus notes, this Riesling of Doña Paula is fresh, mineral, and defined by its lively acidity. Easy-drinking and ideal for summer days, it’s the kind of white that doesn’t complicate things—on the contrary, it refreshes and delights.

Did you know? Riesling is a white grape variety originally from Germany’s Rhine region, where it is still the most widely cultivated worldwide.

Described by the sommelier as “well-crafted, fruity, and juicy, with soft tannins,” this Bonarda comes mainly from the winery’s own organic vineyard in Luján de Cuyo. With each vintage, organic vineyard management allows for a unique expression of the character of Argentine Bonarda.

Altos Las Hormigas aims to let mountain freshness shine while highlighting the different fruit profiles each site offers. On the palate, this Bonarda delivers on its promise: fine-textured, juicy tannins that make it highly drinkable and pleasurable, with a rich finish full of cherry and raspberry that invites another sip.

Did you know? An ideal pairing for this wine is a good plate of pasta with tomato sauce, pizza, or lean meats that complement its fruity, juicy character.

From Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, comes this blend that Martina describes as “balanced and approachable—an ideal introduction to blended reds.” Created by Viña Las Perdices, Patridge showcases the winery’s style: 50% Malbec, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 25% Merlot, with a deep carmine-red color.

This vino de sed stands out for being balanced and unpretentious—the perfect choice for anyone looking for a red that refreshes without overwhelming, while accompanying a warm summer afternoon.

Did you know? The winery is named Las Perdices (“The Partridges”) after the local birds that were its only witnesses in the beginning—calm birds that choose a habitat and don’t migrate.

From Maipú, just a few kilometers from the city of Mendoza, comes Trapiche Wines’ Reserva line—an emblem of the winery and defined as the best expression of what it has to offer. Within it is the Malbec, which Martina characterizes as a “Mendoza classic, with intense fruit and oak aging.”

Twelve months in French and American oak give it depth and sophistication. With an intense violet-red color, it shows sweet aromas of blackberries and plums, smoky notes, and an elegant hint of vanilla. On the palate, its velvety texture and smoothness invite slow sipping. A friendly, persistent finish makes it the perfect companion for moments when the wine isn’t meant to steal the spotlight, but to quietly enhance it.

Did you know? This Malbec is an ideal match for a classic Argentine asado, where its fruit intensity and oak aging pair perfectly with grilled meats.

Part of Norton’s portfolio of conceptual wines, Sexy Fish is a brand with its own identity, designed to surprise. Made from grapes grown in Agrelo (Luján de Cuyo) and Tupungato (Uco Valley), the line includes a Blanc de Blancs (Chardonnay and Torrontés), Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and, more recently, a Rosé. These are young, refreshing wines with no formalities.

Also of interest: The best spots to eat goat and barbecue in Mendoza

Norton’s goal is simple: when you pour a glass of Sexy Fish, enjoyment should come without complicated formulas or forced explanations. The wines aim to create impact, emotion, curiosity, and satisfaction through aroma and texture. Each bottle suits any plan, inviting experimentation without prior analysis.

Did you know? “Sexy Fish” is a contradiction between two words, proving that even the most unexpected combinations can be irresistible.

From Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, comes this rosé that Martina describes as “very elegant and fresh, with delicate fruit and a well-defined finish.” This blend of 45% Syrah, 35% Malbec, and 20% Tannat shows a delicate, soft pink color in the glass. Its expressive floral aromas and subtle forest-fruit notes make it a quintessential vino de sed: refreshing, aromatic, and pure.

On the palate, its natural acidity shines alongside a simple, fruit-driven character that defines great summer wines. Ideal for sunset sipping, as an aperitif, or paired with light starters and dishes, it’s the kind of wine that needs no analysis—just an invitation to enjoy the moment, where freshness and fruit are what truly matter.

Did you know? Chakana is a winery committed to certified organic, biodynamic, vegan, and natural wines, with a strong focus on conscious and responsible viticulture.

In Gualtallary, Tupungato, at 1,200 meters above sea level, this Sauvignon Blanc is born with zero solemnity. Since 1998, Finca Sophenia has been crafting wines in what was then virgin land and is now one of the country’s most recognized terroirs. The Altosur line focuses on young, vibrant varietals where fresh fruit and natural tension set the rules.

With its greenish-yellow color, fresh herbs on the nose, citrus notes, and a mineral backbone, this white is straightforward and unfiltered. On the palate, it delivers exactly what it promises: fresh, aromatic, with a clean, persistent finish that calls for another sip.

Did you know? Sophenia is named after Sophia and Eugenia, daughters of the founders, who were pioneers in planting vines in Gualtallary when it was still untouched land, completely unknown to the wine world.