10 wines for under 20,000 pesos

This Malbec is born in Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, one of Mendoza’s classic spots for this variety. Its vineyards, at 1,100 meters altitude, span 21 hectares that give the wine different expressions within the same estate.

At first glance, it enchants with a deep crimson red color and violet highlights. On the nose, it’s very expressive: ripe black fruits, blue flowers, sweet spices, red pepper, and a touch of white pepper appear. On the palate, it’s enveloping, with great presence, soft and juicy tannins, good freshness, and a long finish.

Tip: Ideal for an intimate date or a family Sunday meal. Dream pairing? Pine mushroom ravioli with a rich homemade Bolognese sauce.

Where to find it: Wine shops and some supermarkets nationwide or via this link.

Winemaker and owner Marcelo Bocardo surprises with this unusual blend. It comes from vineyards in Russell, Maipú, Mendoza, at 800 meters altitude, and achieves a red wine noted for its complexity and balance. A distinctive wine, perfect to break from the classic and dare to try something with personality.

On the nose, it’s a party of aromas: stewed plums, fresh blueberries, spices, and a touch of chocolate. Each note is clear, but all coexist in perfect harmony, enhancing one another. The Syrah and Grenache combination shines on the palate too, with great body, a very pleasant natural sweetness, and layers of flavor unfolding with every sip. Ideal to accompany roasted lamb with a red fruit reduction: a dish that highlights the wine’s intensity, making it a great choice for celebrations and family gatherings.

Tip: Proemio Wines’ Syrah-Grenache was the first co-fermented vineyard of this varietal in Argentina, making it a pioneering label among alternative blends in the country.

Where to buy: Due to limited batches, it’s a challenge to find. We recommend purchasing it on this website.

This wine, made with 100% Bonarda grapes, mostly comes from its own organic vineyard located in Luján de Cuyo, about 800 meters above sea level. The rest of the grapes are harvested in Jardín Altamira, Valle de Uco, at 1,200 meters altitude, where the semi-desert climate with hot days and cool nights adds tension and character.

The result is a very drinkable wine, juicy acidity, and a friendly profile. Its bright ruby red color with violet reflections already hints at what’s coming. On the nose, it stands out with notes of pink pepper, olives, chamomile flower, quince, and strawberry. The fruity and herbal tones also predominate on the palate, making this Bonarda a great companion for tomato-based dishes. Sommelier’s recommendation? A caprese pizza at a get-together with friends.

Tip: In 1996, the local ants did not want to leave the first newly planted vineyard. Instead of removing them, the team looked for natural ways to divert their attention and coexist with them. Since then, “Altos Las Hormigas” (High Ants), named after these small but powerful terroir inhabitants, honors them as a symbol of teamwork, humility, and perseverance.

Where to find it: In wine shops nationwide. They also have their own online store.

Of course, sommelier Di Módica’s selection wouldn’t be complete without a Cabernet Franc, which lately is her favorite. Hervé Joyaux Fabre, owner and winemaker at Fabre Montmayou, presents a wine of this varietal born in Luján de Cuyo. This elixir is ideal for those seeking wines with character and sophistication at an affordable price.

Also of interest: 10 labels to discover this trending varietal

Fresh and balanced, with a silky texture and an intense profile, it’s perfect for cold days. On the nose, it shows notes of red and black fruits with a menthol touch that adds freshness. On the palate, its firm structure and long finish make it a great companion for hearty dishes. It’s a winter wine, ideal to accompany stews or braises that highlight its natural elegance.

Tip: Fabre Montmayou was Argentina’s first boutique winery, established in the Vistalba area – Luján de Cuyo, in 1992, at 1,150 meters altitude, alongside the first 15 hectares of Malbec purchased in that locality.

This is the wine for barbecues. Ideal to share by the grill, it never fails when coals are burning, whether pairing a juicy cut or grilled vegetables. It’s a Cabernet Sauvignon liked by all: from those new to wine to the most trained palates.

Originating from diverse altitudes and terroirs, this red is round, full-bodied, with a silky texture. On the nose, it shines with aromas of red and black fruits, white pepper, spices, vanilla, coconut, and chocolate. On the palate, ripe fruit is noticeable (like blackberry and blueberry jam), and at the end, a hint of star anise makes it unforgettable.

Tip: The “1” on the label was born in 2005 when the first harvest was marked by cutting a number 1 out of the metal hoops of the barrels by hand. That symbolic gesture became an icon.

Where to find it: Available online at this link.

This wine was born from the friendship and passion of Norberto Páez and Sebastián Bisole, two agronomists and winemakers who decided to create their own project inspired by traditional production techniques. Thus, Paso a Paso was born, a winery that bets on natural, artisanal, and authentic.

Made solely with native grapes, without added sulfites and with indigenous yeasts. Its vineyard is in Montecaseros, San Martín (Mendoza), at 700 meters above sea level. Notes of perfumed Moscatel grape stand out, and it’s perfect to accompany a good cheese and charcuterie board… and even better with fresh grapes added.

Tip: This wine is named after one of the grape producers contributing to the project, Don Graciano. It completes the trilogy of his parcel: a white, a rosé, and this clarete, which express fruit freshness through different winemaking methods.

Where to buy: Available online at this link.

This distinct and distinguished white stands out for its citrus and mineral (or hydrocarbon) notes, typical of Riesling, a white grape variety from Germany. The wine made by Doña Paula is fresh, easy to drink, ideal for hot days, with excellent price-quality ratio.

Made with grapes from their Alluvia Estate in Gualtallary, Tupungato (at 1,350 meters), a high-altitude terroir that imparts freshness and character. Visually, it shows a pale yellow color. On the nose, expressive aromas of white flowers like jasmine and citrus notes. On the palate, it’s fresh, mineral, and with good acidity, achieving a complex and delicate profile that makes it very attractive.

Tip: A sommelier recommends this Riesling as the ideal companion for a good sushi platter.

Where to buy: The winery has an innovative geolocation system showing where you can buy their wines based on your location. Discover where to get it here.

From vineyards in Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, comes this great rosé, made by winemakers José Spisso and Nicolás Ferreira. Its bright reddish color results from a short maceration with skins at low temperature, a technique that enhances its aromas and freshness.

Also of interest: How to enjoy Malbec without leaving Mendoza City

On the nose, aromas of strawberries, cherries, roses, and jasmine stand out. On the palate, it’s smooth, well-balanced, structured, and acidic. It’s a complex, intense, elegant, and sophisticated rosé, with typical varietal notes like black fruit and white pepper. Very versatile, this wine is perfect to enjoy alone, chatting with friends, or paired with salads, fish, or creamy pasta. It suits any occasion.

Tip: It’s made from Cabernet Sauvignon, which is uncommon in this style of wine, where other varietals are usually used.

Where to find it: The winery has its own online store.

This orange wine couldn’t be missing, as it’s a style on the rise and gaining more fans, as the sommelier notes. Made with Moscatel grapes, it’s characterized by perfumed, floral, and delicate aromas. It comes from Bodega Niven, a family project in East Mendoza led by winemaker Lucas Niven.

It’s a textured wine on the palate with vibrant acidity, ideal for those looking to innovate and try something different in the wine world. It also pairs perfectly with seafood, like good fried calamari with lots of lemon.

Tip: It’s a cloudy wine, as it’s unfiltered. This means it retains natural grape particles and fermentation residues, adding more texture and character.

Where to find it: The winery has limited editions, so finding a bottle is an achievement. We recommend visiting bars and wine shops with disruptive labels to discover this gem.

From Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, comes this characterful Merlot, part of Bodega Lagarde’s historic line. It was the first launched by the winery over 30 years ago, aiming to showcase varietals with Mendoza style, quality, and elegance, a spirit that remains today. The sommelier highlights the organic vineyard management and work to emphasize each varietal’s identity.

This Merlot shines with an intense ruby red color and Bordeaux highlights. On the nose, it shows aromas of ripe red and black fruits, jams, black olives, and a delicate eucalyptus touch. On the palate, it’s luscious, structured, and persistent, with a round profile that makes it ideal for relaxed winter plans. Pairs very well with semi-dark chocolate or cocoa desserts.

Tip: On the same estate where this wine is made operate Zonda - Cocina de Paisaje and Fogón, two restaurants that are part of the prestigious Michelin Guide.

Where to find it: The winery offers direct WhatsApp contact to attend customer queries and delivers the wine to your doorstep.