rocamadre-wines
Rocamadre Wines
Rocamadre Wines

Under Wines: 10 young and boutique labels you need to know

These are bottles that are setting trends, with style and personality, and that you won’t find everywhere — and probably never will — but you should know at least once.

Federico Juarros
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While some still pop open the same old labels, a new generation of young winemakers, boutique projects, and author wines is fermenting very interesting (and delicious) things under the radar. We’re talking about bottles you won’t find just anywhere, but that make you look like a true connoisseur when you bring them to a dinner or take them out on a date.

That’s why we invited Bernardita Clement, a 26-year-old winemaker from Mendoza with experience spanning Barolo, Napa Valley, New Zealand, and Mendoza. Despite her young age and having worked at renowned wineries like Rutini and Viña Cobos, she is currently assistant winemaker at Raquis.

Bernardita approaches wine as a form of personal expression and believes each bottle reflects its creator. With a keen eye for detail and finesse — currently guided by mentors like Andrés Vignoni and Fran Laggini — she shares a list of labels that, in her opinion, are worth knowing, tasting, recommending, and cherishing.

solitova-wines
SolitoVa Wines

Discover her Top 10 recommendations that, apparently, if you read this far, you have to try at least once. Spoiler: after that, you’ll want to stock up.

1. SolitoVa Pali Semillón/Chardonnay by SolitoVa Wines

A white blend with the soul of an artist created by winemaker Leandro Velázquez. It’s one of those wines unlike any other: it combines the freshness of Semillón with the texture of Chardonnay in a mix that flows, surprises, and leaves you thinking.

Behind it is SolitoVa Wines, a project committed to simplicity, honesty, and enjoyment. Ideal for afternoons that start with laughter and end in confessions, or for pairing with fish or seafood dishes and good background music. A wine that holds up to long conversations and a full glass.

The scoop: their wines come from vineyards worked without additives, with low intervention and early harvesting, aiming for a style with low alcohol, good acidity, and smoothness on the palate.

Where to get it: available online with shipping nationwide at the following link.

2. Rocamadre Malbec by Rocamadre

This Malbec embodies everything that’s right about the new Argentine wine: depth, identity, and a vibe that blends wildness with sophistication. It’s one of those wines that don’t need to raise their voice to get attention. Best uncorked slowly and allowed to speak for itself. Because when the wine is good, not much else needs to be said.

Created by Cecilia Durán and Juanfa Suarez, Rocamadre is born on a small parcel estate in Gualtallary, Uco Valley, where altitude and stone dominate — and you can taste it in every sip. There’s tension, character, and an unmasked expression of terroir. Definitely a landscape wine that faithfully represents its origin.

The scoop: its labels nod to art, derived from engravings created by Coni Curi in collaboration with Fábrica de Estampas, using materials like wood, fabrics, and paint. These works speak to the wines’ origins in an abstract and poetic way.

Where to get it: available online with shipping nationwide at the following link.

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3. Turbio Sauvignon Blanc by Ravera Wines

Turbio? Yes, but in the best way. This unfiltered Sauvignon Blanc from Ravera Wines is pure freshness with a rebellious attitude. No makeup or corrections here: what you see (and drink) is what you get. It’s like tasting wine straight from the tank.

Turbio, made by winemaker Fernando Ravera, comes straight from Gualtallary and breaks all expectations of a classic white. Expressive, wild, with lively acidity and a texture that makes you look twice at your glass. A wine for those who enjoy the different, the raw, the alive. Perfect for bringing to a gathering and saying, “Try this, then tell me what you think.”

The scoop: it’s recommended to shake the bottle before serving, allowing sediments to mix and provide a creamy texture and greater mouthfeel density.

Where to get it: the winery has its own online store with exclusive discounts and shipping nationwide. Discover it here.

4. Piel de Sauvignon Blanc by Consciente Mente Viticultores

This wine from Consciente Mente Viticultores is a gem from Uco Valley, made by winemaker Tomás Stahringer. Coming from organic and biodynamic vineyards in El Cepillo, Mendoza, this Sauvignon Blanc stands out for its cold pre-fermentation maceration process over five days in concrete vessels, giving it a unique texture and remarkable aromatic complexity.

Also of interest: What is natural wine and which ones should you try?

The liquid, skins, and whole berry maceration activates native flora for a stronger fermentation. The result is a full-bodied wine with intense information both on nose and palate. Ideal for those seeking unique and memorable wine experiences.

The scoop: fermentation uses native yeasts, and the wine is aged in concrete pits, contributing to its unique texture and complexity.

Where to get it: available online with shipping nationwide at the following link.

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5. Macollo Criollo by Macollo Wines

This wine, born in eastern Mendoza, is crafted by winemaker Santiago Vignoni. Macollo Criollo rescues over 13 criolla grape varieties, mostly white and pink, from old vineyards in Rivadavia, Mendoza.

With minimal intervention winemaking and native yeast fermentation, this wine reflects the authenticity of the terroir and the region’s wine tradition. Ideal for those seeking a different and authentic experience in every glass.

The scoop: it’s a fresh, light wine with fruity notes, perfect to start a wine round with friends and pair with a charcuterie board of various cheeses and cold cuts.

Where to get it: available online with shipping nationwide at the following link.

6. Sucus Malbec Los Filosos by Sucus Wines

This Malbec is Sucus Wines’ flagship, a project focused on honest, unadorned wines. Made with grapes from Villa Chacón, La Consulta, Mendoza, Los Filosos is vinified with native yeasts and manual work, including hand pump-overs, aiming to highlight the purity of the fruit and natural freshness of the varietal.

The result is a vibrant red with fresh red fruit notes and acidity that invites another sip. Very expressive, with juicy tannins, structure, and crunchy fruit.

The scoop: Sucus was born as a friends’ project, created by winemakers Ulises Fontana and Octa Antelo, a young duo who quickly took shape, resulting in two lines for the 2023 vintage. A fresh perspective worth uncorking.

Where to get it: available online with shipping nationwide at the following link.

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7. Tesoros del Terroir Petit Verdot by Odre Wines

This Petit Verdot is a true representative of eastern Mendoza, San Martín, made by Odre Wines, a project dedicated to pure terroir expression. With carefully selected grapes and respectful winemaking, this wine offers aromatic intensity combining ripe black fruit notes with subtle spicy touches. On the palate, it’s structured with firm but elegant tannins and acidity that adds freshness and balance.

Born from the motto “handmade wines,” it is the product of the efforts of Leandro Coronado and Francisco Barchiesi. It is characterized by hand destemming and allowing a portion of whole clusters to ferment with the rest of the crushed grapes, lending sensory qualities like acidity, freshness, tannins, vegetal aromas, and structure.

The scoop: only around 300 bottles are produced. Ideal to pair with grilled red meats or game dishes, this Petit Verdot demonstrates the potential of this variety in Mendoza soils.

Where to get it: due to very limited batches, it’s only available by contacting their Instagram directly. If you’re lucky, you might find it at selected restaurants and wine shops.

8. Esencial Cabernet Franc by Bodega Viña Alta

This 100% Cabernet Franc is a Mendoza gem made by Bodega Viña Alta with grapes from Fray Luis Beltrán, Maipú. Aged for three months in acacia barrels — an unconventional wood — it offers a unique sensory experience. An ideal label for those exploring new expressions of Argentine Cabernet Franc.

Also of interest: Discover Gran Dante 2021, the world's best Malbec winner

The nose reveals floral notes like orange blossom, combined with spicy nuances of pepper and clove, plus hints of vanilla and coconut. On the palate, it has rounded, balanced tannins with medium-long persistence and elegant structure.

The scoop: try their full line of six varietals including Criolla, Malbec, Ancellotta, Naranjo, a three-red blend, and a natural sweet white.

Where to get it: available online with shipping nationwide at the following link.

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9. En Vivo Cabernet Franc by Casa Tano

Casa Tano is an urban winery located in Godoy Cruz, Mendoza, founded by Lucas Richiardi and Cristian Santos. Their artisanal approach and passion for winemaking shine in every bottle, combining tradition and modernity.

This Cabernet Franc is a vibrant expression from Uco Valley, made with grapes from Los Chacayes. Fermented with 10% whole clusters and aged for 10 months in fifth-use French barrels, it offers notes of cherries, blackberries, plums, and a touch of pink pepper. At 14.4% alcohol, it’s a fruity red with some reductive character and good structure.

The scoop: besides redefining winemaking, this urban winery also runs its own bistro, La Campiña, offering everything from small plates to five-course menus, regional cuisine, and Italian options highlighting Argentine and Mediterranean culture.

Where to get it: available online with shipping nationwide at the following link.

10. Livvera Malvasia by Escala Humana Wines

Crafted by winemaker Germán Masera, this wine comes from century-old vineyards in El Zampal, Tupungato. Made with 100% Malvasia, it stands out for its 90-day skin maceration, giving it a rich texture and complex aromatic profile.

This unusual varietal is not a single grape but a family of Mediterranean varieties. Historically planted in warm Argentine regions often used for blends or mass-market wines, its varietal identity was somewhat overshadowed. Escala Humana Wines’ Livvera is a prime example of a new approach where Malvasia takes center stage.

The scoop: Malvasia is emerging from anonymity thanks to creative and respectful winemaking. Ideal for those seeking wines that challenge norms and tell a different story, both in the glass and behind it.

Where to get it: available online with shipping nationwide at the following link.

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