A decanter.com promotion
Patagonia produces top quality wine in Argentina. Learn about two Patagonian wineries with different styles, that complement each other: Fin del Mundo and Malma.
A decanter.com promotion
Patagonia is the southernmost region of Argentina. It is one of the country’s best spots for vine growing and has now emerged as a top-quality wine-producing region. Famous for its natural beauty, resources and sheer size, Patagonia is one of the world´s most beautiful natural sanctuaries.
Like other Argentinian regions, Malbec is a star in Patagonia. However, other varietals such as Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc have also found the land makes their ideal terroir here.
Exceptional conditions for healthy and natural viticulture allow sustainable practices, rational water use and healthy vineyards.
One of the characteristics of this region is that, due to being located at 39 degrees south, the winters are intense and summer nights are cool, producing a slow ripening of the grapes and the perfect combination of sugar, acidity and concentrated aromas.
Another distinctive feature of the region is the wind, which helps keep the vines healthy as well as thickening the skin of the grapes.
Patagonia has managed to position itself as one of the Argentina’s high qualtiy wine regions.
In the UK, Hispamerchants is the importer of two Patagonian wineries, Fin del Mundo and Malma, and Solano Pena Lenzi, Hispmerchant’s MD, is very proud of having wines from Patagonia in his portfolio.
‘As an Argentine specialist, wines from Patagonia form an essential part of our portfolio. Patagonia’s cool climate viticulture ensures that wines produced in this exciting region retain a freshness which is evident whatever the variety. Bodega Del Fin Del Mundo and Bodega Malma are two of the most renowned wineries located in the North Patagonian Neuquén region and we have been working together for more than 8 years, growing the presence of their brands in the UK market year by year. Delicate Pinot Noirs, delightful and refreshing traditional method sparkling wines and Malbecs displaying fantastic mineral notes are just a few of the bright stars shining out in the Patagonian galaxy! With a latitude similar to many of New Zealand’s world-famous wine regions, it is no surprise that Sauvignon Blanc also does fabulously well.
The difference in style between the two wineries means they complement each other and both sit very well in our portfolio. Malma, with Roberto de la Mota as consultant oenologist, produces elegant smooth wines, while Fin Del Mundo incorporates the power and structure of the Michel Rolland style into their wines.
Patagonia has for many years had an exotic and enigmatic profile as a region. The time is now ripe to taste the exotica and discover the mystery! Viva La Patagonia!’
In Europe, one of the main wine importers is Christian Philipson, MD of Philipson Wine, who began importing wine from Patagonia in 2004.
‘We have successfully imported Fin Del Mundo wines since 2004 – Back then Postales Pinot Noir made a sensational debut on the Danish market by beating several world famous and much more expensive Burgundy wines in a blind tasting. Fin Del Mundo put Patagonia on the wine map of the world.’.
Fin del Mundo was the main winery behind the development of the whole San Patricio del Chañar Valley, led by its founder, Julio Viola. Julio discovered that the region was ideal for growing vitis vinifera.
The winery soon started producing outstanding wines and exporting them to the rest of the world.
Another remarkable winery is Malma, formerly known as NQN.
Malma translates as pride from the mapuche language, the mother tongue of the indigenous people who formerly inhabited this region. The name conveys the philosophy of all who work there to make world class wines with Patagonian character.
• Bodega Del Fin Del Mundo:
o HispaMerchants is the stockist and agent for UK
o ND John Wine is the stockist for Wales.
o The General Wine Company is the stockist for the South East of England.
• Bodega Malma:
o HispaMerchants is the stockist for UK.
