Winemaker Notes
Argentina's major wine regions are located in the western part of the country and are seated along the base of the Andes Mountains. With one of the widest diurnal temperature variations in the world, Argentina's summers can hit as high as 104ºF and nights cooling off to 50ºF. This arid desert-like climate relies on the pollution-free water from the melted glaciers in the Andes in order to naturally irrigate each vineyard. Argentina also has some of the highest altitudes vineyards in the world, with an average altitude of 3,000 feet high. These extreme and strenuous geographic characteristics allow Argentina's vines to really struggle and produce lower yields with higher quality and more concentrated wines.best — of Argentina's wines. Don Rodolfo is one such winery.
Argentina is a country where its people love to express themselves. Embracing art as a language, locals do this through the rich cuisine, vibrant music and eye-catching street art.
This dynamic culture continually inspires on a daily basis and DR Art of the Andes wines embrace this lifestyle in each and every one of its handcrafted wines.
DR Art of the Andes wines are certified in both GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) by the internationally respected DNV-GL Corporation. A portion of every bottle of Don Rodolfo sold is donated to support a socio-economically diverse group of aspiring Argentinean artists. With this money we are able to cover costs of their art supplies, studio time, and continual education via special workshops, artist lectures and participation in open studios.
By far the largest and best-known winemaking province in Argentina, Mendoza is responsible for over 70% of the country’s enological output. Set in the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains, the climate is dry and continental, presenting relatively few challenges for viticulturists during the growing season. Mendoza, divided into several distinctive sub-regions, including Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley, is the source of some of the country’s finest wines.
For many wine lovers, Mendoza is practically synonymous with Malbec. Originally a Bordelaise variety brought to Argentina by the French in the mid-1800s, here it found success and renown that it never knew in its homeland where a finicky climate gives mixed results. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Pinot Noir are all widely planted here as well (and sometimes even blended with each other or Malbec). Mendoza's main white varieties include Chardonnay, Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.
Unapologetically fun and distinctively fragrant, Torrontés is regarded as the signature white grape of Argentina. In many ways it bears a striking resemblance to Muscat (and in fact is an offspring of Muscat of Alexandria). Sommelier Secret—If you’re in search of a new summer sipper, look no further than Torrontés. These wines are always inexpensive, delightfully refreshing and are best enjoyed in the sunny outdoors at a picnic, poolside or on the porch.