Arriba Argentina!
Welcome to April’s edition of the l’Art du Vin wine club.
This time, we turn our focus to Argentina, a country whose wines continue to impress through a combination of high‑altitude vineyards, clear sunshine, and thoughtful winemaking. We want to show there is more to Argentina than just Malbec.
This selection brings together two producers who each tell that story in their own way: Masi Tupungato, an Italian-Argentine collaboration that applies centuries of Old World craft to Argentine fruit, and Pulenta Estate’s Bodega La Flor, a Mendoza benchmark whose wines are a consistent delight. Between them, they offer four bottles that span the full range of the season — two whites that are perfect as the warmer evenings arrive, and two reds with enough character to stand up to a proper springtime feast.
I hope you enjoy discovering these wines as much as I do, and thank you, as always, for your continued support of the wine club.
Best wishes
Philippe
Masi Tupungato Organic Passo Blanco (Pinot Grigio & Torrontés) 2024
Producer
Masi is one of Italy’s most celebrated wine families, with roots in the Valpolicella going back to the 18th century. Their venture into Argentina — Masi Tupungato — brings their signature ‘Passo’ technique to the Andes: a method of partially drying grapes before fermentation, originally developed for Amarone, which adds concentration and texture while preserving the wine’s natural freshness. Their commitment to organic farming reflects a deep respect for the land, whether in Italy or Argentina.
Tasting Notes
A bright and aromatic white wine with notes of citrus, white peach, and floral hints from the Torrontés. The palate is fresh and clean, with crisp acidity and a gently textured finish that keeps it light and refreshing.
Food Pairing
Wonderful as an aperitif, and equally alongside delicate spring starters. Try it with asparagus with hollandaise, grilled prawns, or a light goat’s cheese salad.
Masi Tupungato Organic Passo Doble Tierra Soleada (Malbec & Corvina) 2023
Producer
Masi is one of Italy’s most celebrated wine families, with roots in the Valpolicella going back to the 18th century. Their venture into Argentina — Masi Tupungato — brings their signature ‘Passo’ technique to the Andes: a method of partially drying grapes before fermentation, originally developed for Amarone, which adds concentration and texture while preserving the wine’s natural freshness. Their commitment to organic farming reflects a deep respect for the land, whether in Italy or Argentina.
Tasting Notes
This blend reflects Masi’s Italian heritage, a wine born of genuine curiosity about what happens when Argentina’s most celebrated grape meets the Venetian variety at the heart of Amarone. A smooth, medium‑bodied red showing ripe cherry and plum flavours, supported by soft spice and gentle tannins. Well balanced and approachable, with enough freshness to remain easy to drink.
Food Pairing
Made for a proper springtime roast. This wine is a natural partner for lamb — whether a slow-roasted leg or herb-crusted rack — and equally good alongside a rich beef stew or a selection of aged hard cheeses.
Pulenta Estate Bodega La Flor Sauvignon Blanc 2025
Producer
Pulenta Estate is a family‑run winery in Mendoza, the La Flor range (meaning ‘the flower’) captures something light, fresh, and joyful about Argentine wine at its best.
Tasting Notes
The high altitude preserves the variety’s natural vivacity: bright gooseberry, zesty lime, freshly cut grass, and a suggestion of white grapefruit on the nose. The palate is clean and precise, with lively acidity giving it real energy and a long, mineral-tinged finish. It sits somewhere between the elegance of the Loire and the exuberance of New Zealand.
Food Pairing
Pairs well with seafood, goat’s cheese, or lighter dishes such as salads and grilled fish.
Pulenta Estate Bodega La Flor Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Producer
Pulenta Estate is a family‑run winery in Mendoza, the La Flor range (meaning ‘the flower’) captures something light, fresh, and joyful about Argentine wine at its best.
Tasting Notes
The Pulenta family have decades of experience coaxing the best from this grape, and La Flor Cabernet is a brilliant demonstration of what this region can achieve. Notes of blackcurrant and dark cherry lead into subtle herbal and lightly spiced undertones. Medium‑bodied with smooth tannins, there is the classic Cabernet structure here, but softened by Mendoza’s abundant sunshine — approachable now, yet with the backbone to develop beautifully over the next few years.
Food Pairing
Excellent with beef, lamb, mushroom dishes. Also excellent alongside a good steak, roasted vegetables, or a mature Cheddar at the end of the meal.