Mendoza doesn't only produce accessible wines. In the last three decades, it became the cradle of premium labels that compete face-to-face with the world's great wines: Bordeaux, Tuscany, Napa Valley.
In this guide we'll explore the world of Mendoza's high-end wines: what makes them special, which are the reference wineries and how to know them on a visit.
What defines a high-end wine?
There's no single definition, but Mendoza high-end wines usually share these characteristics:
- Rigorous grape selection: specific parcels, old vineyards, manual harvest
- Prolonged barrel aging: 12–24 months in new French oak
- Limited production: few thousand bottles per label
- High scores in international magazines (Wine Spectator, Decanter, Wine Advocate)
- Aging capacity: wines that improve 10–20 years in bottle
- Premium positioning: icon wines with value reflecting their exclusivity and limited release
The high-end reference wineries
Catena Zapata (Luján de Cuyo)
Argentina's most awarded winery. Their top labels:
- Catena Zapata Estiba Reservada: iconic blend, 99 Parker points in 1995 vintage.
- Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard: series of single-parcel Malbecs.
- Nicolás Catena Zapata: the family's flagship blend.
The winery's architecture (Mayan pyramid in the middle of vineyards) is reason alone to visit. It's a mandatory stop on any Luján de Cuyo tour.
Achaval Ferrer (Luján de Cuyo)
Specialized in single-parcel Malbecs. Their Finca Altamira, Bella Vista and Mirador labels are world reference. Each wine represents a specific terroir, without filtration, without makeup.
Viña Cobos (Luján de Cuyo)
Founded by California winemaker Paul Hobbs. Their Cobos and Bramare lines are among the most expensive and best-rated Malbecs in the world. Very limited production.
Susana Balbo Wines (Agrelo)
The first female winemaker in Argentina. Her Brioso line (Bordeaux blend) and Nosotros (icon Malbec) are reference. Also makes unique premium Torrontés.
Salentein (Uco Valley)
Pioneer of high-altitude wine tourism. Their Numina and Primus lines are high-end blends. The winery has a contemporary art museum and excellent restaurant. Essential on any Uco Valley tour.
Casa Vigil / El Enemigo (Maipú)
Project by winemaker Alejandro Vigil (Catena Zapata). Their Gran Enemigo and Vino del Desierto labels are cult. The gastronomic experience at Casa Vigil is one of the best in Mendoza wine tourism.
Bodega Norton (Maipú)
One of the oldest wineries (1895). Their Privada line is international reference, with premium Malbecs and blends.
Recommended icon wines (top 10)
- Catena Zapata Adrianna River Stones Malbec
- Viña Cobos Cobos Malbec
- Achaval Ferrer Finca Altamira Malbec
- Susana Balbo Nosotros Single Vineyard Malbec
- Catena Zapata Estiba Reservada
- Salentein Single Vineyard Numina
- El Enemigo Gran Enemigo Cabernet Franc
- Norton Privada Family Reserve
- Cheval des Andes (Franco-Argentine joint venture)
- Riccitelli Old Vines from Patagonia (Mendoza border)
The star varieties of Mendoza high-end
Malbec remains the king, but blends and other varieties have strong presence:
- Premium Malbec: the base of almost all icon wines.
- Cabernet Franc: the trendy variety in Uco Valley high-end.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: traditional in Bordeaux blends.
- Petit Verdot: provides color and structure to premium blends.
- High-altitude Chardonnay: premium whites from Uco Valley.
If you want to dive deeper into varieties, we recommend our guide to grape varieties in Mendoza.
Where and how to know these wines
Premium winery visits
Top wineries offer "premium visits" or "VIP experiences" tasting their highest line. They usually include private cellar, tour with winemaker and vertical tasting. They are exclusive experiences with value matching their level of personalization.
Lunches paired with icon wines
Some wineries offer course lunches with premium label pairings. It's the best way to understand why a wine costs what it costs: in context, with food designed to enhance it.
Vertical tastings
If you're passionate about a specific wine, ask for a "vertical tasting": try the same wine across several vintages (e.g. 2015, 2018, 2020). You'll understand how it evolves in bottle and what role the year plays.
Blending experience
If you want to understand the role of each variety in a high-end blend, the best experience is the Blending Experience. Alongside a winemaker you learn to mix varietals and create your own wine.
Is it worth paying so much for a wine?
The answer depends on taste and moment. A premium wine isn't necessarily better in absolute terms than an accessible one. But it offers complexity, aging capacity and nuances only achieved with exceptional grapes and extreme winemaking work.
For a first experience with premium wines, we recommend: a visit to Catena Zapata or Salentein, paired lunch at a boutique winery, or special tasting with sommelier at the winery of your choice. We coordinate it on any private tour.
Tips for storing premium wines at home
- Temperature: between 12 and 18°C, as stable as possible.
- Humidity: 60–70% to keep corks healthy.
- Position: horizontal, so the wine wets the cork.
- Darkness: UV light degrades wine.
- No vibrations: not refrigerators or cabinets near machines.
Frequently asked questions
What's the most expensive Mendoza wine?
Cheval des Andes (joint venture between Château Cheval Blanc and Terrazas) and Catena Zapata Adrianna Single Vineyards are among the most exclusive in the Argentine market, together with limited editions from Viña Cobos and Achaval Ferrer.
Are there Mendoza wines for collecting?
Yes. Top vintages of Catena Zapata, Viña Cobos, Achaval Ferrer and Cheval des Andes gain value with the years. Some bottles are auctioned at Sotheby's.
Where can I buy premium wines in Mendoza?
At the wineries themselves (producer prices), at specialized wine shops (Vines of Mendoza, La Vinoteca) or at Pulenta Estate. Some wineries do international shipping.
What's the best year for Mendoza premium wines?
2010, 2013, 2017 and 2020 vintages are considered high quality. But Mendoza quality is quite constant.
If you want a tour specially designed to know Mendoza's high-end wines, with visits to top wineries and tastings with winemakers, contact us via WhatsApp. Discovery Wine Mendoza has direct relationships with all premium wineries and builds custom VIP experiences.
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