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Mendoza

Argentina

About Mendoza

Argentina's most important wine region, responsible for roughly 70% of national production. Mendoza sits in the rain shadow of the Andes, where high-altitude vineyards (650 to over 1,500 metres) produce some of the New World's most distinctive wines. Malbec, once a blending grape in Bordeaux, found its spiritual home here, producing inky, plush wines with velvety tannins and floral aromatics. Luján de Cuyo's old-vine Malbec and the Uco Valley's high-altitude, mineral-driven expressions represent two distinct styles. The extreme altitude delivers intense sunlight, significant temperature swings, and desert-dry conditions that result in naturally concentrated, healthy fruit.

Vintage Ratings

Rating:
5
4
3
2
1
PeakReadyHold
Year20242023202220212020201920182017201620152014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002200120001999199819971996199519941993199219911990
Red

Cork tracks drinking windows for every Mendoza vintage in your cellar. Sign up

Outstanding Mendoza Vintages

The best recent vintages rated excellent or exceptional.

Red

2024

Ready
Excellent

High quality reminiscent of the extraordinary 2021 vintage. Well-balanced wines from slow ripening, with good acidity retention.

2026Peak 2028–20362040

2023

Ready
Excellent

Classic year for Mendoza Malbec with smooth tannins and fresh natural acid. Among the most ageworthy wines in years.

2025Peak 2028–20402045

2022

Ready
Excellent

Very good to excellent. Concentration of colour, tannins, aromas, and polyphenols exceeded 2021.

2024Peak 2027–20382042

2021

At peak
Exceptional

Exceptional vintage, possibly the grandest in recent memory. Cool year accentuating finesse, freshness, and elegance.

2023Peak 2026–20382042

2019

At peak
Exceptional

Tim Atkin called it the "best I've tasted" from Argentina in nearly 30 years. Modest alcohol with fresh acidity.

2021Peak 2025–20382042

2018

At peak
Excellent

Classic vintage, good for both value and collectible wines. Incredibly ripe, healthy fruit across all varietals.

2020Peak 2024–20352038

2017

At peak
Excellent

Low yields but excellent quality. Impressive concentration of tannins and very intense colour.

2019Peak 2023–20342037

2013

At peak
Excellent

Exceptional quality after three years of low yields. Average crop size returned.

2015Peak 2019–20302035

2012

At peak
Excellent

All about low yields and resulting depth and concentration. Deep, concentrated wines.

2014Peak 2018–20282032

2011

At peak
Excellent

Great vintage due to the long growing season. Coolest growing season of the decade.

2013Peak 2017–20282032

2009

At peak
Excellent

One of the best vintages of the decade. Healthy, dry, and abundant harvest.

2011Peak 2015–20272030

2006

Drink now
Excellent

Very good to outstanding. Warm vintage producing rich, powerful reds.

2008Peak 2012–20222026

2002

Past window
Excellent

Very good to outstanding vintage. Strong quality across all sub-regions.

2004Peak 2008–20182022

Subregions

Luján de CuyoMaipúUco Valley

Terroir & Character

Climate

continentalcool nightshigh altitude

Desert continental climate with intense high-altitude sun, cool nights, and minimal rainfall. The dramatic diurnal temperature variation preserves acidity while developing deep fruit concentration, creating wines with both power and elegance.

Terroir

diverse soilsgravelalluvialmineral-richclaylimestone

Diverse alluvial soils from Andean erosion, ranging from sandy-clay in lower elevations to rocky, well-draining limestone and gravel at higher altitudes. The combination of mineral-rich soils, high elevation, and desert conditions creates ideal stress for concentrated, complex wines.

Typical Aromas

blackberryplumvioletleatherdark chocolatedried herbs
Explore the aroma wheel

Classification System

Argentina uses a DOC and GI system, with Mendoza pioneering altitude-based classification. High-elevation vineyards (above 1,000m) produce the most concentrated wines.

Single Vineyard

Named vineyard site, often high altitude

Sub-region

Specific area like Luján de Cuyo or Uco Valley

DOC / GI

Controlled designation of origin

Grapes of Mendoza

Malbec

red
Body
Tannins
Sweetness
Acidity
blackberryplumdark cherryviolet

World's primary Malbec region

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Mendoza wine special?▼
Mendoza's magic comes from its high-altitude vineyards sitting between 650 to over 1,500 meters in the Andes' rain shadow. This creates incredible diurnal temperature variation - hot days and cool nights - which gives the wines intense concentration and balanced acidity. Plus, Malbec found its true home here, producing wines that are more expressive and powerful than anything it ever achieved in its original Bordeaux birthplace.
What are the best Mendoza vintages?▼
2021 and 2019 are absolutely stellar - both rated 5/5 with 2019 being called the best in nearly 30 years by Tim Atkin. The recent trio of 2022, 2023, and 2024 are all excellent too, each scoring 4/5. 2021 was a cool year that really brought out elegance and complexity, while 2019 delivered exceptional concentration and balance.
What grapes are grown in Mendoza?▼
Malbec is absolutely the king here - it's what put Mendoza on the world wine map. While other varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and some whites are grown, Malbec is really what defines the region. This French grape variety completely transformed when it arrived in Argentina, becoming much more expressive and structured than it ever was in Bordeaux.
Is 2024 a good year for Mendoza?▼
Yes, 2024 is quite good - it's rated 4/5 and described as high quality reminiscent of the exceptional 2021 vintage. The wines show excellent balance, which is exactly what you want from Mendoza Malbec. While not quite reaching the legendary status of 2019 or 2021, it's still a very solid vintage worth buying.
When should I drink Mendoza 2024?▼
Since 2024 Mendoza wines are well-balanced and reminiscent of the elegant 2021 vintage, you could start enjoying them now for their fresh fruit character. However, good Mendoza Malbecs typically age beautifully for 8-15 years, so these 2024s should drink well through the early to mid-2030s. The choice really depends on whether you prefer youthful exuberance or developed complexity.
What food pairs well with Mendoza wines?▼
Mendoza Malbec is absolutely perfect with red meat - think Argentine beef, grilled steaks, or slow-braised short ribs. The wine's robust tannins and concentrated fruit complement rich, savory flavors beautifully. Hard aged cheeses, lamb, and even dark chocolate desserts work wonderfully too, especially with the more structured examples from higher altitude vineyards.
How does Mendoza compare to other major wine regions?▼
Mendoza produces some of the New World's most distinctive wines, particularly with Malbec where it's simply unmatched globally. While regions like Napa focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and Burgundy on Pinot Noir, Mendoza has truly made Malbec its own in a way that even Bordeaux never achieved. The combination of high altitude, intense sun, and cool nights creates a unique terroir that's producing wines rivaling the world's best at often much better value.