Nestled in the heart of Argentina’s most prestigious wine region, Altar Uco has become a beacon for those seeking the exceptional. Located in Mendoza’s esteemed Uco Valley, this winery has gained a reputation for producing high-altitude wines with a unique sense of place, led by the creative vision of winemaker Juan Pablo Michelini.
In this article, we delve into the story behind Altar Uco, exploring its terroir, winemaking philosophy, the man responsible for bringing its wines to life, and the winery’s ambitious export plans.
The Birth of Altar Uco:
Established in the early 2013, Altar Uco is a product of passion and dedication to the land. Recognizing the incredible potential of the Uco Valley, a group of investors and wine enthusiasts sought to create a winery that would showcase the region’s unique terroir, focusing on wines that express the true essence of the land.
Enter Juan Pablo Michelini. With a deep-rooted family history in winemaking and a commitment to innovation, he was the perfect fit to bring the vision of Altar Uco to life. Overseeing the development of the vineyards and winery from the ground up, Michelini has shaped the winery into what it is today – a true testament to the beauty of the Uco Valley.
The Terroir of Uco Valley:
Altar Uco’s vineyards are spread across several sub-regions within the Uco Valley, including Altamira, Gualtallary, and Vista Flores. These diverse sites, each with their own unique microclimates and soil compositions, contribute to the complexity and depth of the wines.
At elevations ranging from 3,300 to 4,600 feet above sea level, the vineyards benefit from a cooler climate and intense sunlight, leading to slower ripening and a longer growing season. This results in wines with bright acidity, firm tannins, and a distinct minerality.
The Winemaking Philosophy:
Central to Altar Uco’s winemaking philosophy is an unwavering commitment to the terroir. Michelini strongly advocates for minimal intervention, enabling the grapes to reveal their distinct character and connection to the land they originate from.
In the winery, Michelini combines time-honored techniques with cutting-edge practices, such as concrete eggs and large foudres, to craft wines that are both expressive and harmonious. By employing native yeasts and minimal filtration, he accentuates the wines’ authenticity and sense of place. Additionally, Juan Pablo places great emphasis on respecting the time each product needs, ensuring that every wine reaches its full potential before it is shared with the world.
Expanding to International Markets:
With an eye on the global stage, Altar Uco has already begun exporting its wines to the United States, focusing primarily on the hotel and restaurant markets. This strategic approach allows them to place their wines in establishments where they can be appreciated by a discerning clientele who value quality and authenticity.
Altar Uco has plans to expand its exports to other countries, capitalizing on the growing interest in high-altitude wines and Argentina’s winemaking prowess. By concentrating on partnerships with hotels and restaurants, they aim to build a strong reputation for their wines and create lasting connections with wine lovers worldwide.
Altar Uco’s Wine Varieties: Edad Joven, Edad Media, and Edad Antigua:
To cater to diverse palates and occasions, Altar Uco has developed three distinct wine ranges: Edad Joven, Edad Media, and Edad Antigua.
- Edad Joven: The “young age” range features vibrant, easy-drinking wines that showcase the fresh, fruit-driven characteristics of the Uco Valley. These wines are ideal for immediate enjoyment and pair well with a wide variety of dishes.
- Edad Media: The “middle age” range represents a step up in complexity, with wines that have been aged for a longer period, allowing for greater depth and structure. These wines display the unique characteristics of their specific vineyard sites and are perfect for those seeking a more sophisticated wine experience.
- Edad Antigua: The “ancient age” range features Altar Uco’s most prestigious and age-worthy wines. These limited-production offerings are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using only the finest grapes from select vineyards. These wines showcase the incredible potential of the Uco Valley and are meant to be savored and cellared for years to come.
Conclusion:
Altar Uco has made a name for itself as a leading winery in the Uco Valley, showcasing the best that this remarkable region has to offer. With its dedication to the terroir, innovative winemaking practices, and a range of wines that cater to a variety of tastes, it is no wonder that this winery is gaining recognition on the global stage.
If you are interested in distributing Altar Uco’s wines in your country, we recommend getting in touch with Krou Trading LLC, a company that specializes in connecting quality wine brands with discerning international markets. Together, you can work to bring the exceptional wines of Altar Uco to a wider audience, allowing more people to experience the unique charm of the Uco Valley.