Not far from the mountain town of Tupungato, the Urquia family have invested in 300 hectares of desert soils shadowed by the immensity of the Argentine Andes. The winery's name, Urqo, elegantly merges the family's surname and the Uco Valley. Urqo's vineyards spread across Los Chacayes and Tupungato districts and benefit from this raw exposure. The high UV and the mean, sandy soils of the desert environment are ideal for producing characterful fruit. The bodega itself is minimalist, a clean white structure designed, in simple terms, to best convey the essence of these grapes.

The wine labels reflect owner Loli Urquia's deep respect for the earth's natural energies. Alongside young Uruguayan winemaker Leo Pisano, the small team are overseen by the consultative presence of affable local legend Daniel Pi. Their collaborative efforts yield wines with the aromatic purity of the Andean air and a pronounced mineral quality. This energy and perfume belies the austerity in which they are grown.

This wine marries the best of Mendoza's widely planted cultivars. Grapes such as Bonarda, Cabernet and Malbec have long been favoured in the Barrancas region and have been well suited to the warm dry climate. Whilst Malbec stole the limelight, lots of these vineyards have become older and produce excellent quality fruit.

These grapes are co fermented in stainless steel and then spend time in concrete where its tannin and acidity soften before the wine's release.

This versatile wine pairs well with pizzas, pasta dishes and grilled meats.