Cheval des AndesProducer from Mendoza, Argentina

Cheval des Andes, a winery emblematic of the rich viticultural tapestry of Argentina, is a unique blend of Bordeaux grandeur with Andean terroir. Nestled at the foothills of the Andes Mountains in Mendoza, the winery represents a fascinating blend of French winemaking precision and the vibrant character of New World wines. Its close linkage to the revered Château Cheval Blanc, a premier Grand Cru Classé A estate in Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, makes it an extraordinary venture in the world of wine, symbolizing a confluence of traditions and expertise that transcends continents.

Château Cheval Blanc of  Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux:

The genesis of Cheval des Andes dates back to 1999, stemming from a collaborative vision between Terrazas de los Andes, a winery celebrated for its high-altitude vineyards in Mendoza, and the legendary Château Cheval Blanc. The partnership was born out of a shared ambition to combine the rich, fruit-forward expressions of Malbec, Argentina's flagship varietal, with the finesse and structure of Bordeaux’s winemaking philosophy. This innovative project sought not merely to mimic the wines of Bordeaux but to create something unparalleled, a new "Grand Cru" of the Andes.

The winery’s conception is deeply rooted in the exploration of terroir, particularly the unique conditions offered by the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza. Situated at elevations of up to 1,200 meters (almost 4,000 feet) above sea level, these vineyards benefit from a significant diurnal temperature variation which ensures slow, balanced ripening of grapes. This environment is key to the development of the complex aromatics, firm tannins, and fresh acidity that characterize Cheval des Andes' wines.

Under the auspices of Cheval Blanc, renowned for its expertise in crafting exceptional blends, Cheval des Andes benefits from an unparalleled level of winemaking savoir-faire. The project aligns the intrinsic qualities of the terroir with meticulous vineyard management and innovative winemaking techniques. Its approach, which emphasizes manual harvesting, careful selection, and precise vinification processes, mirrors the meticulous standards of its Bordeaux counterpart. The blend, predominantly Malbec, is accented with additional varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, reflecting a fusion of the Bordeaux and Argentine identities.

A blend of new and old-world:

What makes Cheval des Andes genuinely special is its representation as a bridge between two worlds. It embodies the luxury and consistency of Bordeaux while embracing the intensity and richness of Argentine wines. It’s this blend of the Old and New World that positions Cheval des Andes as a groundbreaking endeavour in winemaking. The ambition to create a wine that resonates with the elegance and complexity of Cheval Blanc, while expressing the terroir of Mendoza, has garnered international acclaim, elevating the winery's position on the global stage.

Over the years, Cheval des Andes has refined its approach, continuously pushing the boundaries of excellence. The wines of Cheval des Andes are celebrated for their depth, intensity, and age-worthiness, offering sensual bouquets, refined structure, and a harmonious balance between fruit and oak. Each vintage is a testament to the successful cross-continental collaboration that speaks both of heritage and innovation.