The dazzling convergence of culinary mastery and oenophilic artistry blending harmoniously in presenting gastronomic excellence, was the background against which the historic Michelin Guide ceremony was held in Argentina, late last year. Michelin Guide’s grand debut highlighted the brilliance of Buenos Aires and Mendoza, as the evening’s attendees enjoyed wines from a quartet of national wineries who transformed the event into a vinous symphony. The wines of Catena Zapata, Cheval des Andes, Familia Zuccardi, and Susana Balbo orchestrated a seamless integration of flavours, enhancing the gala experience on the evening of November 24, 2023 at Arena Studios Buenos Aires. For the first time in its storied history, the Michelin Guide ceremony graced Argentina, showering recognition upon various establishments situated in the country’s culinary capitals: Buenos Aires and Mendoza.
The presence of the four wineries added to the evening’s sophistication and indulgence as it unfolded into an unparalleled crescendo of flavours and aromas. This distinguished quartet of bodegas, each a luminary in their own right, added a layer of elegance to the ceremony, making it an immersive celebration of Argentina’s culinary and viticultural excellence. Undoubtedly, their presence left an indelible mark on the palates of the attendees, as they unveiled a tapestry of flavours intricately woven with the country’s rich viticultural heritage. The Malbec wines of Catena Zapata, characterised by their depth and complexity, flawlessly complemented the diverse menu curated for the occasion as they treated guests to a sensorial journey.
Cheval des Andes’ presence at the event represented the fusion of French and Argentine winemaking traditions, a collaborative masterpiece between Terrazas de los Andes and the illustrious Château Cheval Blanc of France. This winery brought forth a symphony of Bordeaux varieties seamlessly entwined with Argentina’s emblematic Malbec, in a delicate interplay of aromas and textures, perfectly paired to the gastronomic delights that graced the Michelin-starred tables. For Familia Zuccardi, the evening was a celebration of terroir-driven excellence, where guests were treated to an exploration of diverse terroirs, as Zuccardi’s Malbecs and Torrontés showcased the intricate tapestry of flavours unique to each vineyard. Susana Balbo Wines, a name synonymous with elegance and precision, renowned for crafting wines of unparalleled sophistication, enchanted guests with aromatic whites and robust reds. The crescendo of flavours unveiled is a testament to the bodega’s commitment to crafting wines, with finesse and balance, that stand the test of time.
Thursday Food spotlights five wines from these four bodegas, three of which house restaurants recommended by and featured in the 2024 Michelin Argentina Guide:
Catena Alta Chardonnay 2021 is a 100 per cent varietal, by Catena Zapata, made from grapes grown almost 5,000 feet above sea level in the Andean foothills of Mendoza. The wine is a bright yellow-greenish colour, offering aromas of white stone fruits with a touch of banana, mango, notes of sweet spice and grilled bread. The mouthfeel is full and rich, but with wonderful freshness, showing flavours of ripe pear, fig, light notes of tropical fruit and delicate floral tones. The finish is long and lingering with wonderful minerality and clean, crisp acidity. Catena Zapata Winery’s Angelica Cocina Maestra Restaurant is recommended by the Michelin Guide and appears in the 2024 Argentina feature publication.

Cheval des Andes Malbec Blend, with its attractive deep red colour with purple tints, comprises 56 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, 40 per cent Malbec and 4 per cent Petit Verdot grown in Lujan de Cuyo Mendoza. This red blend expresses complex aromas that are fresh, fruity, floral, mineral in addition to having notes of ripe plum, blackberries, lavender, anise and chocolate. In the mouth, it is fine and persistent with the presence of Petit Verdot enhancing its juiciness and fluidity. It is a balanced wine, exhibiting freshness and maturity, with elegant tannins and an aromatic finish.
Zuccardi Q Chardonnay is made from 100 per cent Chardonnay grapes grown at vineyards in the Gualtallary and El Peral areas of Mendoza’s Uco Valley. This wine has a bright greenish-yellow hue of medium intensity, with aromas on the nose that are reminiscent of ripe fruits, citrus and tropical fruits. Notes of white peaches, pear, vanilla and some spices can also be found in this wine. On the palate, it has a tasty and fresh entry into the mouth, with good minerality and vibrant development that then gives way to unctuousness, oiliness and a balanced finish. Bodega Zuccardi’s Piedra Infinita Restaurant is recommended by the Michelin Guide and appears in the 2024 Argentina feature publication.
Osadia de Crear Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut is a sparkling white blend of 70 per cent Chardonnay and 30 per cent Chenin Blanc, by Susana Balbo Wines, that bears the name of the bodega’s Michelin-recommended restaurant for which it is produced. It has a faint yellow colour with slight greenish tones and a very fine perlage that forms a crown of great persistence. On the nose, the dominating aroma is fruit reminiscent of white peach and apple. In the mouth, great fruit intensity is perceived, combined perfectly with marked acidity.
Osadia de Crear Rosé Brut Nature, made from 100 per cent Pinot Noir grapes in Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, is also produced for the bodega’s Osadia de Crear Restaurant. This sparkling wine is characterised by a soft and delicate pink colour, along with fine and elegant bubbles. It exhibits aromatic notes of ripe fruits such as cherry and strawberry, candied fruits and spicy touches on the nose. On the palate, it is sweet and complex, its soft and round tannins giving a long and persistent finish. Susana Balbo Wines’ scored a double coup, with Michelin Guide recommendations for the Osadia de Crear restaurant at the winery (Osadía de Crear) and La Vida in-house restaurant at the property’s hotel.
The Michelin Guide ceremony in Argentina not only honoured the culinary excellence of Buenos Aires and Mendoza but also raised a toast to the winemakers whose dedication and artistry have firmly placed Argentina on the world’s wine map. It was a celebration of the country’s cultural and gastronomic heritage, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and palates of all fortunate enough to partake in this vinous symphony. Salud!