Upon the announcement of the 2024 World’s Best Vineyards at the Nyetimber Estate in West Sussex, United Kingdom, in November of last year, Durigutti Family Winemakers not only made the list yet again, but found itself being the sole Argentine winery featured in the Top 10 with its Finca Victoria. For a nation celebrated for its Malbecs and sprawling vineyards, this recognition is both a point of pride and a testament to the enduring legacy of the Durigutti name in Argentine winemaking.

Las Compuertas, Mendoza, with its sprawling, sun-kissed terrain is the home of Durigutti Family Winemakers, representing more than a vineyard but a tapestry of tradition, innovation, and passion. Brothers Pablo and Héctor Durigutti, the architects behind this celebrated winery, have long been revered for their commitment to crafting wines that embody the soul of their terroir. Their story is one of grit and vision, rooted in a shared dream to elevate Argentine wine on the global stage.

Born into a family steeped in agricultural traditions, the Durigutti brothers were destined to cultivate something extraordinary, embracing an approach that is far from conventional. By intertwining biodynamic practices with a deep respect for the land, they have carved a niche that marries sustainability with sophistication. Finca Victoria, named after their mother, symbolises this ethos — a vineyard that is not merely a production site, but a sanctuary where every vine tells a story of care, patience, and artistry.

As a mosaic of innovation and tradition, Finca Victoria stands as the crown jewel of Durigutti Family Winemakers and is located at an altitude of over 1,000 metres above sea level. The vineyard benefits from a unique microclimate, where cool nights and sun-drenched days create the perfect conditions for cultivating premium varietals. The alluvial soils, rich in minerals and naturally drained, impart a distinct character to the grapes, translating into wines that are complex, elegant, and unmistakably Argentine.

At the heart of Finca Victoria lies the concept of biodynamic farming, which is guided by lunar cycles and ecological balance — an approach that ensures every bottle reflects the harmony between the vineyard and its environment. The result? Wines that not only captivate the palate but also resonate with a deeper connection to nature.

Its flagship Malbecs are an ode to Argentina’s most iconic varietal, boasting layers of dark fruit, velvety tannins, and a hint of spice. Yet, the Durigutti brothers’ portfolio extends beyond Malbec, featuring blends and single-varietal wines that showcase the diversity of Mendoza’s terroirs. From their expressive Bonarda to their refined Cabernet Franc, every bottle is a testament to their meticulous craftsmanship.

To kick off your new year, Thursday Food explores five labels from Durigutti Family Winemakers:

• Durigutti Familia 2020 Malbec, created in commemoration of the winery’s 20-year history, which began in 2002, this limited-run tribute wine to Mendoza’s Malbec is born as a special family collection. The wine is a deep and intense violet colour, combining notes of tobacco, black fruits and spices in its palette of aromas. In the mouth it is powerful, having a good balance between fruit and acidity, with black fruits that stand out in flavour, good body, and a long finish.

• Cara Sucia Sangiovese 2022 is a special edition in homage to Italian varieties rooted in the east. This 100 per cent red wine varietal expresses an aromatic range of red fruits like morello cherry and cherry. On the palate it is tense with a refreshing flow, with tannins that accompany a round finish.

• Aguijón de Abeja Reina Fusión de Blancas, an integration of five per cent Torrontés from La Rioja with 28 per cent Chardonnay and 67 per cent Semillón from the Alto Valle de Río Negro area, is an expressive wine, with an intense nose exhibiting subtle floral, tropical notes like pear, honey and orange blossom, This elegant but unusual white blend has a balanced acidity on a moderately oily palate with a refined, sticky freshness and a complex finish.

• HD Malbec Reserva 2022, a signature single vineyard varietal by Hector Durigutti, is a pure expression of the terroir, born at an altitude of over 1,150 metres above sea level in the Altamira area of the Uco Valley from vineyards first planted in 1938. This wine is deep and intense in colour, having an aromatic richness that evokes the presence of blueberries, ripe raspberries and licorice. It is medium to full body in the mouth, with firm, well-integrated tannins as well as a mineral nuance.

• Carmela Durigutti Malbec Guarda 2020 is a line that reflects Pablo’s passion for wine and love for his daughter, Carmela — his inspiration. The wine’s elegance and aromatic intensity are the expression of century-old vines, first planted in 1914, at Finca Victoria in Las Compuertas, Luján de cuyo. On the nose are aromas of black fruits, cassis, tobacco, dark chocolate, hazelnuts, and dried violets. On the palate, dried fruits are perceived; it is balanced and full-bodied, having ripe and silky tannins, in addition to a long and crunchy finish.

In a world where trends come and go, the Durigutti Family Winemakers stands as a beacon of timeless quality. Its inclusion in the World’s Best Vineyards Top 10 is more than an accolade; it is an invitation to discover, celebrate, and savour the spirit of Argentina through the lens of this enchanting vineyard. For here, every vine has a story and every bottle is a masterpiece. Salud!