From its origins in the rolling hills of Piedmont, Italy, to its present-day prominence at the foothills of the Andes, Bodega Dante Robino embodies the ideal union of tradition and modernity, crafting wines that resonate deeply with enthusiasts worldwide. Situated in Mendoza’s Luján de Cuyo region, the story of the winery begins with its founder Dante Robino himself, who was born in 1895, in northern Italy. His hometown of Canelli, Piedmont, was a wine-producing area celebrated for its sparkling wines and his upbringing among the vineyards developed in him a profound respect for the land and a keen understanding of winemaking traditions. These formative years instilled in him a dream: To craft wines that could bridge cultures and speak to the universal language of the vine.

In 1910, Dante’s journey took a transformative turn when, seeking opportunity, he emigrated to Argentina and settled in Buenos Aires. There, he established El Rincón del Novecientos, a restaurant that quickly became a beacon for Italian expatriates. But it was in the restaurant’s cellar that Dante’s true passion blossomed. He began bottling wines under the Novecento label, sourcing grapes from Mendoza and transporting them to Buenos Aires in 200-litre barrels. This small endeavour soon captured the hearts of his patrons, and demand for his wines grew exponentially.

By 1920, the success of his wines led Dante to move his operations to Mendoza, the epicentre of Argentine winemaking. There, he founded the Dante Robino winery, marking the beginning of a legacy that would endure for generations. The fertile soils and optimal climate of Luján de Cuyo provided the perfect canvas for his winemaking ambitions. Dante’s entrepreneurial spirit drove the winery’s expansion, tripling its capacity by 1945 and in 1958, he had formalised his operations under the Dante Robino Company, extending his reach far beyond his restaurant.

Honouring his Italian roots, the winery initially focused on producing sparkling wines and Italian varietals such as Gamba di Pernice and Nebbiolo, setting itself apart in a region predominantly known for Malbec. The 1980s ushered in a new chapter for the winery when, in 1982, Alejandro Squassini, a seasoned consultant for the winery, acquired a majority stake, breathing fresh energy into the operation. Squassini’s vision emphasised modernisation, sustainability, and a commitment to quality that further elevated the winery’s reputation. This period also saw the winery deepen its focus on premium wines, including Malbec, the grape that would eventually become synonymous with Argentine viticulture.

Investments in technology and vineyard management ensured that every step of the winemaking process adhered to the highest standards. A pivotal moment in the winery’s history occurred in March 2020, when Cervecería y Maltería Quilmes, a subsidiary of AB InBev, the world’s largest brewer, acquired Bodega Dante Robino. This marked AB InBev’s first foray into the wine industry, reflecting a strategic diversification of its beverage portfolio with an acquisition aimed at expanding the reach of Dante Robino’s wines both domestically and internationally. This would also enable the winery to scale its operations while maintaining its artisanal ethos.

Bodega Dante Robino’s vineyards are strategically located in some of Mendoza’s most celebrated wine regions, including Luján de Cuyo, Barrancas, and Santa Rosa. These high-altitude sites, ranging from 900 to 1,200 metres above sea level, are characterised by sandy loam soils with significant alluvial stone content, making it an ideal combination for cultivating grapes of exceptional quality. The terroir’s unique attributes, coupled with Mendoza’s abundant sunlight and wide diurnal temperature range, allow the grapes to ripen slowly, developing concentrated flavours while retaining vibrant acidity. These conditions are particularly favorable for Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay, which form the backbone of the winery’s portfolio.

Under the guidance of skilled winemakers, Bodega Dante Robino’s wines have gone on to win numerous awards annually and 2024 was no exception with the winery’s Gran Dante Malbec 2021 being honoured as the “Best Malbec in the World” at the International Wine Challenge (IWC), receiving a gold medal and 96 points. This prestigious accolade also earned the wine the International Malbec Trophy, the Argentinian Malbec Trophy, and the Uco Valley Malbec Trophy all the same event.

The Gran Dante Malbec 2021 is noted for its vibrant red colour with violet hues, fresh and balanced aromas, and a robust structure with mature tannins, offering a long and elegant finish. Crafted from grapes in Los Chacayes, Valle de Uco, this wine exemplifies the winery’s commitment to excellence.

Additionally, the Dante Robino Bonarda 2023 received a silver medal with 90 points at the same competition, further showcasing the winery’s dedication to producing high-quality wines. Red in colour with violet hues. Red fruits stand out on the nose. On the palate it presents soft tannins with a pleasant finish.

Other wines from this bodega include the Capriccio Dolcezza Rosado Dulce, a blush wine that comprises 90 per cent Bonarda and 10 per cent Torrontes grapes. It is pale pink in colour and bright, reminiscent of red fruits and white flowers. Expressive and fresh, it is young on the palate, with a precise balance of acidity as well as sweetness making it harmonious along with a pleasant finish.

Among the winery’s range of espumantes is Dante Robino Extra Brut, a 50 per cent Chardonnay-50 per cent Pinot Noir sparkling wine that is golden in colour, elegant and delicate, with bright golden reflections. Its aroma on the palate offers citrus fruits, with a delicate hint of toasted bread. Pleasant in the mouth, with an integrated and creamy bubble, its flavour is long-lasting as well as fruity.

In 2023, the winery unveiled El Observatorio, a restaurant that reopened the estate to visitors. This addition allows guests to immerse themselves in the world of Dante Robino through curated wine tastings, gastronomic pairings, and breathtaking views of the Andes. As the winery embarks on its second century, it remains deeply rooted in the values that defined its founder: a respect for the land, a commitment to excellence, and an unwavering belief in the power of dreams. Salud!