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Mendoza, the land of wine par excellence, has become an epicenter of winemaking innovation. Among trends that embrace authenticity, natural wine has earned a special place. With a focus on sustainability and minimal intervention both in the vineyard and the winery, these labels offer an experience that connects directly with the terroir.
But what is natural wine? Sommelier Romina Rolón, dedicated to "pure wines, without masks or make-up," reveals the main characteristics of this production and presents a selection of 10 must-try Mendoza wines.
Chakana Wines
What is natural wine?
Natural wine is produced through sustainable agricultural practices, without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers. It involves a winemaking process that avoids additives and preservatives, including added sulfites, resulting in a beverage that authentically reflects the terroir and the conditions in which the grapes are grown.
Another key characteristic of natural wines is spontaneous fermentation using native yeasts present on the grape skins. It also requires conscious intervention by the winemaker, as the goal is purity, allowing the grapes to express their natural character.
Wine is Art
"Natural wines should be enjoyable; they have to be pleasant. The best I have tasted are the result of a long journey by producers and winemakers who understand that the natural movement or trend should not overshadow the wine, the true protagonist of it all," reflects the Mendoza-based sommelier, who hosts a streaming show on sustainable wines called Vivo Vino and runs the Envinados Mendoza wine bar.
Without hesitation, she created a list of 10 natural Mendoza wines to taste and discover what these wines—made from a single ingredient: the grape—are all about.
Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.
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1. Krontiras Natural Malbec - Bodega Krontiras
Krontiras Wines | |
Agricultural engineer Maricruz Antolin and winemaker Liliana Suárez are the creators of the organic, biodynamic, and vegan wines of Bodega Krontiras. Their winery is naturally integrated with the vineyard in the Lunlunta, Maipú region. The architecture is inspired by biodynamic principles based on ancient "sacred geometry" to create an excellent environment for winemaking and aging.
Fact: Krontiras Malbec Natural 2023 is the world's first Natural Malbec and was awarded 95 points and a Gold Medal at the 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards.
2. Y la Nave Va Sin Sulfitos Malbec - Bodega Canopus
Canopus Vinos | |
This wine from Bodega Canopus comes from a very cold area of the Uco Valley—El Cepillo, San Carlos—highlighting the varietal's tension as well as its fresh, crisp fruit, while maintaining the finesse of the region.
Gabriel Dvoskin's intention with this natural Malbec was to deepen the search for pure and clear wines, sourced from a small 0.4-hectare plot of certified organic Malbec. Only 2,300 bottles were produced, with an alcohol content of 12.5%. The sulfite-free process allows for an energetic and pure wine expression.
Fact: Bodega Canopus is located in a territory of limestone soils, extreme temperatures, and unpredictable winds, where frost risks pose constant challenges. The winery has ten hectares of vineyards at 990 meters above sea level, producing wines with finesse, texture, and character.
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3. Postales de Cosmos Syrah - Finca Cosmos
Finca Cosmos | |
An authentic and unique natural wine from Lavalle, north of Mendoza. In this biodynamic estate, the vineyard was initially just a perimeter hedge for the winery. Today, from a single parcel within its 21 hectares of vines, 400 bottles of Syrah are produced.
Postales de Cosmos is the first to receive the Biodynamic Agriculture certification, awarded through a participatory system among farmers. Its label features a portrait of Melisa, the estate’s cow.
Finca Cosmos combines tradition and sustainability to create artisanal wines that reflect the essence of the local terroir. Their biodynamic approach nurtures the land, respects natural cycles, and follows the lunar calendar for harvesting and other production processes.
Fact: In addition to wine, Finca Cosmos produces natural cosmetics and organic food, with fruit and vegetable plantations, a farm with animals, and various activities promoting a healthy and environmentally respectful lifestyle
4. Primavera Negra - PolOpuesto
Lado Salvaje Vinos | |
This Malbec blend from PolOpuesto Wines, with a touch of Semillón, focuses on the biodiversity of its surroundings. It combines the juiciness and expressiveness of the red grape with the subtlety and elegance of the white varietal.
A natural wine from Gualtallary, crafted by winemaker Pol Andsnes, it boasts dark fruit flavors with good acidity. It has a deep and complex nose that evolves as it opens. Generally, Pol's wines challenge traditional winemaking customs and systems. He hand-harvests, works with gravity, favors long macerations, and employs creative aging techniques and barrel experimentation.
Fact: The American winemaker, now based in Mendoza, runs a project producing just a few thousand bottles. He crafts rebellious and experimental wines through nomadic micro-vinifications in both Argentina and Spain.
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5. Sobrenatural Bonarda - Bodega Chakana
Lado Salvaje Vinos | |
From the heart of Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, this Bodega Chakana wine offers the structured nature of Bonarda, with pronounced fruit expression and an incredibly enjoyable drinking experience, all thanks to the winery's biodiverse environment.
It is 100% crafted using the "Carbonic Maceration" technique, resulting in a highly aromatic, fresh, and juicy wine. It contains only one ingredient: the grape. This wine embodies minimal human intervention and is the ultimate representation of the winery’s agroecological philosophy.
Fact: Inspired by Andean cosmovision, this winery uses sustainable corks made from sugarcane biopolymers, offering benefits for both wine and the environment. These corks guarantee zero TCA (the compound responsible for “cork taint”), have a minimal or zero carbon footprint, and are recyclable.
6. Spontané Malbec - Finca El Mirlo
Romina Rolón | |
Spontané Malbec is born at Finca El Mirlo, in the Perdriel area, Luján de Cuyo. From vines that grow without trellising (no pruning), their tendrils blend harmoniously with the environment, producing strong and balanced clusters that result in a wine with a wild, fruity character.
This wine comes from one of the first areas in Mendoza to plant Malbec; everything about Spontané is spontaneous—from its growth, development, and maturation to fermentation and aging.
At the helm of the project is agronomist Ricardo García. Victoria Brond is the winemaker in this diverse and collaborative group of wine lovers, which also includes sommelier Romina Rolón.
Fact: This wine is made among friends, who have been gathering at the vineyard for three years to harvest and experiment with these old Malbec vines.
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7. Stella Crinita Cabernet Franc - Wine is Art
Wine is Art | |
Its aging in used barrels adds complexity and enhances its tannins, while the authenticity of its production highlights the natural characteristics of the fruit and its distinctive character.
Ernesto Catena and Joanna Foster are the minds behind Wine is Art, a project whose mission is to transform viticulture into a true art form. These collaborative wines come from their vineyards at Finca Tikal Natural, an organic and biodynamic estate in Vista Flores (Uco Valley). They are produced in their artisanal and experimental winery, L’Orange.
Fact: The project’s slogan is “art in all its expressions”, meaning that behind each label is an artist. For example, the Stella Crinita Cabernet Franc features the geometric strokes of Andrés Sobrino.
8. Miau Malbec - 4 Gatos Locos Wines
4 Gatos Locos | |
This natural wine is born in the heart of Gualtallary, Tupungato. Thanks to carbonic maceration, it achieves juiciness while taming the tannins characteristic of the region. On the palate, exuberant flavors of red fruits and violets emerge, surrounded by a smooth body with juicy, rounded tannins.
This makes it a silky, drinkable Malbec with personality, voluptuousness, and persistence. Behind this project are winemaker Gabriel Bloise and viticulturist Facundo Bonamaizon, along with Mariana Salas and Juan Pelizzatti, founders of Chakana.
Fact: 4 Gatos Locoswas born from a 20-hectare vineyard in Alto Gualtallary, one of the most promising areas, located at 1,360 meters above sea level. Its soils are rich in calcium carbonate, and the area has a unique microclimate. The wines from this region are unmistakable—they have structure and texture, enhanced by the presence of native aromatic plants that give them a strong personality.
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9. Inframundo Natural Cabernet Franc Rosé - Durigutti Family Winemakers
Durigutti Family Winemakers | |
This wine, produced by Durigutti Family Winemakers, has a distinctive personality, where the intensity of the fruit and the freshness of its style stand out. It also showcases the authenticity of its varietal, creating a unique profile among rosés.
This natural wine pairs beautifully with the various offerings of 5 Suelos, Cocina de Fina, the winery’s restaurant, which was recommended by the Michelin Guide in 2024. Here, fresh seasonal ingredients take center stage, sourced from the estate’s organic garden and from local artisans and small producers.
Fact: This wine is seductive, vibrant, and well-balanced in both aroma and palate, coming from Las Compuertas, Luján de Cuyo.
10. 3 Minimales Moscatel Criolla - Serrera Wines
Lado Salvaje | |
Two heritage grape varieties come together in this blend, using micro-parcels to create exclusive, limited-edition wines. The result is a refreshing, elegant, and persistent wine that is a pure expression of Tupungato’s terroir.
In the glass, this wine from Serrera Wines, produced by agronomist Hernán Cortegoso, reveals a pale yellow color with golden highlights. Aromas of white flowers and tropical fruits fill the nose. It is an ideal pairing for fresh salads, fish, and seafood.
Fact: Cortegoso ownsFinca Minimal, where he produces experimental, organic, and natural wines. Visitors can tour the farm, dairy, and gastronomic offerings, as well as an art space featuring sculptures and paintings created especially for this estate.
Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.
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