Cuvelier Los Andes

Cuvelier Los Andes occupies 55 hectares in Vista Flores, Tunuyán, within the Uco Valley appellation of Mendoza, Argentina. Vineyards sit at 1,000 meters elevation, planted at a high density of 5,500 vines per hectare. The semi-arid climate receives just 250 to 300mm of annual rainfall, with an average temperature of 14°C and a thermal range of 15°C between day and night. These cool nights preserve acidity and aromatic complexity in the grapes.

• 1,800 growing degree-days between October and April, placing the site in Winkler Region III
• Hot, dry days combined with cool nights define the diurnal temperature range
• Yields are tightly controlled to between 40 and 70 quintals per hectare
• All 55 hectares are farmed organically and biodynamically

The vineyard soils at Cuvelier Los Andes are complex and varied, combining alluvial stones and sands with fanglomerates, conglomerates, basic sandstone, rounded pebbles, fine sand, and lime. This layered alluvial geology, typical of high-altitude Uco Valley sites, promotes excellent drainage and encourages deep root development, contributing to wines with structure and concentration.

• Alluvial fanglomerates and conglomerates form the primary soil structure
• Rounded pebbles and fine sand aid water drainage and heat retention
• Lime content influences pH and supports vine stress, a key factor in quality viticulture
• Soils were deposited by Andean glacial and river activity over millennia

The Cuvelier family's involvement in wine stretches back to 1804 in France. The family expanded to Argentina in 1998 and planted their first vineyard in 1999. The estate is owned by Bertrand and Jean-Guy Cuvelier, who are also co-owners of Château Léoville-Poyferré, a Second Growth Saint-Julien estate in Bordeaux. The first wine under the Cuvelier Los Andes label was produced in 2003, with the Coleccion range launching that same vintage. This Bordeaux pedigree directly informs the estate's focus on structured blends alongside its signature Malbec.

• Cuvelier family wine roots date to 1804 in France
• Argentine expansion began in 1998; vineyard planting started 1999
• First wines released under the Cuvelier Los Andes label in 2003
• Bertrand and Jean-Guy Cuvelier also own Château Léoville-Poyferré, a Bordeaux Second Growth

The estate grows Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. The winemaking style centers on Bordeaux-inspired blends alongside Malbec-focused wines. The flagship Grand Vin is a Malbec-based Bordeaux blend. Adrian Manchón leads winemaking as both General Manager and Head Winemaker. Michel Rolland served as advising oenologist, bringing further Bordeaux consulting expertise to the project. The estate earned a Double Gold medal at the Sommeliers Choice Awards 2020 for its Malbec 2016.

• Grand Vin is the flagship wine, a Malbec-based Bordeaux-style blend
• Six grape varieties planted: Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc
• Adrian Manchón serves as General Manager and Head Winemaker
• Michel Rolland acted as advising oenologist