Escorihuela Gascón
One of Mendoza's most historically significant wineries, Escorihuela Gascón bridges 19th-century Argentine winemaking tradition with modern viticulture excellence.
Escorihuela Gascón is a prestigious Mendoza-based producer established in 1884, renowned for producing elegant Malbecs and Cabernet Sauvignons that exemplify the terroir of Maipú and Luján de Cuyo. The estate combines heritage winemaking techniques with contemporary cellar practices, maintaining ownership within the founding family across five generations. Their commitment to sustainable viticulture and architectural preservation has made them a cornerstone of Argentine wine history.
- Founded in 1884 by Miguel Escorihuela Gascón during Argentina's first major wine boom, predating many celebrated Mendoza establishments
- The historic winery building, constructed in 1884, is a provincial heritage monument featuring original stone architecture and underground cellars carved from native rock
- Produces approximately 450,000 cases annually across multiple tiers: Escorihuela Gascón, Finca Flichman, and Gran Reserva lines
- Owns vineyards across three key Mendoza regions: Maipú (mature, pre-phylloxera plantings), Luján de Cuyo (high-altitude sites up to 1,100 meters), and Valle de Uco
- Their flagship Gran Reserva Malbec 2012 earned 94 points from Wine Spectator and has achieved consistent 92+ ratings across vintages since 2010
- Pioneered the use of French oak (Allier and Vosges) in Argentine Malbec production during the 1990s modernization phase
- The Finca Flichman subsidiary, acquired in 1999, provides higher-volume fruit-forward expressions and represents one of Argentina's largest wine tourism destinations
Definition & Origin
Escorihuela Gascón is a family-owned winery and producer headquartered in Maipú, Mendoza, Argentina, specializing in premium Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay. The estate was founded by Miguel Escorihuela Gascón, a Spanish immigrant who recognized Mendoza's potential for world-class viticulture during the 1880s expansion era. The winery represents one of Argentina's oldest continuously operating family wine businesses, with unbroken succession through five generations and approximately 140+ years of winemaking heritage.
- Established 1884 during Argentina's Belle Époque wine development period
- Original stone cellars remain in use today, representing architectural continuity across 14 decades
- Family stewardship: currently directed by descendants maintaining founder's original vision
Terroir & Vineyard Holdings
The producer controls approximately 340 hectares across Mendoza's most prestigious microclimates, with strategic parcels in Maipú's gravelly piedmont soils, Luján de Cuyo's clay-limestone slopes, and high-altitude Valle de Uco sites. Maipú plantings include pre-phylloxera own-rooted vines exceeding 80 years old, providing concentrated fruit and mineral complexity. The diverse elevation range (500-1,100 meters) allows phenolic maturity management across varietals, yielding naturally balanced wines with defined acidity.
- Maipú: 180 hectares of historic vineyard with gravelly, well-drained soils ideal for Malbec concentration
- Luján de Cuyo: 100 hectares on limestone-rich slopes at 900-1,000m elevation for acid retention
- Valle de Uco expansion: emerging terroir with cooler nights enhancing aromatic complexity in Cabernet and Malbec
Winemaking Philosophy & Techniques
Escorihuela Gascón employs a modernized classical approach: hand-harvesting fruit, native yeast fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel, and careful French oak aging (typically 14-18 months in new to neutral barrels depending on tier). The winery emphasizes minimal intervention post-fermentation, relying on natural malolactic conversion and extended élevage to develop secondary complexity. Quality control is rigorous, with block-by-block fermentation allowing precise phenolic and tannin management before blending decisions.
- Native yeast fermentation preserves terroir expression and natural microbial diversity
- French oak program: predominantly Allier and Vosges, with strategic use of American oak for Cabernet reserves
- Extended aging protocols: Gran Reserva wines spend 18+ months in barrel, then 12+ months in bottle pre-release
- Organic/sustainable practices across flagship vineyards, with biodynamic experimentation in select parcels
Portfolio & Critical Recognition
The producer operates three distinct commercial tiers: the estate Escorihuela Gascón range (premium, limited production), the Finca Flichman line (higher volume, value-oriented fruit expressions), and Gran Reserva offerings (ultra-premium, barrel-selected lots). Their Malbecs consistently earn 90+ point ratings from major critics, with the 2012 Gran Reserva Malbec achieving 94 points from Wine Spectator. The winery has received numerous international recognitions, including medals at Decanter World Wine Awards and consistent placement on Argentine wine lists at high-end restaurants globally.
- Gran Reserva Malbec 2012: 94 points Wine Spectator; flagship wine demonstrating aging potential and complexity
- Finca Flichman Cabernet Sauvignon: 92 points Wine Advocate; accessible expression balancing fruit and structure
- Consistent 92-94 point range for Gran Reserva releases 2010-2018 across major publications
- Winner of 'Best Winery' designations in Argentine wine competitions including San Juan and Mendoza regional awards
Why Escorihuela Gascón Matters
As one of Argentina's oldest family wine enterprises, Escorihuela Gascón represents the institutional continuity and evolution of Mendoza viticulture from 19th-century tradition into contemporary global quality standards. The winery's success demonstrates how heritage producers can balance cultural preservation (maintaining 140-year-old cellars and family expertise) with modern cellar science, creating wines that express both historical identity and current market relevance. Their influence extends beyond production: they've shaped Argentine wine tourism infrastructure and mentor emerging winemakers navigating the Mendoza region.
- Historical continuity: only five family-led generations represents rare longevity in global wine production
- Terroir ambassador: their Malbec-centric approach elevated Mendoza's reputation during the 1990s-2000s international boom
- Innovation within tradition: French oak adoption, native yeast fermentation, and sustainable viticulture advanced Argentine winemaking methodologies
How to Identify & Appreciate Their Wines
Escorihuela Gascón bottles display the family crest and 'Fundada en 1884' (Founded in 1884) on labels, with tier designations clearly marked (estate, Finca Flichman, or Gran Reserva). Their Malbecs characteristically show deep garnet color, plum and violet aromatics with subtle mineral undertones, and refined tannin structure—hallmarks of Maipú's terroir combined with restrained oak influence. Entry-level Finca Flichman wines offer immediate fruit accessibility, while Gran Reserva releases demand 5-10 year cellaring to reveal secondary flavors (leather, tobacco leaf, graphite) and tannin integration.
- Label indicators: 'Gran Reserva' denotes premium tier with extended aging; 'Finca Flichman' indicates broader production and fruit-forward style
- Sensory markers: look for balance between dark fruit concentration and mineral salinity characteristic of mature Maipú vines
- Aging potential: Gran Reserva Malbec 2015+ optimal drinking 2025-2035; shows evolution from fruit-dominated youth to complex secondary development
Escorihuela Gascón's flagship Malbec displays deep garnet coloring with violet-tinged rim. Aromatic intensity features plum compote, black cherry, and violet florality, layered with graphite minerality and subtle licorice notes from French oak aging. On the palate, the wine demonstrates medium-to-full body with refined, velvety tannins providing structure without harshness. Flavors evolve across mid-palate—dark cherry, leather, and tobacco leaf—with a mineral-driven finish exhibiting exceptional length and balance. Acidity remains bright and food-friendly despite generous fruit expression, a hallmark of high-altitude Mendoza viticulture.