Mendel Wines

Mendel Wines was established in 2002 when Roberto de la Mota partnered with the Sielecki family to transform a historic vineyard originally planted in 1928 into a respected premium estate. The winery takes its name from Mendel Sielecki, the father of Anabelle Sielecki, honoring the family's deep roots in the region. Roberto de la Mota trained in France at Montpellier and built his reputation at prestigious Argentine operations including Bodega Chandon and Cheval des Andes before founding Mendel.

• Founded 2002; vineyards established 1928 with Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon
• Semillon parcel planted in 1942 remains part of the estate
• Roberto de la Mota trained in Montpellier and worked at Cheval des Andes
• Named to honor Mendel Sielecki, Anabelle's father

Mendel operates three principal estate properties. Finca Mendel sits in Mayor Drummond, Finca de los Andes is located in Perdriel, and Finca Remota occupies the high-altitude Paraje Altamira zone in Valle de Uco. Across all sites, elevations range from 900 to 1,150 meters. Soils are of alluvial origin, characterized as loamy sand, calcareous, and stony with high permeability, good drainage, and notable potassium content. The desert-continental climate delivers cold winters with occasional snowfall, mild summers with cold nights, a daily thermal amplitude of approximately 15°C, and rainfall below 200mm per year. Vines are irrigated by Andean meltwater using a combination of traditional flood and modern drip techniques.

• Three estate vineyards across Luján de Cuyo and Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco
• Elevation range of 900 to 1,150 meters above sea level
• Alluvial loamy-sand, calcareous soils with excellent drainage
• Daily thermal amplitude of approximately 15°C supports aromatic complexity

Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon are the cornerstone varieties, anchored in the original 1928 plantings. The estate also works with Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Tempranillo, Pinot Noir, Semillon, Torrontés, and Petit Manseng. Planting density is approximately 5,555 vines per hectare. Winemaking at Mendel is artisanal throughout: all fruit is hand harvested with careful selection. The focus across the portfolio is on elegant, concentrated, and intensely fruit-forward wines that reflect the character of each site.

• Original 1928 blocks planted to Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon
• Planting density of approximately 5,555 vines per hectare
• Hand harvested with careful fruit selection throughout
• Portfolio spans premium reds plus white and rosé wines

Roberto de la Mota received the title of 2024 Winemaking Legend from critic Tim Atkin, one of the most prominent recognitions in Argentine wine. The estate's Malbec 2017 earned 95 points and a gold medal at the 2020 Sommeliers Choice Awards, reinforcing Mendel's standing among Argentina's top producers. The combination of old-vine resources, high-altitude terroir from Paraje Altamira, and meticulous artisanal winemaking positions Mendel among Mendoza's most serious estates.

• Roberto de la Mota named 2024 Winemaking Legend by Tim Atkin
• Malbec 2017 scored 95 points and gold medal at 2020 Sommeliers Choice Awards
• Classified as a premium, first-growth level estate