Valle de Uco

Criolla Chica (also known as País or Mission) is one of South America's heritage grape varieties, brought by Spanish missionaries centuries ago. While long overlooked in favor of international varieties, innovative producers like Mundo Reves are rediscovering its charms and showcasing its unique character. 'Le Petit Voyage' translates to 'The Little Journey,' which perfectly captures what this wine offers – a delightful excursion into Argentina's winemaking history with a modern sensibility. Made with minimal intervention to preserve the grape's natural vibrancy, this is light-bodied red wine at its most charming and versatile. It's the kind of bottle that can be slightly chilled and enjoyed with virtually anything – or nothing at all. In a world of heavy, high-alcohol reds, this wine's gentle touch and refreshing character provide a welcome alternative that proves sometimes less really is more.

Pétillant Naturel (or Pét-Nat for short) is the original sparkling wine – a method that predates Champagne by centuries. Mundo Reves has applied this ancient technique to Criolla Chica, one of South America's oldest grape varieties, creating a thoroughly modern wine that feels both innovative and timeless. The Pét-Nat method involves bottling the wine while it's still fermenting, allowing it to finish fermentation in the bottle and create natural carbonation. This results in a slightly cloudy, unfiltered sparkler with vibrant fruit character and a gentle effervescence that's utterly charming. 'Le Petit Voyage' is the perfect name – drinking it feels like a delightful little journey into wine's past and future simultaneously. It's funky but accessible, complex but joyful – the kind of wine that makes you wonder why anyone would drink mass-produced bubbly when gems like this exist.

Argentina might be Malbec country, but this Cabernet Franc proves there's plenty of room for other varieties to shine in the foothills of the Andes. Montesco has crafted a wine that beautifully expresses Cab Franc's distinctive character while reflecting the unique high-altitude terroir of Mendoza. What makes Piefranc special is how it walks the line between Old World structure and New World fruit expression. The high-altitude vineyards provide intense sunlight for ripening while cool nights preserve the grape's natural acidity and aromatic complexity. The result is a wine with the varietal's characteristic herbaceous notes and graphite minerality, but with a generosity of fruit that makes it immediately appealing. It's Cab Franc that doesn't require a wine degree to appreciate – though wine geeks will find plenty to contemplate in its nuanced layers.

While Malbec gets all the Argentine fame, those in the know have a soft spot for Bonarda – the country's second most planted red grape that delivers tremendous bang for the buck. Via Rev's 'Pura' version showcases this unsung hero in all its unadulterated glory. This isn't a wine trying to be something it's not – there's no heavy oak treatment or winemaking gymnastics, just pure, joyful fruit expression. The name 'Pura' is fitting – it's a pure, honest expression of Bonarda's natural charm. Via Rev is part of Argentina's exciting new wave of producers focused on drinkability and authenticity rather than power and extraction. The result is a wine that's seriously good without taking itself too seriously.

Don't let the playful 'Hulk' name fool you – this isn't a wine that will smash you over the head with overwhelming flavors. Instead, Via Rev's Semillon shows the gentle giant side of this underappreciated grape, with subtle power and surprising complexity. Semillon might be best known for its role in Sauternes and white Bordeaux, but Argentina's high-altitude vineyards bring a fresh perspective to this versatile variety. Via Rev is part of the exciting new generation of Argentine winemakers exploring beyond Malbec and challenging conventions. Their minimal-intervention approach allows Semillon's natural character to shine through – textured without heaviness, complex without being complicated. It's the thinking person's white that doesn't require a PhD to enjoy.

There's nothing 'brutal' about this wine except perhaps how brutally delicious it is. Via Rev's take on Argentina's signature white grape is a masterclass in balancing Torrontés' naturally exuberant aromatics with precision and restraint. The 'Brutal' name likely refers to the natural wine movement's term for wines made with minimal intervention – and this fits that bill perfectly. Many Torrontés wines can be overpowering or one-dimensional, but Via Rev has crafted a version with all the aromatic fireworks but backed by serious structure and complexity. It's like walking through a flower garden with a glass of lemonade in hand – intoxicatingly fragrant yet refreshingly dry. For those who think they don't like aromatic whites, this might be the wine that changes your mind.

This isn't your everyday wine – blending Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as still wine (rather than sparkling) is relatively uncommon, but Ciena pulls it off with style. The result is something genuinely interesting: a wine that captures the bright fruit and structure of both varieties while creating something entirely new. It's like the wine equivalent of an unexpected friendship that somehow just works. Mendoza might be known primarily for its Malbec, but this bottle shows the region's versatility and willingness to experiment. The high-altitude vineyards provide the perfect conditions for both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to develop intense flavors while maintaining freshness and balance. This blend defies easy categorization – not quite white, not quite red, not quite rosé – making it perfect for those moments when you want something different without venturing into truly weird wine territory. Serve it with an open mind and watch as it pairs surprisingly well with a wide range of foods.