Bodega Argento has released a new single vineyard organic Malbec for UK independent retailers and the on-trade.

Argento Single Vineyard Finca Altamira Organic Malbec 2018, which is available from this month, has been released as part of the producer’s plan to extend its range of high-end label wines and to reinforce its commitment as a leading producer of organic wine from Argentina.

The 100% Malbec is sourced from Bodega Argento’s Finca Altamira vineyard, located at almost 1,100 metres above sea level in the Uco Valley district of Mendoza. The 22.5 hectare plot is planted entirely with Malbec and is certified both organic and Fairtrade. A total of 60% of the wine has been aged in 5,000-litre foudres for 10 months.

Chief winemaker, Juan Pablo Murgia, said: “Argento Single Vineyard Finca Altamira Organic 2018 is a first for Bodega Argento and illustrates our belief in the potential of organic winemaking in Argentina. Altamira was born organic.

“The combination of a top-quality vineyard site with sustainable winemaking practices that respect the uniqueness of the terroir results in a wine of incredible fruit purity, intensity and freshness.”

Bodega Argento’s Altamira vineyard was a pioneering project for Argentina when it was conceived in 2012. The team conducted extensive studies of vineyard microsites to identify the right clones, rootstocks and irrigation techniques, allowing them to embrace organic practices from the outset.

Gustavo Crespo, UK managing director for Bodega Argento, said: “We are very excited to unveil Argento Single Vineyard Finca Altamira Organic Malbec 2018.

“It complements Bodega Argento’s growing portfolio of on and off-trade brands – Argento, Esquinas, Arte de Argento and Artesano de Argento. We look forward to introducing more single vineyard and premium organic wines to UK consumers in the future.”

Bodega Argento is the largest producer of organic wine in Mendoza. Currently 305 hectares of its own vineyards are certified and it is on a journey towards full organic certification for all its own estates. More releases of organic and single vineyard wines are planned for 2020.

The newcomer is distributed in the UK by Bibendum