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Bodega Argento targets UK on-trade as it becomes Mendoza’s largest organic producer

Published:  11 October, 2018

Organic winemaking has gone mainstream in recent years as producers aim to keep abreast of health conscious and sustainability trends.

And now Bodega Argento has upped the ante by officially becoming the largest producer of organic grapes in Mendoza according to certifier, Argencert.

This year, the Bibendum-distributed company has achieved certification for 284 hectares - considerably more than 2017's 22.5 ha.

The company is now looking to grow this further over the next few years to 379 hectares, as well as growing the organic wine category in the UK on-trade where total sales have increased 8% between 2016 and 2017.

Chief winemaker Silvia Corti said: “We will continue to grow the capacity of organic wine production as the terroirs of the Argento vineyards are ideal for low-intervention practices; from the well-drained rocky soils, to a desert climate that protects against humidity and the risk of vine diseases. Argento produces elegant, pure, fruit-driven wines and we hope to engage with UK consumers who are looking for this modern expression of Argentina.”

Sustainability has been a “key area of investment for the winery” since it began in 1998, with a water treatment plant and recycled glass helping to keep emissions low.

Now, the company is aiming to draw attention to its environmentally minded approach in the UK - its number one export market for Argento and number four for Argentinian Cabernet Franc.

The strategy involves building on its first organic release in the UK last year, Argento Reserve Organic Malbec, which is exclusive to the on-trade via Bibendum.

Also now available through Bibendum is the new Reserve Cabernet Franc 2015, which has yet to be certified organic, but is aiming to pick up on the fast-growing thirst for Cab Franc.

Cabernet Franc one of Argentina’s fastest growing varietals.

Plantings have nearly doubled in the last decade from 514 hectares in 2007, to 937 hectares in 2017, of which Bodega Argento owns more than 3% of the surface area.

“Cabernet Franc is the next success story to come from Argentina,” Paul Meihuizen, buyer at Bibendum PLB, said.

“The varietal adds an exciting new element to the country’s offering, especially for consumers who have fallen in love with Argentina and now want to look beyond Malbec.”





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