About Mendel
Committed to producing wines of the highest quality
The Mendel winery is a partnership between Roberto de la Mota, a winemaking legend in Argentina, and a high profile family, with the aim of producing the very best quality wines from the country. The vineyards, at several high-altitude locations, date back to 1928.
In addition to the range of varietals wines, Mendel also produces two particularly outstanding wines. Unus (65% malbec, 25% cabernet sauvignon and 10% petit Verdot) matured 16 months in French oak barriques. And Finca Remota (100% Malbec) from a small plot in Altamira, Valle de Uco, 1,100 meters above sea level.
Mendel’s search to express the singular character of their vineyards and the incomparable attributes of the Mendoza terroir is evidently shown in the delicious wines they produce.
Vineyard first planted
1928
Partners since
2024
Featured Wine
Mendel Malbec
Mendel Wines
Good value wines from vineyards between 900 and 1,150 meters above sea level
Tasting notes and scores by JancisRobinson.com
2022 Mendel Malbec
Luján de Cuyo (14.5%)
Blended with 15% from Paraje Altamira for some added zip and minerality, this medium- priced Malbec is mostly from Mayor Drummond. Sweetly oaked in one-third new oak, it’s fresh and sprightly for a 2022, with fleshy tannins, bramble, fig and raspberry fruit and persistent acidity. 2025-30
(Tim Atkin Argentina Report 2024)
Mendel Unus
An exceptional Argentine red. Very fine and sophisticated on the nose. This is a beautiful wine in any context – a world classic. Already gorgeous but you know it will age beautifully.
(Jancis Robinson) VVGV 18 points
Mendel Semillon
Amazing for a wine to have so much complexity when it is so young. The aroma is deep and citrusy, both lemon and grapefruit, with a hint of cedary oak but there’s also an impression of creamy richness – and it’s not particularly oaky. On the palate, firmly textured – quite a grip – and such deep fruit flavours but with no excess weight or fat. Picked in time to preserve freshness and bring a touch of grapefruit to the rich, spicy flavours. Good intensity and length. And I know this is going to age really well over many years. Drink some now but make sure you stash some of this away for the future.
(Julia Harding) 17 points
Details
Fruit from Paraje Altamira, La Consulta, San Carlos. Planted 1942 at 1,100 m. On arrival at the winery, grapes are cooled down to preserve aromas and flavours. Whole bunches are pressed very lightly in the pneumatic press. Fermentation: 85% of the must is fermented in stainless-steel tanks and the remaining 15% is kept in new French oak barrels for 6 months. Blending, filtering and bottling in November 2020.
Apertura Malbec
Very attractive label, still clearly Mendel but distinctive. Very deep crimson. Vibrant aroma of black fruit, slightly peppery and smoky, even a note of char…..
(which) changed to a focus on pure very dark fruit, so dark it is almost savoury. Tannins are smooth, definite and in harmony with the fruit. I’d definitely recommend you give this some air, either in a carafe or by pouring it into a jug and then back into the bottle. Long, savoury and fresh finish. Highly distinctive wine. I can see it doesn’t need as much ageing as their other reds but it is still pretty serious.
(Julia Harding) GV 16.5 points
Details
Ungrafted vines planted in Mayor Drummond vineyard in Luján de Cuyo at 980 m in 1928. Fermented in 80-hl tanks with manual punching down. 50% of the wine is aged in second- and third-use French oak barrels for 12 months; the other 50% is aged in stainless steel tanks. Winemaker Roberto de la Mota. A selection of the lighter, fruitier lots for an accessible approach to their range.
Tim Atkin’s 2024 Report
Roberto de la Mota – Winemaker Legend
Supporting Mendel Wines
VinAccessGlobal Partners since 2024
A few words from Alison, VinAccessGlobal Founder
“When I started VinAccessGlobal, looking for at least one producer from every main winemaking country, I asked South American experts who they would recommend in Argentina. Mendel they told me. 4 years later we are very proud to welcome Mendel into our portfolio.“
A few words from Diego Surazsky, CEO at Mendel Wines
“We started working with VinAccesGlobal this year and from the very beginning they showed proactivity, dedication to generate new businesses for the winery and a very great sense of partnership. The team is great to work with.”
