Bodega Lagarde, from Argentina, is well positioned in the demanding world of high-quality wines that produce unique strains in their vineyards. The firm uses both traditional techniques and advanced technology to create excellent wines. Owners Sofia and Lucila Pescarmona have brought a new impetus to the winery—which dates back to 1897—and currently produces high-quality handcrafted wines, with a harmonious balance of classicism and modernity. The winery also offers limited editions of signature vintages. Review our selection of exclusive international vintages.
The vineyards of Bodega Lagarde—dating from 1906 and 1937—are located in Lujan de Cuyo and the Uco Valley in the Mendoza province, the heart of Argentina’s wine country. Their wines are praised for their elegance and offer varieties to suit all tastes, from young and fruity to traditional and structured vintages. Many of their products require years of research under the strict supervision of oenologist John Roby Stordeur.
Behind the old facade, the winery is equipped with the latest technology featuring stainless steel tanks, concrete vats coated with epoxy and barrels of French and American oak. The company can produce two million liters, with additional space for 10,000 bottles of superb quality sparkling wine.
The Henry line of Bodega Lagarde consists of varietal wines with a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Their Moscato Bianco Late Harvest and the Cabernet Sauvignon 1990 are especially noteworthy. These aromatic wines deliver fruity and spicy notes. On the palate, they show a balanced acidity with lively and friendly tannins.
Lagarde is another exemplary line of the brand. It consists of 100% varietal wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah, Merlot, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and a Rose blend made with Malbec and Pinot Noir. The red wines reach a delicate balance of fruit and wood. Among the white wines, we are impressed with the Viognier, made from a non-traditional strain imported from Condrieu, France in the 1990s. It has the aroma of flowers and tropical fruits, and in the mouth it displays a broad complexity of flavors.
The Guarda line features high-quality vintages produced in small quantities. Each represents different terroirs of the Lagarde farms. The fruity and juicy Malbec Doc—aromatic and with good structure, and silky tannins typical of the Argentine Malbec—is particularly exciting. There is also the delicious Cabernet Franc, fermented with indigenous yeasts, and featuring an intense aroma of berries, jam and notes of eucalyptus, cedar, and some spices. The palate entry is sweet, with ripe tannins and excellent smoothness. This wine is an ideal choice for discerning connoisseurs.
Meanwhile, Altas Cumbres is a line of young wines, designed for a younger clientele and presented in a modern packaging. They are simple, fresh and fruity wines, and with less wood than the white Viognier or Sauvignon Blanc. A special mention should go to the Torrontés, a jewel for lovers of white wine, distinguished by its yellow color with green hues, very intense aroma of grapes and a fresh and balanced flavor.
Finally, there is the First Vines line, which consists of unique and elegant wines whose production is limited to 4000-15,000 bottles per year. In this collection, Primeras Viñas Malbec Premium stands out among the rest. It is made with grapes from vineyards planted in 1906 and 1937, which makes them a rare and unusual species. Interestingly, this Malbec is produced in a vineyard that still has to be tilled on horseback since its old design does not allow the use of tractors.
Lagarde— being a high-quality winery—also produces unique collection wines, which are made in very small batches. It currently offers Dos Cielos 2004, Lagarde Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum, and Lagarde Malbec Magnum. ■
