Not far from the mountain town of Tupungato, the Urquia family have invested in 300 hectares of desert soils shadowed by the immensity of the Argentine Andes. The winery's name, Urqo, elegantly merges the family's surname and the Uco Valley. Urqo's vineyards spread across Los Chacayes and Tupungato districts and benefit from this raw exposure. The high UV and the mean, sandy soils of the desert environment are ideal for producing characterful fruit. The bodega itself is minimalist, a clean white structure designed, in simple terms, to best convey the essence of these grapes.

The wine labels reflect owner Loli Urquia's deep respect for the earth's natural energies. Alongside young Uruguayan winemaker Leo Pisano, the small team are overseen by the consultative presence of affable local legend Daniel Pi. Their collaborative efforts yield wines with the aromatic purity of the Andean air and a pronounced mineral quality. This energy and perfume belies the austerity in which they are grown.

From the Los Chacayes area of the Uco Valley; with an average height of 1,200 masl, The soil is of alluvial origin with low fertility and good drainage. The harvest is carried out in two passes, the initial pass to gather grapes with greater acidity, and a second harvest 15 days later, to obtain fruit with greater varietal characteristics.

Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks and a portion in 500 liter French untoasted oak barrels where it is left for at least 8 months. They then blend, filter and bott