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.

Finca El Mirador is located in Los Chacayes, one of the best wine regions of Uco Valley. The average elevation here is 1.200 meters above sea level. The soil is very poor with underlaying sand and calcarium alluvial stones.

60% new French oak, 40% steel, both components aged for 14 months before blending, bottled and released after 12 months in bottle. Unfined and unfiltered.

Seared fillet steak, duck breast, sticky ribs, and for vegetarians, try the local Mendozan dish of humita.