Winemaker Marcelo Pelleriti aims to make Uco Valley a new Grand Cru

Winemaker Marcelo Pelleriti is on a mission to transform Uco Valley in Mendoza, Argentina into the next Grand Cru wine region. After a decade of meticulous soil study and minimal intervention, Pelleriti reteamed with vintner Miguel Priore to launch Pelleriti-Priore, a brand that has already gained international acclaim with ratings up to 97 points.

Uco Valley, located along the Tunuyán River, boasts ideal conditions for grape growing, including high elevation, alluvial soils, irrigation from the Andes Mountains, a long growing season, low rainfall, and significant temperature variations between day and night. Traditionally, the region has produced Malbec and other indigenous grape varieties, but recently, growers have favored mid-ripening varieties like Merlot and Pinot Noir due to their optimal ripeness in the area.

Pelleriti's journey to this point was marked by years spent working in Bordeaux, where he honed his skills and learned from French oenologist Michel Rolland. He even organized rock concerts and wine festivals during his time in Argentina, blending his passions for music and winemaking. Now, Pelleriti aims to elevate Argentine Malbec to new heights and achieve international recognition for Uco Valley, describing it as the New World's equivalent to regions like Napa Valley or Burgundy.

Despite previously producing 150 wine labels, he now focuses on seven premium offerings, including his flagship Supremo Malbec, which blends three vintages and micro-parcel selections to achieve the ultimate expression of Uco Valley's terroir.