Since being established on the site of a historic winery, whose origin dates back to 1897 in the Russell district of the Maipú region, Antigal Winery & Estates has achieved the very best in high-tech functionality while respecting the original appearance of a historically important landmark in Mendoza, Argentina. The vine-covered landscape of the sun-drenched Maipú region is where this winery was founded, in the year 2000, thanks to the passion and vision of the Silva family. Its patriarch, Don Edgardo Silva, was a man whose roots in the wine world were as deep as the ancient Malbec vines that would one day grace his estate. It was his fascination with viticulture and oenology, cultivated during his childhood in the picturesque vineyards of Maipú, that sowed the early seeds of his dreams to become a winemaker.

As the years went by, Don Edgardo’s passion for winemaking grew, and he embarked on a journey to gain knowledge and experience in the art of crafting exceptional wines. Through his travels across the globe, studying the world’s finest winemaking traditions and techniques, the vision to ultimately establish his own winery in Maipú grew clearer. Upon returning to Mendoza, Don Edgardo found an estate that, to him, was more than just a vineyard; it was a canvas upon which he would paint his dreams. The estate was christened “Antigal”, a name that paid homage to the ancient, wise vines that he would soon cultivate.

Don Edgardo’s dream was not only to create world-class wines but also to embrace modernity while preserving the heritage of Maipú’s winemaking tradition. He planted meticulously selected vines, paying special attention to the emblematic Malbec grape, which flourished in the region’s unique terroir. As the first grapevines took root, Don Edgardo’s daughter, María Silvia Silva, known fondly as Marité, stepped into the family legacy. Her deep love for the land and her father’s unwavering dedication to winemaking ignited her passion, leading her to becoming the heart and soul of Antigal Winery, carrying forward the dream her father had nurtured for years.

Under Marité’s guidance, Antigal blossomed into a haven where tradition and innovation coexisted harmoniously in a winery that employed state-of-the-art technology, while honouring time-tested techniques. This ensured that each bottle of Antigal wine was reflective of the essence of Maipú’s terroir and the family’s dedication to quality. In the cellars of Antigal, the wines are matured gracefully in both French and American oak barrels, where they develop their depth, character, and undeniable Argentine spirit. Through the years, Antigal Winery’s story has continued to evolve, like a fine wine improving with age, a symbol of the Silva family’s unwavering commitment to producing the very best vintages that represent the enduring spirit of Maipú, a beacon of Argentine wine culture. This evolution has also included the acquisition of additional vineyards and sees the family producing wines from vines grown in the Tupungato area of the Uco Valley, as well as the Maipú location.

Today, the winery stands not only as a testament to the family’s vision but also as an invitation to vinophiles who seek to be enchanted by the sumptuous flavours and textures of Argentine wines. Thursday Food introduces you to four labels from this bodega that won medals at the 2023 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA):

Aduentus Classic Blend 2018, made from grapes grown at their vineyards in the Uco Valley area of Mendoza, is a silver medal-winning vintage from Antigal Winery that scored 90 points at the 2023 DWWA. The wine is a Bordeaux-style blend with a beautiful garnet colour and hints of black ink, providing an immediate hint of the varietal composition that includes 40 per cent Malbec, 30 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon and 30 per cent Merlot. It is herbal nose, with notes of sage, tobacco, black pepper and dark plummy fruit aromas. In the mouth, its rich, fresh, earthy texture exhibits flavours of black fruits, anise, white pepper, spices, mint, pepper, coconut, chocolate, and dulce de leche.

One La Dolores Single Vineyard Malbec 2019 from Gualtallary, Tupungato is a 100 per cent varietal that scored 90 points and earned a silver medal at the 2023 DWWA. Vivid in colour, having a bright purplish red hue with blue tones, the wine’s abundant aromas start with red fruits and quince underscored by hints of thyme, spearmint, mild peppermint, as well as field herbs such as jarilla. Aromas of sourdough, yeast, and mineral, along with a pungent nose of nutmeg, black pepper, baking spices and hints of perfume also come through. The impact of wood is also evident in appealing notes of chocolate and dulce de leche. The wine is silky bodied in the mouth, with its freshness supported by an excellent tannin structure, then it ends with a very long, persistent, finish.

Aduentus Blanc De Blancs 2022, an 86 point bronze medal winning blend from the Uco Valley, is made from 55 per cent Chardonnay, 30 per cent Sauvignon Blanc and 15 per cent Chenin by Antigal Winery & Estates. The wine is well-balanced with a pale golden yellow colour, expressing aromas of herbs, fresh grass, peach, pineapple, pear, mango, sweet melon, lavender and pepperine. On the palate it presents as creamy and dense with a good balance of acidity and sweetness while exhibiting tobacco and vanilla notes, ending in a long, warm and persistent finish.

Uno Rosé is another medal-winning blend by Antigal Winery & Estates and comprises 40 per cent Syrah, 40 per cent Tempranillo, 20 per cent Malbec grapes from vineyards in the Uco Valley. This 2023 DWWA bronze medallist, which scored 87 points, presents a very attractive and elegant bright salmon pink colour. On the nose, its aromas are of very sweet red fruits like cherries, strawberries, sour cherries as well as red roses, and wild herbs. The well-rounded wine is fresh on the palate, having good balance, structure, and volume in addition to a relatively low alcoholic volume of just 13 per cent making it an easy drink for wine lovers. Salud!