The Lurton Brothers have been operating in Argentina since 1992, working in partnership with Catena at first, to produce a wine for the local market, then going on to establish their own bodega in the Uco Valley in 1996. They launched a major investment plan that came to fruition with the purchase of their first plot, set at an altitude of 1100 meters in Vista Flores.
The terrain they selected in the high Uco Valley was desert. No one had yet planted a vine in that part of Mendoza. Francois Lurton now has 250 hectares of land, around 200 ha of which are planted. Of these 200 ha, 136 ha of vines are planted in Vista Flores, at the Chacayes estate, where the finest quality wines are produced. The vineyard is located south of Mendoza, at an altitude of 1100 meters, on soil composed of gravel, volcanic sand and pebbles.
Cultivated for the very first time, they were able to leave this poor, well-drained soil in its natural state: the pH was perfect and no chemical input is required. The nearby mountains provide it with cool nighttime temperatures, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and reach optimal maturity. The resultant yields are naturally very low and of extremely high quality.
Piedra Negra Cabernet
100% Cabernet Sauvignon - A highly reputed red grape variety originally from Bordeaux. Much appreciated around the world for its capacity to adapt to different soils. Grown in the cool areas of Mendoza, it produces rich and elegant wines. It is the third most widely planted grape in Argentina.
Piedra Negra Malbec
100% Malbec - Malbec is Argentina´s most emblematic red grape variety. Originally from the southwest of France, it has found the perfectly suited combination of sun and climate in Argentina. The grapes ripen slowly on clayey soils. The minerality of which gives this wine the complexity and the harmony of its flavours and aromas.
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2017: 91 points, James Suckling
A juicy and rich red with blackberry and blueberry character. Dark chocolate. Black tea. Medium body, round and polished tannins and a fresh finish.
2016: 91 points, James Suckling
A refined and pretty wine with blackberries, blueberries and bark. Medium body. Shows focus and firmness. Screw cap. Drink now.
2015: 90 points, James Suckling
A fruity and juicy red with spice, blueberry and chocolate character. Medium body, fine tannins and a pretty chocolate aftertaste. Real Malbec. Drink now.
Piedra Negra Pinot Gris
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100% Pinot Gris - Extraordinary variety that ripens early and produces a fine and high quality wine. It is a red grape variety that is vinified as a white variety, widely seen in Italy. We were the first to plant Pinot Gris in Argentina.
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2018: 90 points, James Suckling
Elderflower, daffodils, jasmine, dried white flowers, pears and apple drops. Medium-bodied with pretty acidity and an apple tart-flavored finish.
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2017: 90 points, James Suckling
A round and delicious Pinot Gris with spice and apple character. Full and flavorful. Layered. Drink now. Screw cap.
2016: 91 points, James Suckling
A very fresh and clean wine with lemon and light pear skin. Medium body, bright and fresh and a tangy finish. Fun and salty. Drink now. Screw cap.
Piedra Negra Rosado
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100% Pinot Gris - It is a red grape variety that is vinified as a white or rose variety, widely seen in Italy. We were the first to plant Pinot Gris in Argentina. After a maceration of 9 hours in a press to extract the primary aromas, the grapes receive a slow pressing and a cold clarification. Immediately bottled for quick release onto markets.
2018: 91 points, James Suckling
Strawberries and cream, as well as red apples and pears and orange essence. Light to medium body, tangy acidity, delicious floral undertones and a zesty finish.
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2017: 91 points, James Suckling
A very fruity and beautiful rosé with strawberries and cherries. Medium-bodied, bright and clean. Vivid rosé. Screw cap. Drink now.
Piedra Negra Malbec Reserve
100% Malbec - Argentina’s most emblematic red grape variety. Originally from southwest France, it has found the perfectly suited combination of sun and climate in Argentina. It produces very powerful wines with lots of color.
2015: 93 points, James Suckling
A dense and rich wine with lots of fresh fruit and herb. Full body, chewy and dry. Shows richness with tension. Drink now.
2014: 91 points, James Suckling
This very intense with lots of spice, rose petal and berry character. Full body, soft tannins and a long and juicy finish. Dry and flavorful. Drink now.
2013: 90 points, James Suckling
Very attractive blackberry and licorice aromas with hints of minerals. Full body, fine tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Subtle and delicious red. Drink now.
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