Trapiche: Pioneer of Argentinian winemaking

The history of Trapiche begins with the foundation of the small family vineyard of El Trapiche in 1883, only a few decades after malbec first took root in Argentina. Nestled at the foot of the Andes Mountains, the Mendoza region where the estate was established is one of Argentina’s leading winegrowing areas, known for its rich soil and favourable climate to grow grapes. Today, 138 years later, Trapiche is one of the oldest—and most influential—winemakers, partly owing to the leadership of its current owner, Grupo Peñaflor, one of the world’s top ten wine producers.

A vast country bound by the Andean peaks to the west, Argentina is home to exceptional wine regions that stretch from north to south, punctuated by the crests and plateaus of the tremendous mountain range. That altitude, which can reach up to 2,000 metres, is what characterizes the nation’s vineyards and has a significant influence on the grapes. 

Over the years, Trapiche's expanding territory grew beyond Mendoza to various regions of Argentina. From the Uco Valley to Chapadmalal, Trapiche demonstrates its unparalleled drive to explore and has never been afraid to plant vines in more remote locations. This inquisitive and innovative nature is precisely what makes it Argentina’s largest wine producer. Today, the vineyard extends over more than 3,000 hectares and has joined forces with more than 300 producers to plant and harvest grapes in a range of terroirs chosen for their quality, at altitudes of between 600 and 1,200 metres. Trapiche was also the first to settle on Argentina’s east coast, near the town of Chapadmalal, about three kilometres from the shore, to produce wines infused with the salty sea air of the Atlantic Ocean. 

Over the years, the visionary estate made its mark on Argentina’s wine scene through the introduction of pioneering techniques for optimal grape growing. Trapiche was among the first to work with French oak barrels and adapt traditional French cultivation methods to better angle the vines for protection against the blazing southern sun.

Among Trapiche’s fundamental principles is constant innovation and diversity. For the vineyard, this maxim translates into technical innovations, but also into a more progressive and environmentally friendly culture. The estate’s main vineyards grow grapes without the use of chemicals, herbicides and fungicides in order to maintain a balanced viticultural ecosystem. The result is grapes of exceptional quality whose cultivation generates less environmental impact.

Trapiche’s viticultural efforts and thirst for innovation earned the estate an impressive collection of national and international awards, including five nominations for the World’s Most Admired Wine Brands and the title of 2019 New World Winery of the Year from Wine Enthusiast. The recognition highlights the key role Trapiche plays in the wine world and whose impacts are reflected in Argentina’s cultural landscape and tourism.

While malbec, which is expressed in Argentina like nowhere else in the world, dominates Trapiche’s production, the estate’s wines remain varied and versatile. From a light organic red with friends, to a supple and savoury Medalla at dinner for two or a charming chardonnay with hors d’oeuvres, Grupo Peñaflor has the perfect label for the moments you share. 

Cheers!

In partnership with Dandurand