Spring Wines: 10 Bottles Chosen by Sommelier Constanza Chiarelli

This white wine is born in Gualtallary, Uco Valley, at more than 1,300 meters above sea level, where native flora frames the vineyards as part of a unique landscape. That biodiversity, together with calcareous soils, results in a fresh, sharp white wine with vibrant acidity that delivers tension and elegance in every glass. An authentic vino de paraje, meaning it uniquely reflects the identity of that Mendocino terroir.

“One of my favorites on the market, very perfumed and true to the estate’s character,” says the sommelier. Its freshness and complexity make it ideal for sunny days and outdoor lunches.

Fun fact: Zuccardi is one of Argentina’s most awarded wineries. It was named the world’s best vineyard three years in a row and was the first Argentine winery to earn 100 points on three of its wines, according to Robert Parker Wine Advocate.

This Semillón is made from old vines in La Consulta, San Carlos, part of Rocamadre’s project to rescue heritage vineyards and Mendoza’s winemaking history.

“It has a clean expression and great aromatic complexity that I love,” says Constanza. Its freshness, elegance, and layered character make it an ideal spring white: vibrant, authentic, and terroir-driven.

Fun fact: The label, illustrated by graphic artist Coni Curi, blends Rocamadre’s identity with vintage design elements and a personal take on the past. Like the wine itself, it holds history and soul.

From Joanna Foster’s experimental winery in Vista Flores, this natural sparkling Syrah pays tribute to the vital role of fungi in spontaneous fermentation.

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“Joanna’s wines are wonderful, but this Pét Nat in particular has the perfect bubbles for a spring brunch,” says Constanza.

Fun fact: “Stella Crinita” means “shooting star” in Latin—an apt description for these ephemeral, one-of-a-kind wines.

Part of Riccitelli’s bold Kung Fu line, this Criolla is light yet textural, perfect with charcuterie. The colorful label featuring a kung fu master and tigers captures the irreverent spirit of the series.

Made from old-vine pergolas in Los Chacayes (1,100 meters above sea level), it’s a natural wine with minimal intervention, fermented in concrete eggs and clay amphorae, grown agroecologically without herbicides or added sulfites.

Fun fact: The rest of the Kung Fu series features equally creative label art by Alan Berry Rhys, as playful as the wines themselves.

This bright, lively white from Gualtallary (1,350 meters) bursts with lime, pink grapefruit, and mint over a mineral backbone.

“This Sauvignon has all the tension of Gualtallary, perfect for warm days,” says Constanza.

Fun fact: The Single Vineyard line pays tribute to the diversity of Doña Paula’s vineyards, showcasing soil richness, altitudes, microclimates, and surrounding biodiversity.

A fresh, unoaked take on Argentina’s flagship grape, Meteora comes from the biodiverse, organic Jardín de Hormigas vineyard in Altamira (1,200 meters).

“It’s a spectacular vision of Malbec, barrel-free, with an exceptional terroir expression,” says Constanza. With notes of cassis, raspberry, pomegranate, and subtle herbs, it shows vibrancy, chalky minerality, and a long elegant finish.

Fun fact: For Altos Las Hormigas, this wine represents the next revolution in Argentine viticulture.

Argentina’s first female winemaker revisits Torrontés with a bold orange-wine version. Made in terracotta amphorae, it offers peach, floral, and spice aromas with textural grip.

“This orange wine stands out for its elegance and unforgettable perfume,” says Constanza.

Fun fact: The method connects with a global trend of reviving ancient techniques for more authentic, terroir-driven wines.

From Montecaseros in eastern Mendoza, this 100% Ancellotta (a rare Italian variety in Argentina) is inky, aromatic, and full of dark fruit.

Also of interest: 10 Wineries in Mendoza where art is in the air

“A medium-bodied red with complexity, perfect to surprise at a get-together,” says Constanza.

Fun fact: The wine is unoaked, showcasing the varietal in its purest, most unadulterated form.

Juicy and floral, this Garnacha from the Uco Valley combines cherry, spice, herbs, and savory notes with freshness and vibrancy.

“Santo Grial is a new discovery for me, and this Garnacha is exceptionally fresh and perfumed,” notes Constanza.

Fun fact: Only a small batch was produced, staying true to Santo Grial’s spirit of experimentation.

A field blend of Garnacha (70%), Syrah (15%), and Monastrell (15%), co-fermented in Los Chacayes, this wine is light-bodied, fresh, and best enjoyed slightly chilled.

“It’s fluid, floral, and perfect with Asian food,” says Constanza.

Fun fact: “Ver Sacrum” means “Sacred Spring” in Latin, a nod to ancient Indo-European rituals celebrating the rebirth of life and the agricultural cycle.