Lagarde (winery)

Lagarde
LocationMendoza, Argentina
AppellationD.O.C. Malbec
Founded1897
Key peopleSofia Pescarmona, Lucila Pescarmona, Juan Roby Stordeur
VarietalMalbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Viognier, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Torrontes
Distribution35+ countries
Websitehttp://www.lagarde.com.ar

Lagarde or Bodega Lagarde is a family-owned winery located in the Luján de Cuyo Department located in the west of the Mendoza Province, Argentina and was founded in 1897. Lagarde consists of five Mendoza vineyards and is currently owned and managed by the Pescarmona family. The winery is currently run by the third generation Pescarmonas: Sofia Pescarmona and Lucila Pescarmona, with Juan Roby Stordeur as the winemaker since 2002.[1]

History

Artillery Capitan Don Jose Angel Pereira founded Lagarde in 1897 after a military campaign in the Mendoza region. He planted both Malbec and Cabernet Franc varietals. Some of his original vines still produce grapes for the Lagarde Malbec. When the great grandchild of Jose Angel had no heirs to take control of Lagarde, he decided to pass on the vineyard to his close friend, Luis Menotti Pescarmona in 1969.[2] Under Pescarmona ownership, the winery has acquired 4 additional vineyards and introduce multiple new varietals.

Pescarmona Sisters

Sofia and Lucila Pescarmona are considered to be part of the new generation of women in the winemaking world in Argentina,[3] together with Susana Balbo and Laura Catena, among others.[4][5] Both sister's obtained their MBA at IAE Business School in 1991 and 2011 respectively. They are considered to be part of a new generation of thriving young women managing Argentine wineries to a new frontier.[6]

Sofia has managed the vineyard since 2001 and has helped the transformation of the old Lagarde into a new a modern facility. Lucila currently overseas the exports of the winery and sits on the board of Wines of Argentina.[7][8]

Winery

The winery is located in the original wine-making region of Mendoza, Luján de Cuyo and has kept its original physical structures to house the winery. For example the restaurant is set in a 19th-century manor house.[9]

Vineyards

Lagarde has five different vineyards located in different areas of Mendoza like Lujan de Cuyo, Perdriel, Gualtallary, Agrelo and Uco Valley.[10]

Wines

Altas Cumbres

Altas Cumbres is the line of young and expressive wines. The collection comprises

  • Malbec
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Viognier
  • Torrontes

Lagarde

Lagarde or Henry Lagarde in the US, is the core brand of the winery, usually referred to as the Reserve Line. The wines are 100% varietal wines.

  • Malbec
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Merlot
  • Syrah
  • Viognier
  • Chardonnay

Guarda

Guarda is the collection of single vineyard wines.

  • Cabernet Franc
  • DOC Malbec
  • Blend

Primeras Viñas

Malbec produced from the two centennial vineyards of Lagarde. One planted in 1906 and the other in 1937.

Awards

  • Lagarde Malbec 2012, 90pts, Wine Enthusiast Magazine, February 2015
  • Lagarde Primeras Vinas Malbec 2010, 92pts, Wine Enthusiast Magazine, May 2013[11]
  • Lagarde Guarda Cabernet Franc 2011, 91pts, Robert Parker Jr.’s "The Wine Advocate", December 2011

Restaurants

Lagarde has two award winning restaurants located at the winery.

Fogon

Fogón Cocina de Viñedo, located in Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina, is a renowned restaurant that has garnered significant acclaim, including being rated highly on Tripadvisor. It's known for its Argentinean cuisine, with a focus on wine and offering vegetarian-friendly options. The restaurant has received the Travelers' Choice award for 2023, indicating its top-tier status among dining establishments in the area based on traveler reviews.

Zonda

Zonda Cocina de Paisaje is a highly acclaimed restaurant in Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina, known for its exquisite Argentinean cuisine with a focus on sustainability. The restaurant has received a Michelin Star for its high-quality cooking, making it a worthwhile stop for food enthusiasts. It's renowned for its exceptional cuisine that pays homage to local culture and traditions, using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

The restaurant offers an immersive "Terroir Experience," which has earned it recognition in the Best Of Mendoza's Wine Tourism Contest. This experience includes a tour of the garden, where guests can taste products directly from the plants, participate in a cooking class, and enjoy a 9-course lunch paired with wines from the Pescarmona Family’s Cellar, including vintages from 2000, 2001, 2007, and 2013. The menu is inspired by Argentine barbecue traditions and is paired with wines from the winery's collection, presenting regional flavors that convey the essence of Mendoza culture.

Zonda's commitment to sustainability and education is also noteworthy. It's a part of Lagarde Winery, which was founded in 1897 and run by the Pescarmona sisters, combining traditional wine-making methods with modern technology. The winery has vineyards in various regions, producing a range of wines, including classic Malbec DOC and vibrant Viognier

References

  1. ^ Mercer, Chris (27 March 2014). "Argentina winemakers facing difficult 2014 vintage". Decanter Magazine. Decanter Magazine. Retrieved 18 September 2014.
  2. ^ Dengis, Jorge (Mar 30, 2006). Argentine Wine: A Practical Handbook. Editorial Albatros. p. 141.
  3. ^ "Meet the Women Changing Argentina's Wine Industry". vogue.com. June 18, 2018. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  4. ^ Catena, Laura; Remington, Sara (Sep 15, 2010). Vino Argentino: an insider's guide to the Wines and Wine Country of Argentina. Chronicle Books. p. 33. ISBN 978-0811873307. Retrieved 22 January 2015.
  5. ^ Plummer, Todd (18 June 2018). "Meet the Women Changing Argentina's Wine Industry". Vogue. Retrieved 2020-09-09.
  6. ^ "Meet the Women Changing Argentina's Wine Industry". 18 June 2018.
  7. ^ Staff Writer (November 23, 2014). "Lucila Pescarmona, Bud Nolan". The New York Times: ST21. Retrieved 22 January 2015.
  8. ^ Style, Sue. "6 Argentine Winemakers Elevate Malbec". Zester Daily. Archived from the original on 2015-05-16. Retrieved 2015-05-12.
  9. ^ Morrel- Williams, Sorrel. "A sommelier's guide to Mendoza's historical wineries". theworlds50best.com/blog/. World's 50 Best Restaurants. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
  10. ^ "Vineyards - Winery - Lagarde Winery". lagarde.com.ar.
  11. ^ "Wine Enthusiast". 5 April 2013.