In the northwest of Argentina, hemmed against the Andes at Fiambala, are some of the highest vines in the world. The flamboyant Carlos Arizu and his friend Pedro Vicien-Arizcuren set up their winery here in 2000 with a mixture of new plantings and rescued old scrubby plots into which they have breathed new life. They farm organically (and in some plots, biodynamically), which is actually their smallest challenge. The strength of the high altitude sun and lack of water in the porous soils are far more challenging than “wee beasties”, but careful work in the vineyard means that the wines are sensationally pure and alive. The tannins are rich and soft, the fruits intense and briary. Fantastic value. The Malbec is beautifully scented with brambles and wild red berries, the palate is soft and silky, before you know it you’re into your second bottle! Marvellous stuff!

Origin: Catamarca, Argentina
Vintage: 2007
Grape variety: Malbec
Organic Certification:  Yes
Vegan: Yes
Alcohol: 13.5%vol.