THE WINE
This 100% Malbec is vinified with 50% whole clusters and fermented using indigenous yeasts, followed by malolactic fermentation. Just a small addition of sulphur is made after malolactic and before bottling. The wine shows a classic Malbec profile—soft, dark fruit with a fresh herbal note and a subtle tannic grip on the finish that enhances its overall brightness and drinkability. It pairs beautifully with roast lamb, skirt steak, puerco asado, or baked polenta.
 
THE PEOPLE
Ballena del Sur is a collaboration between Les Caves de Pyrene and Sebastián Zuccardi, third-generation winemaker and head of Zuccardi—one of Argentina’s most respected and forward-thinking wineries. Renowned for his commitment to organic viticulture and the exploration of diverse terroirs, Sebastián has shifted the winery’s focus to the cooler, high-altitude Uco Valley in Mendoza. It’s from this premium region that the two Ballena del Sur wines are sourced, reflecting his dedication to purity, place, and innovation.
 
THE PLACE
The Uco Valley, located in Mendoza at the foothills of the Andes, is one of Argentina’s most prestigious wine regions. Known for its high elevation, cool climate, and diverse soils, Uco produces wines with exceptional purity, freshness, and elegance. The altitude—ranging from 900 to over 1,500 meters—allows grapes to ripen slowly, preserving acidity and enhancing aromatic complexity. While Malbec is the flagship variety, the region is also gaining recognition for its outstanding Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and other varietals. Uco's focus on terroir-driven, often organically farmed wines has made it a focal point for innovation in Argentine viticulture.