Maipú wines awarded at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge

Maipú is a wine-growing department of Mendoza province, Argentina, located immediately south of Mendoza city, along the banks of the Mendoza River. It is one of the province's historic winegrowing zones, recognized as a Geographic Indication by Argentina's National Institute of Viticulture (INV). Maipú encompasses several traditional districts, including Barrancas, Lunlunta, Coquimbito and Russell, some of which now hold their own, more precise Geographic Indication. Vineyards sit at roughly 600 to 1,000 metres above sea level, on sandy, stony alluvial soils rich in river-borne gravel and generally well drained. The climate is continental and semi-arid, marked by low rainfall, abundant sunshine and a pronounced day-night temperature swing; overall it runs warmer than the neighbouring, higher-altitude regions of Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley. Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Bonarda and Syrah are notably grown here, alongside white varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Torrontés.

The wines of this appellation

Maipú produces predominantly red wines, with Malbec as its emblematic variety alongside Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Bonarda and Syrah. These are deep-coloured, generous, fleshy wines with ample structure and ripe tannins, reflecting a warm, low-altitude terroir. The nose shows ripe red and black fruit — cherry, plum, blackberry, blackcurrant — with notes of tobacco and cedar. In Lunlunta, on clay-and-stone soils, the reds gain tannic finesse with touches of pencil lead; in warmer Barrancas, they turn rounder and softer. Historically more approachable young than the province's higher-altitude wines, they are often enjoyed in their first years, though the more structured cuvées, particularly from Lunlunta, reward a few years of cellaring. They pair well with grilled red meats, lamb and slow-cooked stews. The white wines, made from Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc or Torrontés, are lighter and more aromatic, suited to poultry or vegetable-based dishes.