Argentine wine: the best according to Tim Atkin and the trends for 2025

British Master of Wine Tim Atkin presented his 2025 Report on Argentine wine , one of the most influential guides to the industry globally. This edition confirmed what many winemakers and winemakers have long pointed out: the country's strength no longer lies solely in Malbec , but in a growing diversity of regions, styles, and varieties.

In this edition, Atkin tasted 1,730 wines from 299 producers . Of these, 1,314 earned 90 points or more , and 170 exceeded 95 points , demonstrating remarkable consistency in quality. Additionally, three wines achieved 99 points , the highest score ever awarded by the critic in his Argentine reports, and another five reached 98.

Speaking with Los Andes in April of this year, Atkin had anticipated this phenomenon: “One of the greatest strengths of the Argentine wine industry is its diversity. So I think the future lies in that diversity, although Malbec will always be the country's calling card in export markets,” he said.

Photo - Tim Atkin 2024 (6).JPG

As usual, the report also included a podium of 22 special mentions . Among the most notable, the title of "Legend of Oenology" went to Marcelo Miras of Bodega Miras, while the "Oenologist of the Year" was Germán Di Cesare of Trivento. Luciano Bastías (Corazón del Sol) was chosen Young Oenologist of the Year , and Joaquín Martín of Finca Sophenia was chosen as Newcomer of the Year .

As for wines, the Red of the Year award went to the 2022 Colomé Altura Máxima Malbec from the Calchaquí Valley; the White of the Year award went to the 2023 Catena Zapata White Bones Chardonnay from Gualtallary. There were also mentions of the best sparkling, rosé, and sweet wines, and a selection of "Best Value" wines , which stand out for their high quality at affordable prices.

When asked about changes in the production and perception of Argentine wine , Atkin highlighted a clear pattern: “We've seen a shift from eastern Mendoza to the First Zone and the Uco Valley. It has to do with economics, but above all, with quality. People are drinking less, but better.”

He also highlighted the progress of less traditional regions: “I really enjoyed returning to Río Negro and Neuquén this year. It was great to see the progress those regions are making,” he said. He added that the future of Argentine wine is being forged in the vineyard , with greater awareness of terroir, sustainable practices, and less reliance on oak.

Regarding strains with potential, Atkin was clear: “Cabernet Franc definitely, and perhaps Garnacha and Pinot Noir. Among whites, Semillon is underrated, and I think Argentine Chardonnay is still underappreciated.”

Regarding the trending wine styles, the critic noted increased freshness in reds , sustained improvement in whites , and a strong desire to reflect the place of origin in each bottle . All this, with an increasingly clear focus on sustainability : “Argentina's dry climate greatly helps reduce inputs in the vineyard, and I'm impressed by the progress made so far,” he emphasized.

Red Wine of the Year

2022 Colomé Altura Máxima Malbec – Calchaquí Valleys

White Wine of the Year

2023 Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard White Bones Chardonnay – Gualtallary

Rosé of the Year

2024 Susana Balbo Wines Susana Balbo Signature Rosé – Valle de Uco

Sparkling Wine of the Year

2020 Rutini Apartado Brut Nature – Uco Valley

Sweet Wine of the Year

2024 Mendel Petit Manseng Late Harvest – Paraje Altamira

Red Wine Discovery of the Year

2022 Luigi Bosca LEON – Mendoza

White Discovery of the Year

NV BIRA Mero Bianco – Uco Valley

Rosé Discovery of the Year

2024 Riccitelli Wines Old Vines from Patagonia Pinot Noir Rosado – Río Negro

Sparkling Discovery of the Year

NV Bodega del Fin del Mundo Brut Nature – Neuquén

Best Value Red

2024 Bodegas López Malbec – Mendoza

Blanco Best Value

2024 Galileo Vineyard, Far Orange Tree – San Martín

Best Value Rosé

2024 Kirton Botane Rosado Winery – Córdoba

Best Value Sparkling Wine

2023 The Relator The Favorite Extra Brut – Mendoza

Dulce Best Value

2022 José Hernández Tardío – Gualtallary