La Coste de Los Andes

La Coste de Los Andes is a fascinating meeting of two worlds. In 2010, Patrick McKillen, founder of Château La Coste in Provence, fell for the dramatic landscape of Mendoza. He found something special in the Valle de Uco, where the Andes rise sharply from the valley floor. The estate spans 700 hectares across three distinct terroirs: Alto Agrelo, Gualtallary, and Los Chacayes. These vineyards climb to 1,700 meters above sea level, where the air is thin and the sun intense.

Mountain terroir with character

The soils here tell different stories. Sandy parcels sit alongside calcareous plots and stony ground. Los Chacayes, the heart of the operation, features calcium carbonate soils that give the wines their mineral backbone. The mountain climate brings dramatic temperature swings between day and night. This slow ripening builds complexity in the grapes. The vineyards have been certified organic since 2014, a commitment that goes beyond paperwork to reflect a genuine respect for this unique environment.

Lucas Gimenéz and the winemaking approach

Lucas Gimenéz leads the winemaking team, bringing a fresh perspective to the estate. He splits his time between two hemispheres, working the harvest at Château La Coste in Provence during August and September, then heading to Argentina for the February-March vintage. This dual experience enriches his approach. The philosophy here centers on preserving terroir through sustainable viticulture. Every decision in the vineyard aims to protect soil fertility and express the character of each plot. In the cellar, manual harvesting and strict grape selection lead to fermentation in stainless steel tanks, concrete eggs, and French oak barrels.

Wines that reflect altitude and diversity

The estate produces wines under two main labels. The flagship La Coste de Los Andes Malbec represents the best parcels from Los Chacayes. The Andillian range offers more accessible expressions: a Malbec that blends three soil types, a Cabernet Franc from high-altitude plots at 1,250 to 1,450 meters, and a Unique Blend that captures the spicy, herbal character of mountain fruit. There's also a Chardonnay and a premium Chardonnay called Los Andes. These wines merge the sunny spirit of Provence with the luminous heights of the Andes, creating something distinct to both places yet unique to neither.