Guest blogger Camille Berry reviews our newest Biodynamic wines from Argentina, Inkarri

It hasn’t taken long for Mendoza to rise to superstardom in the wine world. With vineyards that seem to touch the sky and a terroir-driven style unlike anywhere else on earth, Mendoza offers us the chance to drink some seriously amazing wine. The climate here is perfectly suited to sustainable viticulture – music to the ears for all of us who prefer to drink organic. Which brings us to one of our favorite Mendoza wineries, Proviva. This family-owned winery has just released a new line of Demeter Certified Biodynamic wines called Inkarri made from 100 percent organic grapes. As this is Mendoza we’re talking about, there’s one thing we can be sure of – the results are fantastic.

The name Inkarri comes from an Incan legend. It is said that one day, the last ruler of the Inca, Atahualpa, will rise from the dead to retake his kingdom and bring peace back to the world. Inkarri is based in one of Argentina’s two officially recognized appellations, Lujan de Cuyo, which is the heart of Mendoza’s wine industry. It’s a hub of winery activity and widely recognized as one of Argentina’s top viticultural areas.

The defining feature of Mendoza’s wines are the high altitude vineyards. Tucked away in the upper foothills of the Andes, these vineyards bask in ample sunshine. This yields ripe grapes which are balanced out by just the right amount of acidity. The roots of the vines dig deep into the diverse soils, which contributes to their earthy, mineral-driven flavor. The hot, dry wind known as the Zonda keeps vines free from disease, making organic and Biodynamic viticulture not only possible, but easy, even preferable.

If there’s one single defining aspect to highlight when it comes to Inkarri, it’s the emphasis on terroir. Since they opened their doors in 2002, Proviva has committed itself to studying Mendoza’s terroirs and identifying the best sites for specific grape varieties. You can taste this careful attention to detail in any one of its estate bottled wines, and the Inkarri line of Biodynamic wines is no exception.

The vineyards are located nearly 1000 meters above sea level. Thanks to long hours of sun, Inkarri’s wines are exceptionally concentrated. Rich black and red fruits are the first flavors to hit your palate, followed by chocolate, coffee, and spice. With smooth tannins and acid that refreshes your palate between sips, these wines are uniformly well-made. Here are four highlights from their range.

Selection of Biodynamic wines from Argentina:

Limited Edition Red Blend – rich blackberry, black cherry, raspberry, violets, with a touch of tobacco. This red blend is made of 60% Tannat, 20% Petit Verdot, and 20% Cabernet Franc. Characteristics of each grape are discernible but come together in perfect harmony to create a red wine that’s all too easy to drink.
Editor’s note: This wine recently received 92 points from Tim Atkin.

Syrah – blackberry, pepper, earth, and spice. In other words, a classic Syrah. This bold, full-bodied wine has supple tannins and a slight meatiness which would pair well with anything off the grill.

Editor’s note: This wine won a Gold Medal at the 2018 Challenge Millésime Bio.

Estate Bottled Malbec – ripe blueberry, red plum, and milk chocolate with a hint of licorice. This is an elegant Malbec with a light minty-herbal notes that would be ideal with roasted vegetables and other savory vegetarian dishes.

Editor’s note: This wine recently received a 91 points from James Suckling

Winemaker’s Reserve Malbec – bramble fruit, fresh earth, violets, and bittersweet chocolate. The Winemaker’s Reserve Malbec is much earthier than its sibling. Made from grapes grown at 1100 meters and aged in a higher percentage of new oak, this wine is definitely a candidate for the cellar.
Editor’s note: This wine recently received 92 points from Tim Atkin.

White wine lovers should take note; Inkarri also produces a beautiful White Blend made from Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Viognier. It’s ripe and generous, yet refreshing beyond belief. A touch of peach and tropical pineapple make it a good contender for a variety of lighter dishes with more exotic flavors.

Inkarri doesn’t disappoint. These are outstanding food wines. Think along the lines of barbecues, steak, or really any savory meat dish. You can roast veggies or enjoy them with cheese as well. PS – the wines are also Certified Vegan and vegetarian-friendly. But of course, Inkarri Biodynamic wines are equally delicious enjoyed on their own.

If powerful, complex reds are your thing or if you simply enjoy supporting sustainably made wines made by family-owned wineries, you’d do well to give Inkarri a try. You can enjoy these wines year round; from summertime barbecues through the cold winter evenings tucking into a hearty roast.

About Camille Berry

Camille grew up not far from the heart of California’s wine country. She started off in the wine world as a sommelier before deciding to combine her passion for the written word with her love of fermented grape juice. She now lives in the UK where she continues consult, teach, and write about wine and spirits.