How do Germans end up with a vineyard in Argentina?
Our road to Argentina
“Being the caretaker for 100 year old vines is an incredibly fulfilling exciting job.”
Inspired by a beautiful country
Inspired by a trip to South America, which also took Jannik and Jonas to Perdriel in Argentina, the sight of the vineyards against the fantastic backdrop of the Andes left a lasting impression. After further stops on this journey, through Uruguay, Colombia, Ecuador and Costa Rica, they return to their home wine region of the Rhine and Ahr in Germany.
At the age of 27, they have already been influenced by their parents to enjoy high-quality wine. During his studies in Australia, Jannik gained an insight into the local wine industry in the Hunter Valley. Jonas gained access to the Bordeaux wine region in France during his studies in Clermont Ferrand. But nothing captivated and inspired them as much as the over 100-year-old Malbec vines from Perdriel.
An idea was born
In a lively wine round, they can inspire their father and friends to preserve this heritage. Especially their father becomes a strong supporter of the project. After their first professional experiences in private banking and consulting, Jannik and Jonas realized that as young people they wanted to work more sustainably and actively shape something. During their research, they found a Canadian wine enthusiast, Nadia Binesh, who has been successfully brokering wineries herself for years, including in Argentina. After visiting a few wineries that are for sale, the two sit with Nadia at Giuseppe Franceschini’s winery over a glass of wine.
A place with potential
Giuseppe himself came to Argentina as a young man and has become one of the country’s most renowned winemakers. He has been attracting attention with new approaches to winemaking in Argentina and has been creating premium wines for many years. Giuseppe knows that two women in the immediate neighborhood want to sell their winery. Together they visit the vineyard and Villa Maria-Luisa, on first sight, they recognize the potential.
Several hectares of old Malbec vines, over 100 years old, with a view of the Andes. In addition, a fantastic old villa in Art Nouveau style. Built before 1920, somewhat neglected over time, yet with many details that are worth preserving with some work. A place like this can become a dream.
The project is born, and the journey begins. After the vineyard was purchased, the planning and design could begin. With Guiseppe they had also found the perfect oenologist for their wine. Together they want to create modern top-class wines that are organically and biodynamically produced and pay homage to the natural cycles inherent in winemaking, CICLO ANDINO. Más de Cien, vines more than a hundred years old, form the basis and in 2023 the first small quantities of Más de Cien wine were produced with great results. Furthermore, in the Amaneceres white wine line named after the majestic sunrise over the Andes shining on the vineyards, a White Blend, Sémillon and Torrontes are created.
It is their desire to share the dream with as many people as possible and guests are always welcome in the beautiful villa and the guesthouses that were built alongside it. CICLO ANDINO offers an opportunity for all to escape their everyday life and enjoy wonderful days and nights in the heart of Argentina’s wine production.