"We want to make great wines, we want to be successful, but we don't want to be big!" This is a small to medium sized producer that believes it must work within a pre-defined maximum scale in order to maintain the highest possible style and quality credentials. It's working, as testified by the 2015 Sommelier Wine Awards when no fewer than three of the wines (from the unoaked Serbal range) won gold medals and Atamisque was named New World Producer of the Year.
Located in the district of San José in Tupungato, Uco Valley, this stunning yet simple winery is the first you will see on the famous 'Ruta del Vino', Route 86.
The humble slate rooves and drably coloured walls host an extremely impressive modern facility, where winemaker Philippe Caraguel quietly plies his trade, bringing a touch of French restraint to the fruits of these 100% estate-owned vineyards, many of which boast some particularly old vines. Atamisque makes great Malbec, of course, but it is perhaps with 'other' varietals and blends that you will find the finest examples of Uco expression. Serbal Cabernet Franc, for example, is the most exciting and best value example of this grape that we have ever tasted, from anywhere. There are three, easy to climb tiers in the range - Serbal, Catalpa and Atamisque itself - all named after indigenous trees and shrubs that can be found growing amongst the vines.
Atamisque also encompasses a golf course, a very nice restaurant, delightful guest accommodation and a trout farm. But who cares about all that when the wines are this good!