For over two decades, Piattelli Vineyards has been a testament to Argentina's winemaking prowess, combining tradition, sustainability, and a reverence for the land to produce exceptional wines. Founded in 2001 by Jon and Arlene Malinski, Piattelli is part of Artel Inc Global Brands, a portfolio dedicated to family-owned, sustainable, and award-winning Argentine labels. With wineries strategically placed in Mendoza and Cafayate—two of the country’s most celebrated wine regions—Piattelli’s commitment to sustainable farming practices and high-altitude cultivation has set it apart on the global stage. In a conversation with President Eric Malinski, he shares Piattelli's mission extends beyond mere winemaking; it’s about crafting wines that reflect the purity of the Andes and the rich, sun-drenched landscapes of Salta, bringing the essence of Argentina to every glass. Read the full interview to know all about Piattelli’s exquisite wines.

Can you share the story behind Piattelli Vineyards? What inspired its  creation and how has it evolved over time? 

Since 2001, Piattelli Vineyards has been a family-owned winery led by Jon and  Arlene Malinski, driven by passion, perseverance, and a deep respect for  Argentina’s land. Inspired by tradition, we craft wines that reflect our roots,  combining meticulous attention to detail with sustainable practices. With  vineyards in Cafayate, Salta, and Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, we embrace high altitude winemaking to produce authentic, high-quality wines. Each bottle tells  a story of dedication, heritage, and the pursuit of excellence, staying true to the  spirit of our family and the land we call home. 

Your brand emphasizes being sustainable—can you elaborate on your  sustainability practices and what sets your wines apart? 

At Piattelli Vineyards, sustainability is at the heart of our winemaking. Since 2018,  we've implemented year-round rotational sheep grazing—the first of its kind in  Argentina—to enhance soil health and sequester carbon. We prioritize  composting to regenerate soil, have eliminated herbicides to protect  biodiversity, and maintain biological corridors with native flora to support local  wildlife. Our drip irrigation system optimizes water use, ensuring efficiency and  sustainability. These practices not only protect the environment but also  enhance the quality of our wines, allowing us to craft authentic, high-altitude  expressions of Argentina’s terroir. 

How do the unique terroirs of Argentina and your winemaking philosophy  influence the style and character of Piattelli wines? 

At Piattelli Vineyards, our philosophy is to express the best of the terroirs where  we are landowners: Mendoza and Salta, two of the most iconic wine regions in  Argentina. With vineyards in both areas, we work to capture the unique essence  of each and bring it to our bottles. Mendoza, renowned for its altitude and ideal  climate for cultivating varieties like Malbec, and Salta, where the cool  temperatures of high-altitude viticulture enhance the freshness of the wines,  allow us to create wines that combine strength and complexity with elegance. 

Our wines are crafted to reflect the authentic identity of these two terroirs, with  each bottle conveying the sensations of the land that has nurtured us. We focus  on producing elegant, refined wines that have been recognized and awarded by  

international critics, a testament to our commitment to quality and excellence.  At Piattelli, we strive to make wines that not only celebrate Argentina’s  winemaking tradition but also showcase our innovative vision, always seeking  perfection in every glass.

Piatelli Vineyards

With Argentina being famous for Malbec, how does Piattelli innovate  within this category while also offering other varietals? 

Argentina is globally renowned for its Malbec, and at Piattelli Vineyards, we offer  Malbec from both Mendoza and Salta, where each region unveils a new world in  every grape. In Mendoza, the Malbec expresses rich, bold flavors and a deep structure, while in Salta, the higher altitude brings freshness and aromatic  complexity to the wine. Each Malbec showcases the distinct characteristics of its  terroir, providing a unique experience in every bottle. 

We also innovate within the Malbec category, blending it with Tannat from Salta  to create a bold and dynamic wine that marries the strength of Malbec with the  tannic structure and intensity of Tannat. This blend captures the essence of  Salta’s high-altitude vineyards, offering a wine full of character and depth. 

One of our standout creations is Trinità, Piattelli's flagship wine from Mendoza.  This complex and elegant wine boasts a deep ruby hue and is a precise blend of  Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, sourced from 30 to 70-year-old vines. Trinità represents the pinnacle of our winemaking philosophy—offering a wine of  exceptional balance and refinement, with rich layers of fruit, spice, and oak. It’s a  perfect example of how we innovate while respecting the tradition and heritage  of Argentine winemaking. 

What makes Piattelli wines a standout choice for retailers, restaurants,  and bars? 

Piattelli wines stand out for their exceptional quality and versatility, offering a  diverse range that appeals to various tastes. Our wines are consistently  recognized by international critics, providing confidence to retailers, restaurants,  and bars that they are offering a prestigious product. With a perfect balance of  tradition and innovation, Piattelli wines pair beautifully with a wide variety of  dishes, making them ideal for any setting, from casual to fine dining. As a family owned winery committed to quality and sustainability, Piattelli resonates with  businesses and consumers who value both excellence and responsibility. 

How do you position your wines in an increasingly competitive market,  both in Argentina and internationally? 

We position Piattelli wines by focusing on the unique quality of our products and  the authentic story behind them. As a family-owned winery with vineyards in  two of Argentina's most renowned wine regions—Mendoza and Salta—we  emphasize the distinctive terroirs that make our wines stand out. Our  commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability helps differentiate us  in a crowded market.

How has the perception of Argentine wines changed over the years, and  where do you see the industry heading? 

The perception of Argentine wines has evolved significantly over the years. Once  primarily known for its Malbec, Argentina is now recognized for producing a  diverse range of high-quality wines. This shift is due to the increased recognition  of Argentina’s unique terroirs, innovative winemaking practices, and the growing  global demand for premium wines. As a result, Argentine wines have moved  from being seen as a niche product to becoming a mainstay in international  markets, appreciated for their exceptional quality and value. 

Looking ahead, the industry is poised for further growth. Consumers are  increasingly focused on sustainability and authenticity, areas where Argentine  wines, particularly those from family-owned estates like Piattelli, excel.  Additionally, we see a growing interest in regions beyond Mendoza, such as  Salta, where the high-altitude terroirs offer unique characteristics. The future of  the Argentine wine industry lies in continuing to innovate while maintaining the  tradition and authenticity that make these wines unique, and catering to the  evolving preferences of wine lovers globally. 

Piattelli Vineyards- Mendoza Winery 

Looking ahead, what’s next for Piattelli Vineyards? Any new projects,  varietals, or expansions on the horizon? 

Looking ahead, we're excited to launch our new Single Vineyard line, which will  allow us to showcase the unique characteristics of specific vineyard sites in both  Mendoza and Salta. This new collection will give us the opportunity to highlight the distinct terroirs of our regions and offer an even more exclusive experience to  our customers. 

In addition to expanding our wine portfolio, we’ve also ventured into the spirits  category. In Argentina, we've recently launched John C Spirits, a premium brand  focused on distilled beverages, as well as Breakout, a ready-to-drink brand  aimed at a younger audience. These new projects reflect our commitment to  innovation and quality, allowing us to explore new ways to meet the evolving  tastes of consumers.

Header images sourced from Eric Malinski.