Cheval des Andes inherits its precision viticulture from Terrazas de los Andes, where, after years of identifying terraced slots with the best altitude for the best varietal expression of its different grapes, the team used advanced soil analysis to further divide vineyards into sub-plots, each of which is cultivated, harvested and vinified separately, to optimize the terroir expression of each. Only at the end are they blended together, relying on 180 years of expertise in this art.

Las Compuertas means “the floodgates” in Spanish – a name which comes from the unique way the vineyard gets its water. Traditionally, Mendoza vineyards are characterized by a unique flood irrigation method originally developed by the Incas. Pure water from the snowmelt of the Andes flows down the rivers and is channelled into small ditches that run along the vines. This traditional system has key advantages: because the water is drained at depth, it forces the vines to develop deep roots; it also allows for the cultivation of ungrafted vines by periodically drowning pests such as phylloxera.

In 2018, a modern drip irrigation system – still using the snowmelt, which the Estate stores in reservoirs – was implemented. This technique favours the distribution of water with more precision, meeting the vines’ specific needs efficiently (they absorb around 90% of this water).

Vines are carefully observed plot by plot and berry samples are tasted on a daily basis in order to determine the precise date of picking. Grapes are harvested by hand during the first three weeks of April and vinified separately by sub-plot. After the malolactic fermentation, the Cheval des Andes and Château Cheval Blanc winemaking teams come together to create the “pre-assemblage” which constitutes the basis for the final blend. This blend is aged for 16 to 18 months in a selection of new and second-use Bordeaux barrels of French and Austrian oak. 

The majesty and beauty of the Mendoza terroir inspires the vineyard team every day. The generosity of the lands creates a need to give back, which is why Cheval des Andes has started a biodiversity project on the Estate, planting flowers and other plants that attract birds and bees, which are natural predators of vineyard pests.

The team has two organic vegetable gardens and an animal farm including sheep, horses, cows, lamas and alpacas. They grow fruit, herbs and olives, which are made into oil. The sheep are sheared to make warm clothing for the vineyard workers. All the animals provide natural fertilizer for the garden.

Today Cheval des Andes lives not only through viticulture and winemaking but also through the desire to share with visitors its love and appreciation for the land.