Criolla Chica, Criolla Grande, Cereza, Canela, and Moscatel Tinto from Barreal, Valle de Calingasta, San Juan, Argentina; light bodied and dry with notes of juicy red plum, ripe cranberry, Swiss Miss, warm baking spice, and white pepper, with medium plus acidity, soft edges, and a spicy finish. Organic

Unfiltered Wine Club August 2026, 2025 vintage:

"For our first red we’re taking a hard left out of Italy and heading to the remote Valle de Calingasta in San Juan, Argentina. El Montañista is the project of Francisco “Pancho” Bugallo and Nuria Añó Gargiulo, a husband-and-wife team who began working with the historic Paraje Hilario vineyard in 2021. Sitting at a staggering 1,500 meters in the foothills of the Andes, the organically farmed vineyard is home to old heritage varieties that offer a glimpse into Argentina’s long and complicated viticultural history. Corte de Tintas is a field blend of Criolla Chica, Criolla Grande, Cereza, Canela, and Moscatel Tinto, and the result is about as juicy and fun as those grape names sound. Light-bodied and dry, I got notes of juicy red plum, ripe cranberry, Swiss Miss, warm baking spice, and white pepper, with medium-plus acidity, soft edges, and a spicy finish. This is absolutely a red I would drink slightly chilled, and I think it would be killer with pork tacos, grilled sausages, empanadas, or a smoky black bean dish. Roasted squash, barbecue chicken, or a cheeseboard with something salty and a little funky would be equally delicious. Don’t overthink this one! Throw some food on the table and have fun with it."