For over four generations, the Arizu family has stood at the forefront of premium Argentine winemaking, driven by an unwavering commitment to Malbec. Their remarkable journey began in 1890, when the first-generation patriarch, Leoncio Arizu, a visionary immigrant from the Basque Country—arrived in Mendoza. Struck by the beautiful landscape of Luján de Cuyo, he began planting European vines, laying the foundation for what would become Bodega Luigi Bosca in 1901.
At the time, Malbec—then locally known as the “French variety”—produced wines that were sweet and fortified, more akin to Port than the structured, expressive style we know today. The transformation of Malbec into Argentina’s flagship varietal was made possible by the Arizu family’s vision and perseverance.
Over four generations, they have pursued the purest expression of Malbec, guided by Mendoza’s exceptional natural elements: a continental climate with abundant sun and low humidity (ideal for organic viticulture), mineral-rich soils shaped by ancient riverbeds, and the high-altitude conditions of the Andes, which lend grapes their natural acidity and wines their signature elegance. The result? Wines of remarkable depth, concentration, and finesse.
Among Familia Arizu’s many contributions to Argentine wine, two milestones stand out. First, the establishment of Argentina’s first appellation of origin, D.O.C. Malbec, in 1989—an initiative led by Alberto Arizu. Modeled after European appellations, this project aimed to preserve typicity, elevate quality, and honor geographic authenticity, formally recognizing Luján de Cuyo as the center place of Argentina’s most iconic varietal. Second, the creation of Wines of Argentina in 1993, a national trade organization that united the country’s top wineries to promote Malbec and other Argentine wines globally. Alberto Arizu also presided over the organization twice, further strengthening Argentina’s global wine presence.
I recently had the pleasure of meeting Pablo Cúneo, the talented winemaker currently overseeing all wines at Bodega Luigi Bosca. Pablo began his career in the world of sparkling wines with Moët Hennessy in Argentina before turning to Malbec at Bodegas Ruca Malen, ultimately taking on his prestigious role at Luigi Bosca.
During our conversation, Pablo spoke with deep passion about Mendoza’s unparalleled natural conditions—high altitude, dry climate, and abundant sunshine—all crucial to Malbec’s optimal ripening and expressive character. He reflected on the evolution of Argentine wine, noting how Malbec has taken an “ascendant to the stars” trajectory since the late 1980s. Of course, wine has been made in Argentina for much longer, but it was only in recent decades that Malbec truly came into its own—emerging not just as the country’s signature grape, but also as a powerful ambassador of its viticulture on the world stage.
Historically, Mendoza wines were simple table wines, consumed domestically. But the economic challenges Argentina faced pushed producers to look outward, toward export markets. To succeed globally, they needed more than a unique grape—they needed innovation and quality. And that’s exactly what the Arizu family delivered.
Each generation has played a part in shaping a legacy of excellence—focused on terroir-driven wines that showcase abundant fruit, velvety textures, ripe tannins, and the spice that has made Malbec beloved around the globe. Today, the family continues to innovate by producing single-plot wines and leveraging the altitude of the Andes—a natural defense against global warming.
While Luigi Bosca also produces excellent Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons (tasted but not included here), the following three Malbecs stand out as exceptional examples of their craft. I hope you’ll give them a try—and let me know what you think!
Luigi Bosca Malbec 2022 – $20
Rich yet soft and mellow, this medium-bodied red showcases ripe strawberry and cherry notes, complemented by delicate floral hints of violet. Crafted from grapes grown in Luján de Cuyo, it is aged for 12 months in second-use French oak, which adds subtle spice and personality.
Rich yet soft and mellow, this medium-bodied red showcases ripe strawberry and cherry notes, complemented by delicate floral hints of violet. Crafted from grapes grown in Luján de Cuyo, it is aged for 12 months in second-use French oak, which adds subtle spice and personality.
Luigi Bosca De Sangre Malbec DOC 2022 – $35
This line, introduced in 2021, honors a family tradition: setting aside the best wines for special celebrations. “De Sangre” (from blood) is a tribute to the blood ties that bind generations of the Arizu family.
Made with fruit sourced from select plots from Fincas Las Compuertas, Vistalba, and Agrelo, this Malbec is made under the prestigious DOC Malbec appellation. It bursts with cherry and plum notes, layered with lanolin and balsamic aromas—hallmarks of the varietal. Smooth tannins and vibrant acidity give it elegance, while its meaty structure, explosive fruit, and long, spicy finish show Malbec at its finest.
This line, introduced in 2021, honors a family tradition: setting aside the best wines for special celebrations. “De Sangre” (from blood) is a tribute to the blood ties that bind generations of the Arizu family.
Made with fruit sourced from select plots from Fincas Las Compuertas, Vistalba, and Agrelo, this Malbec is made under the prestigious DOC Malbec appellation. It bursts with cherry and plum notes, layered with lanolin and balsamic aromas—hallmarks of the varietal. Smooth tannins and vibrant acidity give it elegance, while its meaty structure, explosive fruit, and long, spicy finish show Malbec at its finest.
Luigi Bosca Los Nobles Vistalba Malbec 2021 – $70
Crafted from old vines averaging 90 years in age, Finca Los Nobles Vistalba Malbec is a distinctive field blend of 94% Malbec and 6% Petit Verdot. Aged for 16 months in French oak, it opens with juicy blackberry and ripe plum at its core, unfolding into layered notes of coffee, chocolate, and vanilla. On the palate, sweet, silky tannins provide structure and depth, leading to a bold, complex finish. With the potential to age for up to 30 years, this is a true powerbomb of flavor and finesse.
Crafted from old vines averaging 90 years in age, Finca Los Nobles Vistalba Malbec is a distinctive field blend of 94% Malbec and 6% Petit Verdot. Aged for 16 months in French oak, it opens with juicy blackberry and ripe plum at its core, unfolding into layered notes of coffee, chocolate, and vanilla. On the palate, sweet, silky tannins provide structure and depth, leading to a bold, complex finish. With the potential to age for up to 30 years, this is a true powerbomb of flavor and finesse.
Cheers! Silvina
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