Gen del Alma is a relatively new winemaking project, started less than 10 years ago by Gerardo Michelini and his wife Andrea Mufatto. Gerardo is one of four Michelini brothers who have revolutionised the Argentine wine scene in recent years, with new projects and new plantings of lesser seen grape varieties. Togethe they form a group called the Barbarians – a new wave approach, railing against the old guard of Argentine wines, that they see as overdone and not in tune with current wine ideals. Instead, they have focussed on high altitude plantings, loving the lift and fragrance that comes from these vineyards that reach up to the sky. The clean air and their meticulous approach to sustainable viticulture results in uplifting wines that are never dull or heavy.
Gerardo & Andrea started Gen del Alma with the aim of making light and refreshing wines, built around natural acidity, and with minimal intervention. Some of their wines are cloudy, some are clear, all are delicious! Organic viticulture and a hands-off approach in the winery define their methodology, and the results are startling – wines that taste as though they could come from some of the more cutting edge producers in France or Italy, with that lifted, clean fruit edge. Sensational stuff.
What a wine this is! It comes from fruit grown on a single vineyard in the region of Gualtallary in Mendoza, planted in 1972. The fruit is grown up on high trellises, to maximise sunlight and airflow. No yeast was added to the wine, and it has minimal preservatives fermentation. Very zesty and fresh, with high acidity that makes you salivate. There are notes of wild herbs, apple cider and plenty of lemon peel and grapefruit. Slightly yeasty as well, in a complex, subtle way. The majority of Chenin Blanc grown in Argentina is used for sparkling wine, and with this high level of acidity, it’s not hard to see why. A really breathtaking wine.
Find this wine at
You can find food pairings, matching recipes and the winemakers’ story all here:
Discover wines paired to your tastes at