Innovation and sustainability are at the forefront of Argentinian winery Antigal.
In 2000, the Chilean Cartoni family made a bet on the quality of the wines produced in Argentina and embarked on their first venture in the wine business. They bought a century-old winery in Maipú, Mendoza, hired an architectural firm to refurbish the building and added the latest winemaking technology.
Being new to the wine business meant opportunities to be innovative, says CEO Alessandra Cartoni who works alongside her brothers and father. Today, Antigal produces 2.5 million bottles per year and exports to 70 countries. The vast portfolio consists of a range of red and white wines from Uco Valley and Maipú, including single vineyard selections.
Antigal’s commitment to sustainability has led them to obtain several social and environmental certifications from organizations such as LETIS, Bodegas de Argentina and Sedex, among others. “We take sustainability seriously,” says Cartoni, who emphasizes that the future lies in organic viticulture. Currently, the family has 32-acres of organic vineyards within proximity to the winery and plans to gradually convert the rest.
Cartoni personally believes in sustainability as a holistic concept that includes the company’s culture as well. Gender inclusion is just one example: Antigal’s finance, marketing and winemaking departments are each under female leadership. “Women value and see things from a different perspective. Working with them has a positive impact on the company,” says the Cartoni.
Miriam Gomez, director of enology and viticulture, has been working at the winery for 16 years with the aim to create a distinctive wine style reflective of Antigal and Argentinian terroir. “We want our wines to preserve their unique identity and exhibit a well-defined varietal character. They must be elegant. This is done through vineyard management, the timing of the harvest and making the right decisions during the winemaking process.”
Embracing Antigal’s innovative spirit, the winemaker and her team are working on a new project that will expand the portfolio by introducing new grape varieties and regions. They are determined to showcase Argentina’s ability to produce wines beyond Malbec and continue pushing boundaries within the industry.
On the same note, Cartoni believes that Argentina, being perceived as a country that excels at winemaking, should leverage this reputation. “We as producers must capitalize on this perception and show the diversity of wines made in this land.” This integrated vision of the wine industry has helped the family position their wines domestically and abroad—and for their success, innovation and sustainable practices, Wine Enthusiast proudly names Antigal New World Winery of the Year in the 2023 Wine Star Awards.
Last Updated: November 7, 2023
