It is a well-known fact that when it comes to wine, Argentina is up there with South Africa and Napa in the world’s best stakes. Yet to say it is a new world wine is a bit of an understatement; while Jorge Videla’s regime may have kept their beautiful Malbec under wraps (he wanted them for himself no doubt) until the 1990s, the Argentina wine industry has roots that go deep into the 19th century.

Certainly, have been lots of new wineries and producers popping up in the past 20-years. But these are not to be confused with the traditional producers who have been implanted in the exceptional Salta region for years. Finca Quara is one such producer; it might have 19th-century roots but the outlook is very much 21st century.

Built on the 17th-century parcels belonging to the Peñalva Frías, Finca Quara was founded by Jose Fortunato, a Lebanese immigrant. Today the 140-year-old estate is run by Familia Felix Lavaque, the fifth generation of family winemakers. Finca Quara’s vineyards are some of the highest in the region and range from 1,600 and 2,000 metres altitude and account for an astonishing range, including value wines from Torrontés, Malbec, Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Bonarda. The vines are drip-irrigated (a process illegal in France), allowing for just enough water in order for the grapes to fully concentrate their flavours. Ageing takes place in oak barrels.

The estate is mainly known for his highly rated, low priced Malbec, priced well-below standard for the region (approximately €11 a bottle for the 91 point Special Selection). Prices have risen around 10% in the 24-month period from Q2 2017-Q2 2019.