Pielihueso means "skin and bones" in Spanish, and the name captures exactly what this small Argentine family winery is all about: stripping wine back to its bare essentials and letting the land speak clearly.
Backstory
In 2017, Celina Bartolome persuaded her father Alejandro to convert part of the family's organically farmed land in the Uco Valley into vineyards. Alejandro, who had spent decades working as an agronomist and organic farmer, had never made wine before -- but the transition proved natural. The project quickly developed into a full family affair, with Celina's sister Carmela designing the labels based on artwork created by their brother.
The Region
Pielihueso's vineyards sit in two subregions of Tunuyan within the Uco Valley: Los Chacayes and Los Sauces. Planted at elevations between 1,190 and 1,300 metres above sea level, the vineyards benefit from dramatic diurnal temperature swings that preserve natural acidity and aromatic freshness in the grapes. The soils are predominantly alluvial and sandy, with excellent drainage that encourages deep rooting.
Vineyards & Farming
Organic farming has been the only approach here from the start, reflecting Alejandro's background in sustainable agriculture. The vineyards are dry-farmed, relying on deep root systems to access groundwater. Pielihueso grows a diverse range of varieties including Torrontes, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. Organic certification is in process.
Winemaking
Celina oversees winemaking with a minimal-intervention philosophy. Wines are fermented with native yeasts, made without corrections, and receive only a small addition of sulfur just before bottling for protection during transport. Nothing is added, nothing is taken away. The result is a range of wines that are light, bright, and energetic.
The Wines
Pielihueso produces a tight lineup of white, rosado, tinto, and skin-contact "Naranjo" bottlings. The wines are consistently low in alcohol and high in energy, with the Tinto de Los Sauces drawing on field-blended old vines and the Naranjo offering a textured orange wine from extended maceration. Every bottle reflects the family's commitment to honest, natural winemaking in a region better known for blockbuster styles.
