History and Foundation
Founded in 1998 by Jean Pierre Thibaud and Jacques Louis de Montalembert, two figures with a long trajectory in the French and Argentine wine world. Their vision was to create a winery in Argentina that would produce the highest quality wines with the knowledge and elegance of the European style. In 2015, the winery became part of the Molinos Río de la Plata group, beginning a phase of comprehensive renewal of its portfolio.
Architectural Details
Located on National Route 7 in Agrelo, Ruca Malen’s architecture is characterized by its integration with the landscape. Its modern design uses a lot of wood, stone, and glass. The restaurant is a glass-enclosed structure that seems to float above the vineyards, offering an uninterrupted panoramic view of the imposing Andes Mountains.
What to expect on a visit?
In addition to the classic tour of the facilities where the meticulous winemaking process is explained, Ruca Malen is a pilgrimage destination for lovers of fine dining. Its main focus is on the hospitality experience, allowing visitors to enjoy tastings outdoors or in its lounge with unbeatable views.
Their Wines
With winemaker Agustina Hanna at the helm of the new phase, Ruca Malen’s wines seek to reflect the purity of the terroir and the freshness of the fruit. Highlights include their Capitulo lines, which explore different expressions of soils and microclimates, and their historic icon wine, Kinien.
Fun Facts
- The name “Ruca Malen” comes from the Mapuche language (Mapudungun) and means “The house of the young woman”.
- The winery is inspired by a local legend about a Mapuche woman who, fascinated by the beauty of the Andes Mountains, decided to stay and live at the foot of the mountains.
- Ruca Malen was one of the first wineries in Mendoza to incorporate a paired multi-course menu in its restaurant, winning the global “Global Best Of Wine Tourism” award in 2013.
