Finca el Origen is the Argentinean winery of the Carolina Wine Brands winery cluster.
This Mendoza project began in 1996 with the planting of the first vineyards in Vista Flores, Uco Valley, at the foothills of the Andes mountain range. During the first years, the business was focused on commercializing ultrapremium grapes from an area that was increasingly gaining prestige until it became the most celebrated area of the country. In 2002, after achieving great expertise managing the vineyards, we started producing wines from our own vineyards, with a boutique concept and a single vineyard spirit.
The Uco Valley is located at the foothills of the Andes mountain range. Millions of years ago, some parts of the mountain range were submerged under the sea, which explains the presence of sea fossils like the ammonite, which represents us through our logo. They are considered silent witnesses of the origin of the Andes and today, by being part of our genuine terroir, are witnesses of the origin of our wines.
HIGH ALTITUDE. Our vineyards range from 3,300 – 3,900 ft. ASL, along the Andes mountain range. At that altitude, the nights are very cold and the sunlight during the day is very intense. This produces thicker grape skins as the vine protects its seeds from strong sun exposure and low temperatures, which translates into wines that are rich in tannins and flavors.
DESERT SOILS. Mendoza is a high desert (less than 8 inches of rainfall per year) without sea influence. Millions of years of geologic activity have rendered this alluvial soil very poor with low fertility. This produces balanced grapes and low yields (plants produce concentrated, small grape clusters).
EXCELLENT WATER. The water we use to irrigate our vineyards comes from a stream that passes through our La Esperanza vineyard. It flows from a natural glacier-fed spring in Tunuyán. The purity of this fresh water is transferred to the grapes.
SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT. The well-drained soil of the Uco Valley is poor, rocky and filled with pebbles. The warm, dry breezes of spring and summer in this dry continental climate make it very easy to farm sustainably. Vineyards are naturally healthy as pests and diseases have fewer chances to survive. Cover crops help to retain some fertile nutrients. Pesticides are used as a preventive practice, and are applied as little as possible.
