Bodegas Esmeralda

Bodegas Esmeralda was founded by Don Juan Fernández. The estate was named in honour of Don Juan's daughter, Esmeralda Fernández, the only woman amongst four brothers. Located in Junin, it is one of the oldest wineries in the area and one of the mayor producers / exporters of the region. In fact, it has become an icon of the winemaking industry due to its fine modern equipment, systematic work and sustained growth in terms of volume and quality.

Bodegas Esmeralda is equipped with the latest technology, including stainless steel tanks, pneumatic presses and modern crusher/destemmers and pumping systems. In addition, an ambitious plan was implemented to upgrade the barrel storage facilities, importing French an American oak barrels from the finest cooperages in the world.

Bodegas Esmeralda works closely with prestigious winemaker / consultants. Currently, the estate has four additional winemaking facilities to meet the needs of its most diverse blends: “La Antonia Norte”, “La Antonia Sur”, “La Vendimia” and “La Libertad” wineries.

From the very beginning Bodegas Esmeralda set out to discover the best places to plant vineyards in Mendoza, identifying the best microclimates for Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Malbec. In addition, new techniques of cluster thinning and harvest practices were implemented to further increase concentration.

This research program also led to the conclusion that the poor soils near the Andes, were actually ideal for quality viticulture. And that the desert climate was an asset because it allowed vineyard managers to control quality and hang time through strict irigation control.

Leopoldo Nicolás Kuschnaroff. Agricultural engineer, born into a vintner’s family, Leopoldo studied in Mendoza where he specialized in winemaking. After college graduation, he worked several harvests abroad, in the Unites States. Back home in Argentina, he worked in vineyard development and management. In 2002, he joined the winemaking team at Catena, where he vinified grapes in different wine growing regions of Argentina. Two years later, in 2004, he was appointed to his current position of General Manager of Bodegas Esmeralda