Valle de Aminga is a small region in the Argentinean province of La Rioja. It is located at the foot of Mount El Velazco and has a special microclimate: sandy soil, dry weather and little rain throughout year, plus wide ranging temperatures and high luminosity. Grapevines are cultivated in the foothills of the Andes at an altitude of 1450 meters and are irrigated by the run-off from snowfields or by underground water. The combination of the best conditions to favour an excellent ripening of the grape.
In that land of magic and opportunity the Spadone Group launched its carreer in the wine industry after acquiring in 1998 Bodegas Menem, belonging to the Argentinean President´s family. Production of fine wines carried out as a dedicated craft was complemented with world level cutting edge technology. In addition, the winery employed enologists and agricultural experts specializing in grapevines.
The growth of the winery has since been climbing. Forty hectares were added to the original 50 bought in 1998, which will be fully producing in the 2002 vintage. Other 50 hectares were incorporated the following year -1999- whose production will be completed by 2003. During year 2000, 60 hectares more of grapevines were added which will be fully producing by 2004.
The production power grew from 300,000 liters in 1998, to 3 million liters produced presently. Sales, expressed in annual liters, grew from 50,000 in 1998, to 1,5 million liters by 2001. Sales estimated for year 2004 are 2,8 million liters.
The main brand of the winery is the San Huberto, which includes white and red fine wines (Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Barbera, Chardonnay, Chenin, Torrontes, Merlot and Syrah). Wines recognized by their origin, the exceptional vineyard. By their quality, which provides pleasant feelings when tasted. By its charm, felt by those who value good wine as life. By the nobility of its inviting velvet-like structure. And by its history too, where tradition and technology meet.
Apart from the classic San Huberto identifying the winery, other brands produced by the Spadone Group are El Velazco, Chaumont (created exclusively for Carrefour hypermarkets), Don Carlos (exportation brand), oil and olives Fray Pedro, and Montmarte oil, produced for Carrefour too.
In Mendoza Too
Searching for constant challenges, the group acquired in the year 2000 in the province of Mendoza, where Carlos Pedro Spadone was born, the Bodegas y Viñedos Pincolini winery and a rural property of 350 hectares.
Bodegas y Viñedos Pincolini S.A. has a yearly production power of 8 million liters. Production estimated for 2001 and 2002 is 1,2 million liters of wine matured in wood.
Welers S.A is the corporation which runs Estancias Il Tramonto (Gándara, province of Buenos Aires), and La Concepción, located in Batán, only 15 minutes from the city of Mar del Plata. These farms have a total of 1300 hectares where an average of 2500 Aberdeen Angus and Brangus pieces of cattle are bred and fattened.
La Concepción operates a plant nursery as well, and runs kiwi plantations in 20 of its hectares. The Spadone Group also grows kiwi in Baradero, province of Buenos Aires.
