Poesia, Bodega
Summary
Bodega Poesia is a small-scale Mendoza winery established by Bordeaux vintners Hélène Garcin-Lévêque and Patrice Lévêque in 1998, producing Malbec-dominant blends from 5.5 hectares of high-altitude, old-vine vineyards in Luján de Cuyo's Perdriel district. The couple applies their French winemaking expertise through hand harvesting, temperature-controlled fermentation, and French oak aging while maintaining intentionally limited production that honors both their Bordeaux heritage and the distinctive character of their Argentine terroir.
Heritage & Leadership
Bodega Poesia was established in 1998 by Hélène Garcin-Lévêque and Patrice Lévêque, who brought their Bordeaux winemaking expertise to Argentina's Mendoza region. The French couple, who also own several Bordeaux properties including Château Barde-Haut, Château Haut-Bergey, and Clos L'Église, selected the Luján de Cuyo area for their South American venture. They acquired a property locally known as "Finca Dante Robino" in the Perdriel district, drawn to its old vines and high-altitude terroir. Under their direction, Bodega Poesia has maintained a deliberate small-scale production focused on quality rather than volume, applying their French winemaking heritage to Argentina's distinctive growing conditions.
Vineyards & Wines
Bodega Poesia's vineyards span 5.5 hectares in the Perdriel area of Luján de Cuyo, comprising 4.5 hectares of Malbec and 1 hectare of Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyard's distinguishing feature is its old vines, planted in 1935, which produce naturally low yields with concentrated flavors. The property sits at high altitude in the foothills of the Andes, where significant diurnal temperature variation helps develop complex flavor profiles while maintaining acidity in the grapes. The winery produces two main labels: their flagship "Poesia," a Malbec-dominant blend with Cabernet Sauvignon, and "Clos des Andes," which showcases the distinctive character of their vineyard site through different proportions of the same varieties.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking approach at Bodega Poesia reflects a marriage between Bordeaux traditions and Argentine terroir expression. Grapes are harvested by hand to ensure only optimal fruit enters production. The Lévêques apply techniques refined at their Bordeaux properties, including temperature-controlled fermentation that preserves fruit character while developing structure. Their philosophy centers on minimal intervention, allowing the old vines and distinctive growing conditions to speak through the wines. French oak barrels feature in their aging program, providing subtle complexity without overwhelming the fruit characteristics. This measured approach to winemaking demonstrates their commitment to creating wines that reflect both their French heritage and the unique attributes of their Mendoza vineyard.