Everly Communications is pleased to announce public relations representation of sustainable Argentine wineries Tapiz and Zolo.
Founded 14 years ago by former medical doctor Patricia Ortiz, Tapiz and Zolo have gained fast U.S. distribution and quality recognition in the U.S. under importer Vino Del Sol, and with the help of famed former winemaker of Petrus, Jean Claude Berrouet.
Jean Claude Berrouet, who previously presided over 44 vintages at the revered Bordeaux winery Petrus, became heavily involved in Tapiz and Zolo in 2012. Ortiz seeks to produce wines with more elegance and finesse than many of her regional neighbors, and in pursuit of this goal, she saw Berrouet as the perfect partner. After sending samples to France, Berrouet was impressed by their quality and signed onto the project. He now works exclusively with Tapiz and Zolo in Argentina, and collaborates with his son and local winemaker Fabian Valenzuela year-round to oversee vineyard management and winemaking.
Zolo and Tapiz differentiate themselves through separate expressions of Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley terroirs, which are two of Mendoza’s top sub-appellations. Representing Luján de Cuyo is Zolo, one of the most technologically advanced wineries in Argentina. Zolo wines are made entirely from estate vineyards in Agrelo, Alto Agrelo and Luján de Cuyo. Residing close to the Andes at various altitudes, each of these vineyard terroirs benefits from intense diurnal temperature variations and alpine winds that allow for slow ripening and acid retention.
Meanwhile, Tapiz exclusively crafts wines from estate vineyards in Uco Valley. One of their marquee sites is San Pablo, which lies at 4,600 feet above sea level as one of the highest vineyards in Mendoza. The altitude extremes impart intense concentration and natural acidity to the wines, as demonstrated by the single vineyard Tapiz Alta Collection. Throughout the entire range of wines, winemakers Berrouet and Valenzuela work together to create a beautiful tapiz (tapestry) of unfiltered fruit and oak aging, producing full-bodied yet elegant wines.
Founder Patricia attributes the relatively fast rise of her wineries to the incredible quality for value offered by each, and the consistency that they are able to maintain in each vintage.
“We believe in our programs of state of the art technology in the winery, and close care in the vineyards. By utilizing only estate grown fruit, we can ensure that top vineyard practices are maintained year-round. Most of our wines are from single vineyards and all wines are from handpicked grapes,” says Patricia Ortiz, President, founder, and owner of Tapiz and Zolo.
SUSTAINABILITY AND GIVING BACK
Tapiz as the parent company is certifiably sustainable in grape growing and winemaking production. Under Ortiz, the team is heavily involved in increasing organic practices, and recycling bio compost from winery waste. The company invests in research and development as well. Current investigations include inquiries on indigenous yeasts, vegan wine clarifying alternatives, the restoration of native plants, and the potential for white wines to age similar to Old World counterparts.
Tapiz is very involved with the local community, providing university grants to employees and local students. Ortiz donates her time once a week to nearby schools to teach about the importance of education. To her, education is the “key to freedom.” Tapiz is also involved in wine moderation programs that educate workers and the community on responsible alcohol consumption.
The preservation of local identity has always been part of the mission of the winery. One such exemplary project is the restoration of a historic ranch home, now called Club Tapiz, which hosts guests for immersive wine and olive oil making experiences.
