The Maverick Behind Some of Argentina’s Most Exciting Wines

In the world of winemaking, there are those who follow rules… and then there are the ones who reimagine what wine can be. Mauricio Lorca is firmly in the latter camp. Based in Argentina’s high-altitude, cool-climate regions, particularly the remote Sierras de Córdoba and the Uco Valley, Lorca has earned a reputation for minimal-intervention, site-pure wines that reflect tradition and innovation. His philosophy blends respect for old vines and native grapes with bold, thoughtful experimentation and meticulous hands-on winemaking. Whether he's reviving near-forgotten varietals or crafting elegant expressions of classic grapes, Lorca’s wines are distinctive, vibrant, and deeply expressive.

Below we dive into four standout wines from his portfolio, two under his playful Lo% label (currently 10% off for January), plus two beautifully crafted single-varietal expressions.

Lo% Ancellota Malbec Mauricio Lorca 2025 — 10% OFF

Made from high-altitude vines in Argentina’s mountainous interior, this Malbec is produced under Mauricio Lorca’s Lo% project, a creative space where experimentation meets purity. The term “Lo%” is to indicate it's lighter alcohol content and minimal intervention. The fruit for this wine comes from older ungrafted vines, often grown without irrigation, resulting in concentrated flavours that are true to the terroir. Vinification is gentle and respectful, with native yeast fermentation and minimal filtration to preserve nuance. at only 8% ABV and vegan it's perfect for a season rest after raucous festivities.

Tasting Notes:
Bright ruby with violet highlights, this Malbec opens with fragrant notes of red plum, wild berries, and a touch of peppery spice. The palate is lively and energetic, with juicy fruit framed by soft tannins and a whisper of earthiness. Despite its stylish personality, it remains approachable and supremely food-friendly.

Perfect Pairing:
Try with grilled vegetables, spiced lentil stew, or a mushroom and walnut pie, the wine’s freshness balances smoky savoury flavours beautifully.

Lo% Criolla Blanca Mauricio Lorca 2025 — 10% OFF

Criolla Blanca is a historic Argentine grape, once widely planted but now less common. Lorca’s Lo% version is part of his mission to celebrate Argentina’s viticultural heritage while showcasing what older vines can deliver in a modern context with low alcohol for a broader appeal. Vineyard sites are chosen for cool nights and mineral soils, which help retain bright aromatics and lively acidity. The wine is fermented with native yeasts and sees little to no oak, allowing pure fruit and floral character to shine. Also at only 8.5% ABV and vegan.

Tasting Notes:
Pale gold with a crystalline gleam, this wine greets you with scents of white peach, quince blossom, and lime zest. The palate is fresh and textural, with crisp citrus and orchard fruit flavours, underpinned by lively acidity and a clean, refreshing finish.

Perfect Pairing:
Delicious with grilled summer squash, citrus-dressed salads, or light seafood like citrus ceviche or pan-fried fish.

Fantasia Cabernet Franc 2023

Cabernet Franc may be best known from Bordeaux and the Loire, but Lorca’s Argentine Fantasia Cabernet Franc is something uniquely his own. Grown in high-altitude sites, the fruit benefits from cool nights and bright sunshine, which preserve acidity and fresh aromatics. Lorca’s hand is light: whole-cluster fermentation, careful wild yeast inoculation, and neutral vessels for ageing help accentuate the grape’s natural spice and floral tones rather than dominate them with new oak influence.

Tasting Notes:
A medium-bodied, elegant expression with juicy red cherry, raspberry, and hints of green peppercorn and sweet herbs. Fine tannins give structure without weight, while a lingering finish carries notes of violet and warm spice. It’s expressive without being aggressive, a true joy with food.

Perfect Pairing:
This wine shines with tomato-based dishes, ratatouille, or herb-crusted roasted vegetables, a great choice for vegetarian feasts or lighter meat dishes.

Calma Indómita Albarin Blanco 2023

In the arid hills of Castilla y Leon, he encountered the little known Albarin variety (not to be confused with the Albarino of coastal Galicia). He has made a wonderful white wine from these vines. A delicious wine for adventurous drinkers looking to try something new!. The name “Calma Indómita” (untamed calm) reflects the wine’s serene poise and its expressive intensity. Grapes are picked early to preserve acidity, fermented on indigenous yeasts, and aged briefly on lees to build texture.

Tasting Notes:
An attractive nose of mandarin, lime zest and blossom notes. Pleasantly full-bodied, with good freshness and a hint of bitterness giving it depth and shape in the mouth. A vibrant backbone and a long, clean finish that invites another sip.

Perfect Pairing:
Ideal with seafood (especially shellfish), lemon-garlic roasted vegetables, or even creamy pasta dishes, its acidity cuts through richness while harmonising with bright flavours.

Why We Love Mauricio Lorca’s Wines

Mauricio Lorca’s wines stand out not just for their quality, but for their distinct voice. Whether preserving heritage grapes or reimagining classics, his approach marries purity of fruit, site expression, and thoughtful minimal intervention. The Lo% wines, with their playful labels and low alcohol, represent some of the most interesting value in contemporary Argentine wine, and right now we’re offering 10% off both Lo% releases.

These are wines meant for sharing, around a table, with good conversation, and at the centre of memorable meals.

Browse the full Lorca collection here: https://www.butlers-winecellar.co.uk/pages/search-results-page?q=mauricio%20lorca