New recognition for Susana Balbo: Us, chosen as the wine of the year

This was not the only Susana Balbo wine that had an outstanding performance in the James Suckling report. Another 4 wines were located in the top 100 of the best wines from Argentina: BenMarco Expresivo 2020 (position #15 with 96 points), BenMarco Sin Límites Gualtallary Malbec 2020 (position #45 with 95 points), Susana Balbo Signature Limited Edition Torrontés de Raíz Naranjo 2020 (position #64 with 95 points) and Susana Balbo Signature Brioso 2020 (position n°72 with 95 points).

The revolution of whites and rosés

In addition to excellence in reds, the Susana Balbo winery stands out for being one of the most recognized producers for its production of high-end white and rosé wines. This style of wines received great scores in 2022, including those published last Wednesday, November 30, the day on which the latest report on Argentine wines from the famous American magazine was presented. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. This report, prepared by Luis Gutierrez and entitled “Argentina: the search for terroir continues”, featured an exhaustive tasting of almost 1200 wines made by more than 180 producers nationals. Within this framework, one of the most outstanding wineries was Susana Balbowith 20 wines that surpassed the 90 point barrier Y outstanding results in terms of whites and rosés high end.

Some of the wines that stood out the most were the new Susana Balbo Signature Limited Edition Blanco de Gualtallary 2021, with 95 points, which made it a the best valued Torrontés of the entire report; in addition, Susana Balbo Signature Barrel Fermented Torrontés 2021 and BenMarco Sin Límites Chardonnay 2021, scored 94; and the Susana Balbo Signature White Blend 2022 and Susana Balbo Signature Limited Edition Torrontés de Raíz Naranjo 2020, with 93+.

The number of Torrontés labels recognized in the report reflects the strong bond that unites the winemaker with this grape, which marked her career from the beginning in cafayate in the early 80’s. Susana’s excellent work with this varietal earned her the nickname of “The Queen of Torrontés”and their efforts played a decisive role in the process of reinventing this grape, which ended up consolidating itself as the most emblematic white variety in Argentina.

More recognitions of 2022

In July of this year, Susana Balbo was recognized with one of the most important awards in the world of wine, the International Wine Challenge (IWC) Lifetime Achievement Award. According to the organization itself, this recognition is intended for those people who, throughout their careers, “have shown extraordinary dedication and commitment” and “have made a real difference in the global wine industry.” This recognition conferred by the IWC adds to a long list of awards and decorations that the country’s first female winemaker received throughout her career.

Also this year, Edgardo Del Pópolo, winegrower and General Manager of Susana Balbo, was distinguished as “winegrower of the year” at the 2022 Argentina Special Reporta report recently prepared and published by Tim Atkins. In said report, the renowned British critic and Master of Wine defined him as “a fantastic viticulturist” and “someone truly passionate about plants, vineyards and everything that has to do with the vine and its terroir”.

All these scores and recognitions attest to the consistency of the wines produced by Susana Balbo and her team, reflecting the winery’s commitment to quality and the search for excellence.