A pioneer in the Uco Valley, Bodega Piedra Negra was established in 1996. François Lurton was the first person to plant vines in the foothills of the Andes Cordillera (at an altitude of 1,100 m.a.sl.) in semi-desert conditions in the middle of what would become the Geographical Indication of Los Chacayes. The poor, gravelly, alluvial soil reminded him of Pessac-Léognan in Bordeaux! Drawing on expertise acquired all over the world, he immediately introduced environmentally friendly growing methods. His 99 hectares of vines are managed organically and in adherence to biodynamic principles. The estate practices natural weed control with sheep and agroforestry, planting local trees such as Chacayes in the vineyards. They also produce their own compost (equal parts pomace, chicken manure, cow manure and earth) and honey. Even the winery restaurant reduces waste by creating chicken feed from leftovers! In addition to Argentine selections of Malbec, the estate also grows French selections of the grape (known as Cot). In white grapes they offer a rare source of wines produced from Pinot Gris.