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 1100 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 is reminiscent of Pessac-Léognan in Bordeaux!). Drawing on expertise acquired all over the world, he immediately introduced environmentally friendly growing methods, and his 99 hectares of vines are managed organically and in adherence to biodynamic principles. 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 & Corte Friulano (Tokaji Fruilano).