Starting from Scratch
Born of the world-class vision of Swiss owner Thomas Schmidheiny, Finca Decero is an acclaimed wine estate and the location of our one-of-a-kind Remolinos vineyard in Agrelo, Mendoza.
In 2000, the decision was taken to start “from scratch” (as Decero means). Unencumbered by history, starting with a blank canvas we were able to make critical early decisions which determined our path towards establishing an exceptional wine estate.
First and foremost was the carefully considered site selection of virgin land in the highest part of Agrelo. At an altitude of 1050m/3500ft, this land was chosen for its pristine water quality of glacial meltwater from an underlying aquifer and a unique tapestry of soils unmatched in the surrounding area. In these early days, we extensively analysed the environment both below and above ground and consequently made variety and clone selection specifically suited to areas within the vineyard. We planted in a row direction of NNW/SSE for optimal sunlight exposure. We set in place both hail protection and drip irrigation to protect and nurture the vines in the most sustainable and sensitive way. Taking 3 years to make wines for our own sensory analysis prior to any commercial release helped us understand further nuances of the Remolinos Vineyard which helped us craft the award-winning first vintage of 2006 wines.
Amano Philosophy
The world-class vision behind Finca Decero necessitated an unparalleled approach from the outset. We have taken pride in what we call our ‘Amano philosophy’ which is a meticulous approach to quality, attention to every detail, nurturing our vineyard by hand and only using technology in the vineyard and winery to facilitate deeper analysis and care to achieve even greater excellence.
Micro-analysing our vineyard to sub-divide blocks of vines into small polygons, hand picking, cluster and berry selection and maintaining these polygons as micro-fermentations and individual parcels throughout the maturation process is just one example of our intimate approach and meticulous attention to detail.
Our ‘Amano philosophy’ extends throughout our vineyard, winery and business practices.
Amano Philosophy
The world-class vision behind Finca Decero necessitated an unparalleled approach from the outset. We have taken in pride in what we call our ‘Amano philosophy’ which is a meticulous approach to quality, attention to every detail, nurturing our vineyard by hand and only using technology in the vineyard and winery to facilitate deeper analysis and care to achieve even greater excellence.
Micro-analysing our vineyard to sub-divide blocks of vines into small polygons, hand picking, cluster and berry selection and maintaining these polygons as micro-fermentations and individual parcels throughout the maturation process is just one example of our intimate approach and meticulous attention to quality.
Our ‘Amano philosophy’ extends throughout our vineyard, winery and business practices.
Sustainability and Business Social Responsibility
Finca Decero is committed to social and environmental sustainability and is a founding member of The Porto Protocol. Our wines are VEGAN certified and we maintain strict quality control procedures from production through to the sale of our wines.
In our desert land of extremes of altitude and climate we could not be more aware of our precious environment and of protecting it. Likewise, having chosen the location of Agrelo, we have developed business social responsibility programs and been a leader in the social and economic sustainability of our community for 20 years.
Finca Decero Initiatives and Practices
Juan Marcó (CEO) has encouraged a collective awareness of environmentally sensitive protocols and has personally and professionally led the business social responsibility program as well as having been the President of the region’s Junior Achievement Program.
Environmental
- Drip irrigation (to increase irrigation efficiency by reducing water wastage)
- Green grasses cultivated between rows to protect the soil structure which is critical in desertic soils
- Re-use of water used in the winery (cleaned and re-used)
- Use of lightweight machinery in the vineyard to reduce soil compaction and emissions
- Natural biodiversity is encouraged. Remolinos Vineyard is home to over 40 species of birds, amongst them Chimango Falcons and Lechuza Owls which prey on pests of vines
- Environmentally conscious choices in paper, ink, packaging and supplier selection
- Our winery was built considering the environment and the efficient use of energy. The walls of our buildings have received a special treatment to insulate them to maintain a consistent temperature and to reduce the use of energy both in summer and in winter.
Social
- Housing on the estate is provided for many of the vineyard team and their families
- USD 0.50 per bottle sold of The Owl & The Dust Devil is contributed to the health and education of the local community
- Investment in the local school and Costa Flores Health Centre and assistance for the community in health checks and education
- Finca Decero employees give time and are involved of their own volition in the local school to inspire the children towards study and careers
- Start-up / small loans provided to the wives or partners of employees to develop their own economic activity
- Juan Marcó (CEO) has been involved and given free time, mentored and given winery experience and Finca Decero’s financial assistance to assist a winery employee to gain a qualification as an Agricultural Engineer at the Universidad Nacional de Cuyo whilst other employees are likewise being assisted in technology studies
Our Team
As a team we work closely together with passion for what we do and an attention to quality in every aspect of Finca Decero.
Juan E. Marcó MSc
CEO and Director of Viticulture & Winemaking
Stephanie C. Morton-Small
Chief Commercial Officer
Tomás Hughes
Winemaker
Matias J. Cano
Vineyard Manager