The Master Winemaker 100: Andrej Razumovsky, Alpamanta Estate

The drinks business recently published a guide celebrating the talent of the winemakers who have scooped the highest accolade of our  Global Masters tasting series, which is judged almost exclusively by MWs. Each week we profile the winemakers behind these medal winning wines – the creatives, scientists, mavericks and dreamers who are at the pinnacle of winemaking.

Andrej Razumovsky, owner and CEO, Alpamanta Estate

Half-Austrian, half-Danish Andréj Razumovsky is descended from a line of vintners, but it was only after he moved to Argentina in 2000 and travelled around the country that determined to set up his own vineyard. In 2005 he established a boutique winery, Alpamanta, in Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, along with his Swiss cousin, Andrew Hoffman, and Frenchman Jérémie Delecourt. The high-altitude 35-hectare vineyard, which is biodynamically farmed and favours a low-intervention process, was one of the first wineries in Argentina to ferment in cement tanks.

What or who inspired you to become a winemaker?

My wife and my love of Argentina. My dream was always to own my own property and make high-quality wines respecting the environment.

What’s your favourite part of the job?

Seeing the vines grow and all the processes involved till you get the wines bottled and presented to the clients. It is like being a proud father of a new-born child.

What’s the hardest part?

Facing climate challenges, and the local economic and political hurdles of operating in Argentina.

What’s your go-to drink at the end of a long day?

My Natal Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, aged in stainless steel. It is sublime and super easy to drink. What advice would you give your younger self? Be patient and go slowly; Rome was not built in one day. Also, be innovative, open-minded and enthusiastic.

What was your greatest wine-making mistake?

Being too conservative in the first years to follow the crowd, instead of taking more risks.

Which wine-related achievement are you most proud of?

The launch of my unfiltered natural Breva line in 2014. I was three years ahead of the market.

Who is your inspiration in the wine world today?

The young consumers, who are enthusiastic and passionate about learning about new wine styles.

Where would your fantasy vineyard be?

Nagorno-Karabakh.

If you weren’t a winemaker, what would you be doing and why?

Farming chillies; I love the variety of this species.

Which wine (grape/style) do you find it impossible to get along with?

Lambrusco.

How has your taste in wine changed over your career?

From elegant, bold oak-driven wines to easy, fruity, earthy, acidity-driven wines.

Which type of wine do you drink most regularly?

White – Grüner Veltliner; red – Cabernet Sauvignon.

Which wine would you most like to drink, and who would you share it with?

Château Haut Brion 2001, with my wife.

To download a copy of The Master Winemaker 100, please click here.