Berkmann Wine Cellars has added Argentine producer Rutini Wines to its UK portfolio, betting that the South American category now offers "increasing diversity beyond the traditional Malbec proposition".

The deal brings one of Mendoza's oldest names into Berkmann's list. Rutini was founded in Mendoza in 1885 and pioneered the Uco Valley, planting the region's first vineyards in 1924. Its vineyards today cover some of Mendoza's most highly regarded high-altitude sites, and its modern Tupungato winery focuses on elegant, fresh wines expressive of origin.

Rutini recently entered a new chapter under head winemaker Juan Pablo Murgia, who joined in 2025 and works alongside Mariano Di Paola, the winery's winemaker for more than three decades.

Alex Hunt MW, purchasing director at Berkmann Wine Cellars, said: "We are all extremely excited to begin this partnership with Rutini – a producer with whom we share so many values.

"With their focus on deliciousness, elegance and terroir expression, fuelled by forward-thinking family ownership, Rutini resonates with our ethos and complements the rest of our range with their distinctive Uco Valley-driven style. It is a privilege to be able to bring these exceptional wines to a wider UK audience."

The Rutini range spans a broad portfolio from across Mendoza: premium Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon, distinctive whites and rosés, plus a selection of fine and limited-production single vineyard cuvées. The producer frames the offer around its belief that "the character of the Uco Valley can be expressed through freshness, balance and finesse, rather than simply power and extraction" — a positioning that signals a premium, food-led pitch to UK on-trade buyers rather than volume Malbec.

Murgia added: "Partnering with Berkmann Wine Cellars marks an exciting new chapter for Rutini Wines in the UK. We share a deeply aligned vision rooted in family values, professional excellence and a close commitment to supporting the trade.

"With more than 140 years of winemaking heritage, our focus remains on crafting elegant, terroir-driven wines from the Uco Valley that bring authentic Argentine quality to the table. We are thrilled to work alongside such a respected partner to share our passion and wines with UK consumers and leading venues."

For operators, the practical consequence is trade support. Berkmann will back the listing with dedicated trade training, tastings and customer activity, aiming to introduce Rutini's wines, vineyards and winemaking team to restaurant and retail customers across the UK. Sommeliers and wine buyers should expect the Uco Valley range to appear in Berkmann-led tastings and staff training sessions over the coming months as the importer works the list into its national customer base.