It is the first ampelography treatise written in Argentina. In it, Leopoldo Suárez rigorously described each of the grape varieties best adapted to the soil and climate conditions of Mendoza. This work was produced at a time when scientific knowledge, driven by the State, was conceived as a strategic tool in service of producers.
A century later, this reissue allows us to highlight its scientific contribution and its role in shaping an Argentine viticultural identity.
Produced entirely by Cecilia Durán and Juanfa Suárez. We received support from the Government of Mendoza through the purchase of 250 copies to be distributed to libraries across the province.
The book is annotated by INTA scientists Jorge Prieto and Gustavo Aliquo, who expanded on the details and contributed new technical knowledge.
It also includes three prologues. The first, written by the reviewers, explores the development of ampelography in Argentina in greater depth.
In the second, researchers Florencia Rodríguez Vázquez and Patricia Barrio from the National University of Cuyo and CONICET present a historical profile of Leopoldo Suárez in a period of productive transformation in which the State played a key role.
The third prologue, written by Juanfa Suárez, tells an anecdote in which Sémillon links the family across generations.
Leopoldo Suárez (1882-1932)
Winemaker and viticulturist from Mendoza. Between 1910 and 1914, he directed the National School of Viticulture. During his tenure, he introduced around 800 grapevine varieties from Italy, enriching the school’s existing ampelographic collection and turning it into the first in the Americas and one of the most important in the world at the time. Part of this collection is still preserved today at the Mendoza Agricultural Experimental Station (INTA).
PAZ LEVINSON, Sommelier
«I remember holding the original edition of this book in my hands just before moving to France in 2012. I photographed it with my modest camera at the time, and throughout all these years I was able to return to the text: fascination at first sight. The work presents a precise vision of the fundamental aspects of cultivating, identifying, and describing a diversity of imported and local grape varieties. Its contribution is reaffirmed today, when Argentine viticulture shines in a very particular way. I celebrate this reissue, the passion and level of detail from the perspective of a young viticulturist and heir to that culture, so that we may rediscover the inestimable value of this key work in the history of Argentine viticulture.».
ADRIANNA CATENA, Doctor of History
«Argentina actively participated in the development of ampelography during the 19th century, an essential field for the knowledge and classification of grapevine varieties. In this context, the book by engineer Leopoldo Suárez stands out as one of the great national bibliographic works. This work not only reflects the scientific rigor of its time, but also constitutes a valuable testimony of the origins and evolution of Argentine viticulture. Suárez left a technical and cultural record that still has much to tell us today about our history, our grape varieties, and the spirit of an industry in formation. Having access to a reissue of this work means recovering a fundamental piece of national viticultural heritage. It is, without a doubt, a special and necessary event for those who study, work, and are passionate about Argentine wine.».
SEBASTIÁN ZUCCARDI, Viticulturist
«It is a great joy to see the reissue of this book, as it is a testimony to the deep tradition and viticultural knowledge that have characterized our region since its origins. More than one hundred years ago, viticulturists with great observational skills were already developing techniques and qualitative concepts that we still value today. The work also reminds us that, in many respects, modern viticulture does nothing more than confirm a path already known and traveled, in which knowledge is placed at the service of expressing the places where we cultivate through the grape varieties that have best adapted to them».