Gonzalo’s love of farming developed at an early age, growing vegetables in his grandmother’s orchard. Gonzalo is constantly looking to repurpose resources like water and electricity— a trait he got from his father, a professional electrician. His interests in nature and growing quality produce have made him a leader in sustainable winemaking.
About TILIA Wines
Sustainable Vineyards
TILIA’s origins are rooted in a deep connection to nature and local community.
With a mission to honor the environment for generations to come, TILIA nurtures biodiversity, respects ancestral traditions by using irrigation canals developed by the Huarpe people, and ensures the wellbeing of their staff with housing and career growth opportunities.
As part of the winery’s commitment to preserving the natural ecosystems of the vineyards, TILIA Wines are made with 100% certified organic grapes.
Why Choose TILIA:
- The US organic wine market is trending up and expected to grow +10.4% to over $21 billion by 2030.*
- 82% of American households consume Organic food and beverages and 65% of those have changed their behavior in favor of buying organic whenever possible. (Nielsen)
- Unmatched value: TILIA wines are made with 100% organic grapes and offer quality, authenticity, and sustainability under $15 at retail.
* Horizon Research, Organic Wine Market Size, Share & Growth Report, 2030
** IWSR Wine Intelligence SOLA Report 2023: Opportunities in Sustainable, Organic and Alternative Wine
The Winemaking Team
Gonzalo Llensa – Winemaker
Silvina Van Houten – Vineyard Sustainability Specialist
Silvina is TILIA’s vineyard sustainability expert and agronomist. She grew up in the countryside of Mendoza with a family of peach and plum growers, descendants of Dutch, Japanese and Italian immigrants to Argentina. Silvina thinks of the plants as her children, and what she enjoys most in life is watching them grow and thrive. She is passionate about using science to develop sustainable practices that support the vine within its natural ecosystem.
Native Bees
Insect Control & Diversity Preservation
Gavilán
Rodent Vigilante
Tilia Tree
The linden trees, TILIA’s Namesake
Jarilla Plant
Pollen Protector
Winemaking Philosophy
A Sustainable Future...
TILIA's team is committed to building a sustainable future in Argentina through winemaking. At every step of the winemaking process, from harvesting to bottling, TILIA’s viticulturists and winemakers utilize organic practices and resources. Biodynamically diverse vineyards foster more resilience and require less intervention, resulting in high-quality authentic wines and a harmonious ecosystem.
TILIA’s sustainable management program includes:
- Natural predators and repellant plants for pest control, encouraging all the organisms in the vineyard to harmoniously coexist
- Compost and organic fertilizers
- No pesticides, fungicides, or synthetic chemicals in the vineyards
- Minimal use of additives and sulfites in the winemaking process
The Vineyards
TILIA Wines are sourced from three vineyard sites within Mendoza, Argentina. The winery is located in Junin, in East Mendoza, while the grapes are sourced from Central Mendoza and the prestigious Uco Valley. These vineyards are famous for their high elevations thanks to their proximity to the Andes Mountain range. Regional diurnal temperature variations produce intense aromatics and retain high levels of acidity in the resulting wines.
- Irrigation is provided by the Tunuyán River, carrying pure mountain spring water from snow melt of the Andes
- Strict drip irrigation control manages the volume of water in each plant, achieving great watering efficiency
- Vertical shoot positioning for optimal sunlight exposure. This is especially important to achieve aromatic intensity in Malbec
- Attentive work on new plantation densities and lower yield levels to increase concentration and flavor intensity
Social Sustainability
TILIA’s core values include both environmental and social sustainability, and the winery has an array of programs that ensures the wellbeing of staff with housing, transportation, childcare, and career growth opportunities.
Shuttle the children from vineyard communities to local schools.
- Offer a Work and Study program for 30% of winery staff; some reach PhD level
- Provide internships and vineyard days for high school students to get involved in agriculture
- 80 children on average participate annually
- These programs have enabled 20% more women to work during harvest
It’s an interesting brand, because it explains how we do sustainability in Argentina on the label with the mountains, the soil, the biodiversity and the people involved…[the website] plays the sounds of the vineyard. I love to listen to it if I’m stressed out or something, it’s very soothing to listen to the birds of the vineyard.Dr. Laura Catena
TILIA Wines
Malbec
Tasting Notes:
Fresh nose of violets and rich plum marmalade laced with chocolate and vanilla oak flavors. A soft, sweet entry leads to a well-structured and long, persistent wine.
Varietal:
100% Malbec
Malbec Syrah
Tasting Notes:
Well-structured. Ripe fruit jam, leather and meat flavors. Finishes long and lingering, with soft, sweet tannins.
Varietal:
60% Malbec, 40% Syrah
Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting Notes:
Full yet soft, with gentle, sweet tannins. Red fruit, cassis marmalade and pepper flavors. Subtle chocolate oak hints.
Varietal:
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Chardonnay
Tasting Notes:
A fresh, intense mouthfeel of sweet tropical fruit and peach, laced with crème brûlée and toasted bread flavors.
Varietal:
100% Chardonnay