Argentina is sometimes called the “sleeping giant” of the wine world. With a primarily domestic wine market up until the 1990’s, Argentina is now South America’s leading exporter of wine—known around the globe for its bold and flavourful Malbecs.
For a New World wine country, Argentina has quite a robust history. The Spanish transplanted the first vines from Chile’s Central Valley over four hundred years ago. Then, during the mid 19th century, the French introduced a Bordeaux variety Malbec grape to the land. For many years, Argentina wine was enjoyed throughout the nation but rarely exported abroad. But after enjoying success in neighbouring Chile, winemakers from France, Australia and California began to invest in Argentina as well, bringing with them modern viticulture technology like temperature control fermentation and oak barrel aging. It wasn’t long before Argentine wines were competing on the world stage.
Argentina is a massive country (the second largest in South America) with a remarkably diverse landscape and climate. From the majestic Andes mountains to the grassy Pampas plains to glacial lakes, dry deserts and windswept oceanic coasts, Argentina’s vast terrain provides optimal growing conditions for many different grape varietals. That said, over half of the wine produced in Argentina comes from the Mendoza province, a hot desert region located directly across the Andes from Santiago, Chile. Mendoza’s unique combination of high altitude and proximity to the equator ensures warm days and cool nights, which is, of course, ideal for winemaking.
Another tiny but popular winemaking region is Salta, a northern area near the Bolivian border where some of the best versions of Argentina’s signature white wine, Torrontés, are made. Salta famously boasts the world’s highest altitude commercial vineyard at three thousand feet above sea level.
Río Negro, a region located in southern Patagonia’s windswept river valleys, is also home to a number of vineyards. There, winemakers produce unique Sauvignon Blancs and Semillions, as well as a variety of Merlots and Pinot Noirs.
There’s no better way to begin your journey through Argentina’s wine landscape than by sampling some of their most popular varietals. Here are a few to help get you started.
RED:
Malbec—Bold berry flavour with subtle smoky notes and a smooth, velvety finish — the mighty Malbec is undeniably Argentina’s flagship wine. This crowd-pleasing red pairs well with everything from pasta to beef.
Merlot—A delicate wine with cedar, black currant and hints of spice, Merlot is one of the more recent additions to Argentine vineyards. It does well in cool, high-altitude terroirs.
Tempranillo—This popular Spanish wine known for its balance and flavourful berry and vanilla notes (as a result of oak storage) thrives in the Andean foothills surrounding Mendoza.
Cabernet Sauvignon—Argentine Cabernets are produced in both the northwest regions (where they tend to be fruitier with ripe cherry flavours) and the more southern regions (where they develop a more intense mineral finish).
WHITE:
Torrontés—Made only in Argentina, Torrontés is known for its distinctive floral aroma and fresh fruit and honey flavours. It’s often assumed to be a sweet wine because of its smell. But Torrontés actually has a refreshing acidity that makes it a nice pairing with seafood.
Semillion—A dry and nuanced wine with white fruit notes, Semillion is made in both the central and southern regions of Argentina.
Sauvignon Blanc—Cultivation of Sauvignon Blanc has expanded considerably in Argentina over the past few years. Argentine Sauvignons tend to be crisp and fresh, with a strong mineral finish and lots of natural acidity.