Argentinian wines - regions and varieties

Looking across to the Andes, Mendoza Province Argentina
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Argentinian Wines

Famous for Malbec, the fragrant, juicy, intense red wine synonymous now with Argentina and perfectly matched to steak, Argentina offers world-class wine tourism opportunities. Stunning, architecturally designed wineries have been built firmly with tourism in mind, many providing deluxe accommodation and restaurants to boot.

The Argentine wine story dates back to 1557 when cuttings were shipped from Spain. Historically aiming for quantity over quality in its wine industry, Argentina is the world’s 5th largest wine producer however has dramatically turned the tables in recent years to now yield some of the world’s finest and most exciting drops. The country produces excellent Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah (Shiraz), Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and sparkling wines in addition to its unique flagship varieties.

Argentina produces three varieties quite idiosyncratic unto itself; Malbec, originally an unimpressive French varietal, has found a home and flourished in Argentina; it is characterised by its deep colour and intense fruity flavours with a distinctive velvety texture. Bunches are smaller than their French counterparts, with petite berries imparting greater concentration of flavours. Torrontés is Argentina’s most unique variety; it produces highly aromatic, distinctive, fresh white wines and excels when grown at high altitudes.  Thirdly, Bonarda (The Best Wine You’ve Never Heard Of, according to goodcheapvino.com) when well made, produces soft, rounded, juicy red-fruit wines with a nice touch of acidity. Its origins are a mystery although it is most likely to have come from the Piedmont region in Italy, and is very similar to Charbono grown widly in California.

Mendoza is the main wine-producing area and is divided into three main areas of Luján de Cuyo, Maipú and the up-and-coming higher-altitude Valle d’Uco. It is a picturesque region, abundant with alluring tour and accommodation options ranging from super-deluxe to local B&Bs. To the north, considerably hotter and drier but with stunning scenic valleys, San Juan and La Rioja is the second largest producer of wines.

Less famous but rapidly gaining recognition, Salta province, especially around Cafayate, produces truly exceptional high-altitude wines. Malbec and Torrontés have shown particular aptitude when grown at high altitude; greater elevation increases phenolic concentration and imparts higher acidity, balance and depth to the wines. Indeed, the luxurious Estancia Colomé owns the highest vineyards in the world and produces Malbec at 3000m.

Continuing with the extremes, Patagonia in southern Argentina is home to some of the world’s southernmost vineyards. Noted unsurprisingly for its cool climate, the region is divided into the provinces of Neuquén, Rio Negro and southern La Pampa. Varieties produced include Chardonnay, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc.