Argentine Wines Generalities

Argentina is that big country on the right side on the Andes mountains opposite Chile. Is also one of the largest and most important wine growing countries in the world. The production and per capita consumption of wine in Argentina is one of the highest in the world; far greater than in the United States. Argentina grows a wide variety of grapes in different regions.
Vineyards have grown in Argentina since the mid-16th century. The country's first recorded vineyard was planted at Santiago del Estero in 1557, according to "The Oxford Companion to Wine." Many of Argentina's original grape varieties were brought over by Italian, Spanish and French immigrants.

Argentina is a massive country, most of the vineyard land in Argentina lies to the north and west, on the right side of the Andes Mountains neighboring Chile. The Andes insulate the country's vineyards from the cool, moist air blowing off the Pacific Ocean, thereby creating the conditions for viticulture. High altitude tempers the climate, the vineyards are warm by day and cool by night. Runoff streams originating in the Andes mountains flow through the area and provide ample water for irrigation for the vineyards in the region, most of which are found in the state of Mendoza, roughly at the same latitude as Santiago, Chile. Unique viticulture conditions in the Cuyo wine region (Mendoza and San Juan Provinces) and Salta ( Cafayate) make for wines of interesting character, although some promising wines are also being produced in the south, Rio Negro (Alto Valle).

The Mendoza province is the most prestigious region where Argentina's most successful red variety is largely produced: Malbec. Argentina's emphasis on its own premium varietal, Malbec. In its native France, where it also is known as Cot, the black grape Malbec was popular 50 years ago but fell from favor. French Malbec has been in decline, largely because it is highly susceptible to mildew, frost and rot. What's more, in France it tends to yield wines that are simple and short-lived. But in Argentina, the grape has long conquered it's place, yielding complex red wines at once both drinkable at release and capable of aging well for several years. As other Argentine red wines possess characteristic flavors of black fruits, licorice, and spices.
Among white varietals, the distinctive perfumed Torrontes also add to this unique style. Also Chardonnay grows best under the relatively hot conditions, producing generously ripe, fruity wines.
Varietals produced in Argentina include Malbec, Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin, Chardonnay, Viognier, Semillon, Syrah, Merlot, Tannat and Cabernet among others.

Argentina has been by years concentrated on quantity rather than quality wines, but in the beginning of the 1990's the Argentines have sought to make higher quality wines such as Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon to meet the growing world wide demand for quality wines. Now, Argentinean wineries have embarked on a program of modernization of their wine-making infrastructure as the country continues to focus more and more on the export market. The country which was called the "sleeping giant" of the global wine industry by Wine Spectator magazine (Sept. 1996) is now poised to have its excellent wines available on an international scale.

Don't be surprised to see a significant increase in the amount of Argentine wines available in your market in the near future.