Question 1

What is Argentinian wine?

Accepted Answer

Argentina’s winemaking history dates back to the mid-1500s when European missionaries planted the first vineyards. Fast forward to today, and Argentina is now the seventh-largest wine-producing country in the world behind Italy, Spain, France and the US.

Argentina is a major source of some of the world’s most famous wines. With vineyards spread across 14 of its 23 provinces, the country is home to more than 2,000 dedicated wineries spanning an impressive 531,000 acres.

The secret to Argentina's exceptional wines lies in its landscape. The Andes Mountains play a crucial role in shaping the climate and soil of the vineyards. From the sun-soaked vineyards of Mendoza to the high-altitude terrains of Salta, Argentina grows a wide variety of red and white wine grapes.

The most famous wine to come out of Argentina is Malbec, with its velvety texture, rich, fruity flavours and deep colour.

While Malbec might steal much of the limelight, Argentina boasts an array of other noteworthy red wines. Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Bonarda and Merlot flourish across the nation’s diverse wine regions.

Argentina doesn’t disappoint with white wines, either. Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and the distinctive Torrontés are all worth exploring.

Question 2

What are the main wine regions in Argentina?

Accepted Answer

Argentina’s wine regions stretch from Salta in the north to Patagonia in the south. However, the heart of the Argentinian wine industry is Mendoza – responsible for more than 70% of the country’s wine.

Thanks to Mendoza’s range of microclimates – from arid desert conditions to cooler high-altitude zones – it is able to grow an astonishing number of grape varieties. High-elevation vineyards here receive abundant sunlight during the day, with temperatures dropping considerably at night. This means the grapes ripen with intricate flavours yet still retain plenty of acidity.

Malbec takes centre stage in this region, with wines that are full-bodied, rich and bursting with dark fruit flavours. Other impressive red wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz.

Mendoza is also home to first-rate Chardonnay and Torrontés white wines. A native grape, Torrontés thrives in the region’s higher altitudes, resulting in fragrant, floral and refreshing white wines. Mendoza is divided into several smaller subregions – the most notable being Maipu, Luján de Cuyo and Valle de Uco.

On the border of Mendoza is Argentina's second key wine region, San Juan. This hot, dry region is known for its jammy Shiraz and Bonarda wines that are fast gaining a global reputation for quality.

At an impressive 4,000 feet above sea level, Salta is Argentina's highest wine region. The extreme temperatures produce balanced but high-acidity grapes, making it the perfect home for the Torrontés variety.

Patagonia is one of the country's smallest wine regions. With a long, warm growing season, this region is home to varieties that ripen slowly and develop complex flavours, including Chardonnay, Semillon, Pinot Noir and Malbec. As a result of the much cooler nights, the Argentinian versions of these grapes are known for their brightness.

Question 3

What are Argentina’s best-known wines?

Accepted Answer

Despite its French origins, Malbec has become the signature wine of Argentina, dominating over half the country’s vineyards.

Argentinian Malbec is smoother and less acidic than French Malbec. Expect rich, velvety wines full of intense black fruit flavours such as plum and blackberry, with subtle hints of sweet tobacco and cocoa powder.

As a medium- to full-bodied red wine, these Malbecs pair well with red meat dishes full of flavour. Less tannic than Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s an ideal choice for leaner cuts of meat – think steak, pork and lamb – though dark meat poultry such as turkey, game such as venison and fattier fish such as salmon are also a solid match.

Another stand-out Argentinian wine is Torrontés – a dry, aromatic white. The best bottles are produced in Salta, where the high altitude creates grapes with a refreshing acidity and citrus flavours.

For those after a lighter Argentinian white, opt for Torrontés over an Argentinian Chardonnay. With its lighter body and citrus flavours, Torrontés is best served with dishes featuring lighter meats like pork and chicken, fish and tofu. It also works well with herbs including Thai basil, coriander and mint, making it a refreshing pairing for Indian and Asian dishes.

Discover more delicious food and wine pairing tips.

Question 4

What are the other types of Argentinian wine?

Accepted Answer

Argentina’s warm and dry climate is perfect for Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes ripen early, resulting in full-bodied wines with clear notes of cherry, blackberry and pepper. Rich in flavour, Argentinian Cabernet Sauvignon is a good match for red meat dishes and chocolate puddings.

For white wine lovers, Argentina’s Chardonnay stands out. The country’s unique climate sets it apart from other Chardonnay-producing regions, as the grapes have a slightly higher acidity and more pronounced citrus flavours. Unlike the creamy Chardonnays from places like California or South Australia, the Argentinian version is lighter and more refreshing in its taste.

An Argentinian Chardonnay goes well with a wide range of dishes. Try a glass with pesto pasta, shellfish, mild cheeses, grilled poultry or white meats with creamy sauces. Salads with a simple salsa verde dressing can also be a perfect pairing partner.

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