Argentina: a new world country with an old-world flair.

As a country forged by European immigrants, primarily from Italy and Spain, Argentina was born with a close cultural bond to the Old World. The first vines arrived with the catholic missions in the 16th century, and by the end of the 17th century, the plantings were flourishing. With the outbreak of phylloxera and the later World Wars, Argentina became a promising destination for European families seeking a brighter future. The waves of migration significantly impacted Argentinian viticultural heritage, as many agriculturists and winegrowers arrived in the country. Among them was the French scientist Michael Pouget, who introduced the first Bordeaux varieties to Mendoza, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and of course, Malbec. 

In the past few years, the popularity of Argentinian wines and Malbec, in particular, have grown, which is largely due to the uniqueness and rich diversity of Argentina itself.

What makes the Argentinian wine industry thrive?

Argentina’s winemaking regions lay across the Andes foothills, from the northernmost latitudes of Salta to the southern region of Patagonia. Because of its proximity to the mountains, these regions share certain characteristics: dry continental climate, high altitude, plenty of sunshine, and rich soil diversity. Mendoza, the most well-known region, accounts for 75% of vineyard plantings in Argentina, offering some of the best expressions delivering fruity, juicy, and delicious wines.

Dry continental climate

As the winemaking regions lay on the west side of the country, in contrast to other winemaking regions, Argentina has no oceanic influence. The Andes, on the west, act as a barrier to the effects of the Pacific Ocean, retaining humidity and rainfall. In Mendoza, for instance, it only rains an average of 300 mm/year (compared to 944.1mm in Bordeaux). Fewer rains result in healthy vineyards, with dry farming that is mostly agrochemical free.

High altitude

Regardless of some innovative and fascinating projects on the east coast of Buenos Aires and Chubut (in Patagonia), most Argentinian vineyards are located up in the mountains, anywhere from 1,600 to 10,000 feet. In Argentina, a vineyard is considered to be high altitude at 7,500 feet (2,286 meters). In contrast, in California, high altitude ranges from 650 feet (198 meters) in Napa to 3,200 feet (975 meters) in the Sierra Nevada. Consequently, Argentinian vines benefit from an extended ripening cycle with a wide thermal amplitude.While the warm days allow tannins to become velvety and ripe, and the fresh fruit flavors to develop generously, the cold nights enhance a bright acidity and add a slightly floral character.

Plentiful sunshine

As it hardly rains, the Argentinian winemaking regions boast a long period of sun exposure to the vines, benefiting the development of thicker-skinned grapes. This translates directly to each glass through a vibrant purple color and a juicy round body.

Soil diversity

With a rich geological history, Argentina also offers a wide array of soil types that have a significant influence on wine styles. As modern winemakers have committed the previous decade to research the soil profiles and composition, they have managed to quickly innovate and invest in exciting new projects, laying a solid ground for the local wine industry's future. Argie winemakers aren't just talking about single vineyards. Their passion goes further to very specific terroirs and Single Lots, which have given birth to some of the most outstanding examples of the country’s wine, such as Per Se, Chacra 32, and Zuccardi Piedra Infinita Super Cal.

Why is Malbec so special?

Apart from the tango, great steak, and outstanding landscapes, such as Cataratas del Iguazu and Patagonian lakes, Malbec is a great part of Argentina's identity. Almost 23% of the Argentinian vineyards are Malbec, and it has become Argentina’s world-renowned flagship wine. 

Malbec is truly flavorful. When young, Malbec has a terrific fruit expression: ripe plum and bright black fruit. When aged, it adds levels of complexity with notes of leather, smoke, chocolate, and tobacco. If coming from high altitudes like the Uco Valley, Malbec may also develop a perfumed character with notes of violets.

Malbec is complex. Typically described as juicy, Malbecs are also known to offer a velvety texture with soft tannins. While the abundant sunshine helps grapes to develop moderate alcohol (often 14%), excellent flavor concentration, and depth, it balances out perfectly with a bright acidity and fresh fruit character brought by the cold nights in the mountains.

Malbec is an excellent value for money. With a very gentle vintage variation, Argentina can deliver consistent quality year after year. With commitment, innovation, and lots of passion, Argentinian winemakers are working hard to discover and shape new and more precise styles, without asking you to break the bank.

Upcoming trends to watch out for:

Minimal Intervention

Seeking to find a stronger sense of place and a deeper understanding of this New World region, with an Old-World flair, the winemakers are leaning towards more gentle intervention. If you haven’t had Argentinian wines in a while, don’t be surprised by the new wave of Argie wines with less extracted character, a brighter palate, subtle oak impact, and gorgeous fruit purity.

Editor’s tip: Argentina is not only about red, don’t miss out on the rising trend of Argentinian white wines!

Historic grapes

If you have explored Argentinian wines, you might already know of Bonarda and Cabernet Franc, but there is more. Winemakers also are working hard to revive local ancient varieties, such as the Criolla family.

Natural approach

As much as the dry continental climate makes up for organic vine-growing, there's a rising trend for biodynamic producers and a more natural approach, using wild yeasts, skin contact, and filtering avoidance. If anybody's up for a glass of high-altitude Orange wine, Argentina is also ready to deliver high-quality wines, even in these niche segments.

From famed Malbecs to their specific and diverse winemaking terroirs, next time, be sure to grab yourself a bottle of Argentinian wine and enjoy experiencing its uniqueness. Salud!