Argentina's Wines

Argentina wine production started in the 16^th century during the Spanish colonization. The most popular grape in the wine regions of Argentina is Malbec, French grape variety, specifically from the South West of Bordeaux, in the Cahors region where it is known as black wine, due to its dark color.

In Argentina Malbec has been cultivated in all wine regions of the country, Mendoza being the main zone. Malbec grows very well in areas of high temperature, clay and sandy soils.

→Is the fifth largest producer of wines in the world after Spain, France, Italy and USA

→There is no phylloxera in Argentina

The regulations for DOC in Argentina are not as strict as in Old World countries. There are two D.O.C; Lujan de Cuyo, since 2005 and San Rafael, since 2007.

The following requirements must be met for D.O.C

-The grapes must be obtained within the production area that covers the territories located between 825 and 1080 meters high.

- The wines must be elaborated and bottled within the limits of the department.

- The vineyard management should be carried out in accordance with the system called trellis low, which allows a planting density of 4,500 to 5,500 feet per hectare.

- The maximum yields are: 56 liters of flower wine per 100 kilograms of ground grapes and 70 hectoliters of flower must per hectare.

- In the D.O.C. Malbec, this variety must intervene in not less than 85% of the final cut; while for the remaining 15% can be used optionally Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir or Syrah.

- The minimum alcohol content allowed is 12.80 degrees.

In Malbec D.O.C., this varietal must intervene is not less than 85% of the final cut; while for the remaining 15% can be used optionally Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir or Syrah.

-The minimum alcohol; content allowed must be 12.8 degrees.

-Regarding the aging of the wines, the D.O.C. determines a minimum time of 24 full months counted from the end of its elaboration, of which at least 12 must be in wooden vessels (used or new) and the rest in bottle, prior to its release on the market

Wine Regions

Mendoza

Is the most important Argentina wine producing región with more than 60% of the wines produced and 80% of the country’s wine exportation. Malbec is the most planted grape, followed by Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo. Mendoza was the first region to get a designation of origin in 1993.

San Juan

Is the second largest wine region in Argentina.

 ●Luján del Cuyo → focus on Malbec

 ●Valle de Uco → produces red and whites

La Rioja

Is the third biggest region after Mendoza; makes 36% of the province. This region is famous for its white wines (Torrentés grape) but also can be found reds such as Malbec, Banarda, and Syrah.

Salta→ Argentina’s top region of Torrentés a white grape native to Argentina (only grows is this country), and Malbec.

Catamarca→ Syrah, Torrentés, Cabernet Sauvignon

La Pampa→ Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay

Neuquén→ Malbec and Pinot Noir

Rio Negro→ Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Malbec, Pinot Noir and Semillon

Maipú

San Rafael

Tucumán

Grape Varietals

 ●Malbec

 ●Cabernet Sauvignon

 ●Merlot

 ●Pinot Noir

 ●Barbera

 ●Tempranillo

 ●Sangiovese

 ●Bonarda

Whites

 ●Torrentés

 ●Chenin Blanc

 ●Semillon

 ●Chardonnay

 ●Riesling

 ●Moscato Blanco

 ●Sauvignon Blanc