Argentina
wine production started in the 16th 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
