Argentina is the fifth-largest wine-producing country globally and ranks seventh in vineyard acreage. The country consistently produces over 12.6 million hectoliters of wine annually.
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Climate and Terrain
Argentina boasts a diverse range of climates, from tropical in the northeast to polar in the south.
The soils vary, often being of alluvial, morainic, and volcanic origin. However, sandy and gravelly soils are also present, yielding more structured and high-quality wines.
Grapes and Wines
Black grapes cover over three-quarters of the vineyard area. The principal grape is Malbec, the most cultivated black grape variety.
Other cultivated grapes include:
The most common training system is the Spur Pruned or Guyot system.
Malbec yields wines with a vibrant and deep ruby-red color. The nose reveals rich notes of ripe fruit, spices, and vegetal undertones. The palate is soft and structured, making it an excellent pairing with mustard-glazed pork loin.
Bonarda was once the dominant grape, producing ruby-red wines with hints of ripe red fruit. These wines are fresh, full-bodied, and possess good tannins.
Cabernet Sauvignon, a growing grape variety, produces herbaceous and spicy wines with robust tannins. It pairs perfectly with laurel-infused hare.
Syrah, another rising star, has climbed to the top of the charts. Wines from Syrah grapes exhibit good structure with intense notes of red fruit and black pepper.
Tempranillo, used for producing young wines, yields fragrant wines with cherry and raspberry aromas and good acidity.
Pinot Noir, less suited to warm climates, is cultivated in cooler niches with significant temperature variations.
Wine Regions
In Argentina, cultivated areas are referred to as “oasis andinos,” circumscribed areas. The three main regions are:
- Northwest: Including Salta and La Rioja, predominantly cultivating white grape varieties like Torrontés riojano, Torrontés sanjuanino, and Chardonnay
- Central-West: The most significant region, with over 90% of vineyard acreage. Key areas are Mendoza and San Juan, with Mendoza producing around 70% of the country’s wines. Besides Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Barbera, Sangiovese, and Bonarda are cultivated
- Patagonia: Focused on the Rio Negro province, with the best vineyards along the riverbanks. The longer and cooler ripening period allows for the production of early-ripening black grape varieties like Merlot and Pinot Noir
Amo la buona cucina e le tradizioni enogastronomiche italiane, per me vino e dessert non sono solo un contorno ma la parte più interessante del buon vivere.
