Community Entry: Argentine Wine

The Argentinians started making wine in the 1500s when the Spanish brought vines with them during the colonisation of the country. Argentina has been making vast amounts of plonk ever since, ranking as the fifth largest producer in the world. Despite this early start it took them around 500 years to get it right. Quantity tended to take priority over quality and even though Argentineans have been some of the world’s biggest drinkers, the only wine option used to be ‘blanco’ or ‘tinto’ (red or white). Most of the wine produced was cheap and deemed only fit for domestic consumption, with pansy foreigners unable to handle the hideous hangovers or vulgar taste. 

Today, however, it seems that Argentina can hardly get it wrong. Its wine is starting to make a mark on the international market with particularly its prized Malbec appearing in classy vintners and fine restaurants all over the globe. Since the 1990s Argentinean vineyards have focused on creating quality wines, the wine export and tourism industry has rocketed and now no trip to Argentina would be complete without sampling some of its respected ‘vinos finos’. 

No longer in Chile’s shadow, Argentina is starting to make waves in the international wine pool and when ordering some splosh to accompany your steak you are more likely to be presented with an extensive wine list offering all sorts of grape varieties, blends, vineyards and regions, than the previously limited choice of red or white. Fortunately even though quality has risen dramatically, prices have not and you can pick up a decent bottle of wine for around 12 pesos (£2) at a shop or 25 pesos (£4) at a restaurant. There is, of course, an upward scale and a particularly good vineyard or vintage can fetch over 1000 pesos a bottle. Most wine lists are unevenly weighted in favour of the reds, and rightly so in accordance with most meat-heavy menus.

The almighty Argentinean Malbec still dominates every list and perhaps deservedly so. Originally grown in Southeast France, Argentina has taken the L’Etranger (Malbec) grape, spelt it differently and quite clearly made it their own. An essential accompaniment to your steak dinner, Argentine Malbec has won international awards and recognition as one of the best in the world. It is usually a medium bodied wine with an intense purple colour and a fruity and often earthy taste. Try Trapiche, Luigi Bosca or Catena Zapata’s Malbecs. Other reds that you are likely to see include international varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Temperanillo, Pinot Noir, Merlot and all the blends between. Clos de los Siete and Alta Vista make some good blends. 

Although the Argentinean reds are the main attraction, its whites and rosés are picking up steam and deserve to be savoured during a visit. Argentina’s most famous white variety is Torrontes, a lively and fruity wine. Look out for wines from the Catamarca region which are particularly good. Chardonnay is also a big hitter here but other international varieties including some nice crisp Sauvignon Blancs are grown with some success and appear on many wine lists. 

Argentina’s sparkling wines (often incorrectly called Champagnes) are worth splashing out for occasionally although do vary significantly in quality (those using the traditional champagne method are superior). Although Chardonnay is most commonly used, a sparkling Pinot Noir often makes the best selection (Don Miguel Gascon and Del fin del Mundo come particularly recommended). 

With its improved wine making and some internationally renowned vineyards, wine tourism in Argentina has significantly increased in recent years and a trip to Mendoza usually makes its way on any traveller’s itinerary here. Mendoza is the most popular wine making region and the city itself is a beautiful destination but other regions are proving just as integral to Argentina’s wine reputation. San Juan and La Rioja also enjoy some fame but lesser known regions including Patagonia and Salta are now making a name for themselves. Wine tasting, vineyard tours and Mendoza’s annual wine festival, Vendimia, in March ensure that the visitor can experience and enjoy Argentina’s wine in more ways than just from the bottle to the lips. 

Amanda Barnes