Argentinian Wines

Always one of the world’s major wine producers, in recent years Argentinian wine has begun a shift towards higher quality production, and with considerable success. In the right hands the Malbec grape is capable of producing a wine with structure and body and the aging potential to rival anything produced by other new world winemakers.

With such a diverse wine-growing terrain - from high altitude vineyards in the Andes to semi desert conditions - Argentina is succeeding in creating some very interesting wines which are well worth exploring. The country produces fine wines from the better known grapes such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.

And as well as the vast geographical difference which gives Argentinian wines such a wide range of characteristics, there’s is also the warm, dry winter wind know as La Zonda, which sweeps down from the Andes. It plays an important role in the making of wines in at high altitude, as it brings warmth and improves grape health.

For lovers of red wine, Argentinian Malbec will reward some close investigation. Malbec wines produced by bodegas situated at lower altitude produce lighter, fruity immensely drinkable summer reds. Grapes grown at higher altitude develop thicker skins leading to bigger, full-bodied reds of great quality.

But the wines of Argentina are not exclusively of the red variety- white wine lovers should try Torrontes, a grape well worth tasting and tasting again. Floral on the nose, with a hint of spice, these wines are fresh and crisp and generally unoaked. Torrontes makes an interesting alternative to chardonnay and sauvignon blanc.

While both Malbec and Torrontes are seen as indigenous grape varietals. With more than 2000 kilometres separating bodegas in the north from those in the south, there is a great deal of countryside and different climactic conditions for wine producers.