Wine Regions in Argentina
Although Argentina is a new wine-producing country, it actually has a long history of grape cultivation and brewing. In the mid- nineteenth century, many immigrants from Spain and Italy appeared in Argentina. They came here with grape varieties from their hometown, enriching the grape varieties in Argentina, and blended wines became popular. Before the 1990s , Argentina produced a large amount of wine, but the quality was mediocre, and there was no international awareness, so it did not attract the attention of foreign markets. However, in the last 20 years, many international wine tycoons have invested in wineries in Argentina. Although Argentina’s domestic wine consumption has declined, the country’s strong-flavored and full-bodied red wines and some white wines have won the favor of the international market. As the largest wine producer in South America and the fifth largest wine producer in the world, Argentina’s strength cannot be underestimated. Argentina’s wine production is four times that of Chile, and it can also match the production of the entire United States.
Argentina’s wine-producing regions are all over the country, but mostly concentrated in the foothills of the Western Andes. These vineyards are generally higher in elevation, between 700 and 1,400 meters, and the night temperature is generally low, which is conducive to the production of red wines with deep colors and rich flavors and white wines with full of aromas.
The most important red grape variety in the country is Malbec , followed by Bonarda , Cabernet Sauvignon , Syrah , Tempranillo , Metlot and Pinot Noir . The white grape variety with the largest planting area is Pedro Gimenez , followed by Torrontes Riojano , and other more important white grape varieties are Muscat of Alexandria , Chardonnay and Torrontes Sanjuanino .
Well-known wine regions in Argentina
Mendoza
Mendoza is the largest and most important wine producing area in Argentina. Its grape growing area reaches more than 395,000 acres, which accounts for more than two-thirds of the total wine production in Argentina. Mendoza also has several well-known secondary areas, including Lujan de Cuyo, San Rafael, Maipu, which have been included in the Argentine legal production area ( DOC ). Malbec is particularly well-known areas in Mendoza, with the blackish color, soft and unique taste, as well as a quality that is better than any other in the world producing wines, it has been located Among the best wines in Argentina.
San Juan
The province of San Juan is the second largest wine-producing region in Argentina, and its grape growing area and wine production rank second in Argentina. San Juan is located at the foot of the Andes in the north of Mendoza , with a series of adjacent valleys. The grape growing areas in this region range from 1,200 to 600 meters above sea level, suitable for growing a variety of grapes. Compared to Mendoza, San Juan is hotter and drier. Local wine with rich and powerful known, in recent years, Syrah and Malbec are growing with reputation.
La Rioja
La Rioja located in western Argentina. La Rioja is one of Argentina’s legal producing areas and produces high-quality wines. The San Huberto winery in La Rioja is one of the most famous wineries in Argentina , with a history of 100 years. La Rioja has a hot and arid climate. The white grapes produced are characterized by higher alcohol and lower acidity. The local rainfall is scarce, and the annual rainfall is only 5 inches, which brings no small challenge to grape growing, but the unique terroir conditions make the quality of Muscat and Torrontes excellent.
Salta
Salta’s wine industry has developed rapidly, especially in its sub-producing region Cafayate . Cafayate’s grapes are generally planted in areas above 5,600 feet above sea level , and in some areas even as high as 10,000 feet above sea level. Salta is hot during the day and cool at night, and the espresso and Syrah wines are of excellent quality.
Originally published at https://www.tlw.com.