New World Region + Old World Traditions
Beneath cloudless skies, the lush vineyards of Argentina are irrigated by the pure, clean runoff from the snow-capped Andes. Welcome to Argentina, a country that's producing extraordinarily delicious, food-friendly wines at fantastic prices.
Argentina’s winemakers produce bottles that compete with the world’s best (and cost a fraction of the price), plus a wealth of everyday wines that offer remarkable value. They’ve been growing grapes here since the 16th century, but prior to the 1990s when there was a push to tap into export markets, most was for local consumption.
Wines to Try
Start discovering our collection of exciting Argentine wines with this curated list, or visit our Destination Argentina store at 15830 Bayview Ave., in Aurora to see our expanded in-store collection.
Regions to Know
Mendoza
Mendoza is the country's largest and most prolific wine-making region. Its proximity to the equator would normally make quality grape growing a near impossibility, but the extreme altitude of its vineyards creates near-perfect conditions. Long, sunny days and cool nights imbue the grapes with richness and complexity.
San Juan and La Rioja
Locals believe this is where the country's first grapes were first planted. These areas have fewer big wineries but lots of smaller growers, although that’s changing as Argentinian wines become more popular.
Salta
Salta is home to the highest altitude vineyards in the world. Up here, the extremely dry conditions mean there’s little chance of mildew or pests infecting the grapes, which makes it a great place to use organic farming methods.
Río Negro
This region in Patagonia is the country’s coolest (both in terms of temperatures and all-around hipness) wine producing area. Wine savvy Argentines are buzzing about the region’s ability to produce phenomenal white wines.
Fast Facts
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Argentina is the 7th largest producer of wine in the world.
The province of Mendoza produces more than 85% of the country's wine.
With 97,500 acres of vineyards, Argentina is the world's largest producer of Malbec.
Argentina’s Key Varietals
While known for its Malbec, classic varietals like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc grow well here, too, as well as some lesser-known grapes that are ripe for discovery. Here’s what's growing on the vines.
Malbec
The great, inky grape famously blended into Bordeaux wines was imported here by the French in the 19th century. The vines thrived in the lofty, sun-drenched vineyards, producing rich, intense wines.
YOU'LL TASTE: Leather and tobacco aromas and full of ripe cherry and blackberry flavours with coconut and chocolate undertones.
TRY IT WITH: Thick, juicy grilled steaks, braised short ribs or a peppery cheeseburger.
Bonarda
Bonarda looks poised to be Argentina’s next big thing. Traditionally used for bulk wine, producers have recently discovered that with low yields and just a bit of oak aging, it's capable of producing exceptional wines.
YOU'LL TASTE: Elegant fig, ripe plum and allspice flavours.
TRY IT WITH: A rich lamb tagine or BBQed pork chops.
Torrontés
A highly aromatic white grape originally from Spain, Torrontes is now almost exclusively grown in Argentina. It ripens especially well in La Rioja, Salta and Catamarca.
YOU'LL TASTE: Honeydew and tarragon. While the floral aromas make it seem like a sweet wine, it’s typically made in a dry style.
TRY IT WITH: Mild Southeast Asian curries.
