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Guard : 10 years +
Although Argentina is considered the "new world", its wine tradition is much older than one might think, dating back to the time of Spanish colonization, in the 16th century and then by Italian settlers. Unlike Chile, wine has long been part of the country's culture.
No wine-producing country in the world has made more progress in the last years of the 20th century (on the viticultural and oenological level and necessarily financially) which has allowed the country's wine producers to increase quality levels and have succeeded in consolidating an international export market. Argentina has now become the fifth largest wine producing country in the world, after France, Italy, Spain and the United States.
Viticulture is practiced mainly in the foothills of the Andes, and more particularly in Mendoza, where the desert landscapes and high altitudes combine to give rise to aromatic and intensely perfumed wines. Some vineyards can even be planted up to 3000 meters above sea level!
The terroir here is well suited to the grape variety adopted by Argentina: the omnipresent Malbec. Originally from Bordeaux, he is today responsible for some of the most famous Argentinian wines, which are characterized by their brightness and intensity, with floral notes and dark fruit flavors. Other red varieties produced in Argentina are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Bonarda, Syrah, Tempranillo and Pinot Noir. Among white wines, the emblematic grape variety of the Argentine wine region is Torrontés, which gives a wine with a floral and tropical taste. The country also produces Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio. Today, Argentinian wines are recognized throughout the world for their full-bodied reds and as high-quality wines.
Mendoza
In the central-western part of Argentina, at the foot of the Andes, Mendoza concentrates 75% of all Argentina's vineyards and the largest number of wineries in the country. This makes it the most important wine province and one of the main production centers in the world. Mendoza has been cultivating vines since 1598 and this culture took on its full scope after the arrival of the railway in 1885. The Andes record their highest peaks in Mendoza: with 6,959 meters, Aconcagua is the highest peak in 'America. The presence of the Andes, which acts as a barrier to the humid winds of the Pacific, added to the distance from the Atlantic Ocean, models the climate generating ideal conditions for the cultivation of vines. The altitude, the continental climate, the heterogeneity of the soils and the thaw water are key factors for the production of excellent quality wines, which add to a marked wine-growing tradition.
The sub-region: Uco Valley
The Uco Valley has the distinction of having some of the highest vineyards in the world at the very foot of the Andes and one of the most enchanting wine-growing landscapes. The main Argentinian grape variety, Malbec, shines there producing local red wines with a characteristic floral aroma. Cabernet franc is much less common, but great results have been achieved. Additionally, some of Mendoza's best white wines, made from Chardonnay and Torrontés, come from the Uco Valley vineyards. The relatively cool climate allows for a slower ripening period. Although considered part of the Mendoza region, the Uco Valley can be recognized in its own right in several ways. Not only is the wine zone distinct in terms of micro-climates, but the region is also home to many of Argentina's best producers.