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Argentina - Pampas and Patagonia
Argentina is the second-largest country in South America encompassing
more than a million square miles. The country stretches 3100 miles from
the Tropic of Capricorn in the north to the southern tip of the continent.
The Andes Mountains separate Argentina from Chile and create the
country's western border. From the peaks of the Andes in the west, the
country extends east to the Atlantic Ocean. Most of Argentina's vineyards
lie in the western part of the country, in the foothills of the Andes.
Argentina is the world's fifth largest wine producing country, after (in
order) Italy, France, Spain and the United States. The country's large
population however, keeps the export ratio much lower than its neighbor Chile.
History
Winemaking began in Argentina in the late 1500s, with the
arrival of Spanish conquistadores and missionaries, who
brought vines with them from their native land. The
missionaries soon learned that the foothills of the Andes were
an ideal grape-growing region and irrigated their vineyards by
using the existing ancient systems of dams and canals that had
been put into use by the Inca's. Walking around the city of
Mendoza it is easy to think that every street is lined with an
open storm drain until you realize that you are in a desert, and
the water is irrigation from the Andes keeping the city lush and
green.
A new wave of European (mostly French, Italian and Spanish)
immigration began in the 1820s, with the ending of Spanish
colonial rule. These European immigrants brought with them
vines and winemaking techniques from their native countries.
In 1885, the first railway linked Mendoza (Argentina's top wine producing area) with Buenos
Aires, and by the early 1900s, Argentina became a major wine-producing country.
Geography and Climate
Argentina is dominated by the Andes Mountains on the western border and the Southern
Atlantic Ocean to the east. The climate varies from humid sub-tropical in the northern and
eastern regions to arid in the west. Most of the wine growing regions are in the western part
of the country. The Andes Mountains wring out all of the Pacific moisture producing semi-arid conditions with
rainfall averaging less than ten inches per year. Vineyards rely on ancient irrigations systems
(acequia) that channel melting snow form the Andes. The absence of moisture produces hot
summer days and cool nights – near ideal growing conditions.
Major Regions
Argentina's major wine regions are (from north to south) Jujuy, Salta, Catamarca, La Rioja, San Juan, Mendoza, Nequén and Rio Negro (Patagonia). Mendoza is called “the heart and soul
of Argentina's wine country” because it is located in the center of Argentina's major wine
regions and also produces more wine than the other regions. The second largest wine region
is San Juan to the north of Mendoza, known primarily for grapes used in sherry, brandy and
vermouth.
Wines Produced
Malbec is king in Argentina, although local grapes Criolla and Cereza are still widely planted
and account for more than one fourth of the total acreage. The trend in Argentine wines is
moving away from the local grapes and into more international varietals, such as Cabernet
Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.
Following is a list of Argentina's grape varieties in order of acres of production.
Red Wine Grapes:
Malbec Bonarda Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Merlot
Tempranillo
Sangiovese
Pinot Negro (Pinot Noir)
Barbera
Cabernet Franc
Tanat
White Wine Grapes:
Pedro Gimenez
Torrontes
Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc Chenin Blanc
Ugni Blanc
Semillon
Viognier Sauvignonasse
Pinot Blanc
Source: Instituto Nacional de Vitivinicultura
Argentina adopted a quality control appellation system in 1999. The system, while based on
quality ratings in the Old World, has gained little acceptance. The system involves a contract
that spells out geographic boundaries, permissible grape varieties, and viticultural practices. The system identifies three levels:
Denominacion de Origen Controlda (DOC) - The highest quality rating although only two DOCs
Denominacion de Origen Controlda (DOC) - The highest quality rating although only two DOCs
(Lujan de Cuyo and San Rafael) have been designated.
Indicacion Geografica (IF) quality wine below the DOC level
Indicacion de Procedencia (IP) table and regional wines
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