A Toast to Argentine Wine

Ask a wine lover about Argentine wines, and they’ll immediately start waxing eloquent about the beauty of the Malbec. And they’re not wrong!

But this South American country has so much more to offer. 

Pour a glass, sit back, and let's dive into the country’s history with wine with the help of Context expert Bertie.

A Brief History

In the 16th century, Spanish missionaries brought grapevines across the Atlantic, finding a home for them in sun-drenched valleys of the Andes Mountains. Little did they know they were setting up a foundation for a world-class wine industry in the coming centuries. 

Vines were initially planted near monasteries, ensuring that priests would have enough sacramental wine to use in mass. Those vineyards grew abundantly thanks to near-perfect soil and climate conditions. 

However, it wasn’t until the mid-1800s that the first French grape varieties were imported, including the famous Malbec. Thanks to French agronomist Michel Pouget, the country’s first vine nursery was built in Mendoza, today one of the top regions for wine makers. Along with Malbec grapes, Pouget also brought in Cabernet, Cabernet Franc, Pinot, and Sauvignon. 

Fast forward to the 1960s. Political instability rocks the nation and hyperinflation is on the horizon. Many vineyards are replaced with Criolla Grande, a fast-growing, easily over-produced grape variety that made it easy for Argentinian winemakers to produce wine in bulk. If you used to think Argentine wine was the equivalent of big box wine, this is likely where that perception came from. 

Good news for wine drinkers of the world – the 1990s saw a resurgence in quality wines produced from Argentina. Both foreign and domestic investments in wine production led to a boom in quality production. This set the stage for the first 100-point rating for an Argentine wine in 2013, and the nation’s wine scene has been on a meteoric rise ever since. 

6 Argentine Wine Facts That Will Impress Your Friends

Context expert Bertie starts us off strong. "Malbec grapes are grown in the north of the country, on the border with Bolivia and the vineyards stretch as far south as Northern Patagonia. That's the equivalent distance as London to Seville!"

Here are five more interesting facts for oenophiles around the world. 

• In the late 1800s, a pest called phylloxera reduced Malbec crops in France to nearly nothing. Today, many European vines combat this pest by being grafted onto phylloxera-resistant vines. But Argentina never had this problem, as phylloxera don’t survive in Argentina’s climate. This means that Argentina is one of the only places in the world to find original Malbec vines.
• Argentina’s popular white wine, Torrontés, cannot be traced back to its original origins despite DNA testing. Regardless, today it is only grown in Argentina and is highly popular thanks to its curious mix of aromatics and spices.
• Mendoza hogs the spotlight, but there are actually seven regions for wine making in Argentina: San Juan, La Rioja, Catamarca, Rio Negro, Neuquen, Salta, and Mendoza. 
• Mendoza is one of the twelve Great Wine Capitals of the world!
• A wine harvest festival, called Fiesta de la Vendimia by locals, is a highlight of the grape harvest season in Mendoza. This two-week event is full of music, dancing, parades, and – of course – wine.

Celebrate World Malbec Day

Held on April 17th, World Malbec Day celebrates the iconic Malbec grape and former Argentinian president Fausto’s mission to transform the wine industry in his country. 

If you need an excuse to celebrate, we’ve got you covered.

• Visit your local wine shop and ask for information about the Argentine Malbec wines available. Bonus points if you venture into trying other Argentine wine varieties. 
• Host a blind tasting with your friends, sampling a variety of wines from Argentina. Which ones are crowd favorites, and which are surprising on your palette?
• Get crafty in the kitchen! Pair your Argentinian Malbec with your favorite cut of steak or lamb. It also pairs nicely with a vibrant blue cheese, asiago, or gouda if a charcuterie spread is more your style. 
• Do as the Argentinians do. In the afternoon, the locals of Mendoza will enjoy a crisp glass of Malbec as they watch professional tango dancers in their local squares. Can’t be there in person? Find a tango class near you or pull up a Youtube tutorial to discover your inner milonguero or milonguera (aka tango master). You can also learn more about the history of tango here.

Discover Argentina’s Wine

Not sure that Argentina has a wine for your palate? "Today wine afficianados can find a range of styles - from the light and elegant, reminiscent of Beaujolais, to bold and complex wines which are best kept for at least 8 to 10 years," said Bertie. 

A few other notable Argentine wine varieties worth exploring include: 

• Bonarda
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Cereza
• Chardonnay
• Syrah
• Torrontés

Argentine Wine on the World Stage

Argentina's wines offer a captivating blend of history, tradition, and innovation. From the rise of Malbec to the vibrant Fiesta de la Vendimia, Argentina offers a unique wine experience that is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you with a lasting impression.

Going to Argentina soon? Book your own wine tour in Buenos Aires with a Context expert.