Red Varieties
Malbec, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Argentinian Wine Regions
You only have to fly over the Andes to very quickly realise that Argentina is simply stunning. From the dramatic mountain valleys of Patagonia in the south, to the rainforests bordering Brazil in the North, the South American country has a wonderfully diverse geographical making. The hope with its wines is that they will be similarly exceptional, which in certain areas, is definitely the case.
Argentina itself is the fifth largest wine producing country in the world and among the fastest growing. Wines on the whole have a heavy French influence, particularly from Bordeaux – we’re sure that every red wine lover has tried an Argentinian Malbec by now! That being said, there is an endless (well, almost) range of wine styles and flavours across the country which are dictated by the unique and individual make up of each key winemaking region. You don’t have to stick to reds here either when in search of quality, although that is quite often the choice. Top tip – take a punt on whites including Chardonnay and more local varieties including Torrontés.
Learn About the History, Grape Varieties, Climate and Wines of Each Wine Region in Argentina Below:
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Jujuy
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Salta
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Tucumán
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Catamarca
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La Rioja
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San Juan
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Mendoza
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La Pampa
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Neuquén
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Buenos Aires
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Rio Negro
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Chubut
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Jujuy
Shop Argentinian WineAn Introduction to Jujuy
Although small, in fact tiny in comparison to the rest of Argentina, the province of Jujuy stands out for its rich cultural heritage and unique landscape. With a relatively recent history in the cultivation of grapes, vineyards here are set high in the Andes Mountains and even among UNESCO World Heritage sites in Quebrada de Humahuaca. So extreme is the land that altitudes range from over 5000 feet above sea level to nearly 11,000 feet, the summit of which you will find what some claim to be the highest vineyard in the world.
Climate and Geography
Rainfall is scarce in Jujuy with very warm average temperatures. Days are long with plenty of sunshine which naturally adds to depth and development of flavours in grapes. Wines on the whole have good structure with reds almost black in colour with violet edges, a typical trait of extreme altitude wines. Malbec, like throughout much of Argentina, is the most widely planted grape variety in the region.
White Varieties
Sauvignon Blanc
Climate
Hot
Landscape
High altitude
Soil
Sand, loam
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Salta
Shop Argentinian WineAn Introduction to Salta
Salta wine region is the largest area under vine in the north-western part of Argentina. It is also the most significant and widely recognised region, producing great wines but also boasting world class tourism, largely based from the provincial capital of the same name. Founded in 1582, the city of Salta managed to evade large swathes of European migrants and has retained many of its indigenous traditions and cultural identity today. Winemaking activity is located mainly in the Calchaquí Valley where you will also find some of the world’s highest altitude vineyards. In recent years, there has been particular growth in red varieties, especially Malbec, thanks to its exceptional quality. Among the most symbolic red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tannat standout. Among the whites, Torrontés is considered the finest expression of Salta.
Climate and Geography
The region has a hot climate with 300 days of sun each year and high levels of ultraviolet radiation. Warm days are followed by much cooler nights, with long summers allowing good growth of the region’s vines which also benefit from the deep and sandy soils found here. The extremes in conditions and temperatures can however limit yields. This can often result in thicker average skins which help to make unique full bodied wines with strong fragrancy. Red wines are lively, exhibiting good colour, aromas and flavours with intense, mature tannins. It’s a similar story for white wines which are very aromatic, dry and fuller in body.
Red Varieties
Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tannat, Bonarda
White Varieties
Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
Climate
Hot
Landscape
High altitude
Soil
Sand, loam
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Tucumán
Shop Argentinian WineAn Introduction to Tucumán
Despite its size, Tucumán is in fact the most densely populated province in Argentina. It is here that the Argentines commemorate their emancipation from Spanish rule way back in 1816, with the dedicated Museo Casa Histórica de la Independencia located here. As a wine region, production is small, but Tucumán is certainly making interesting wines. As with many regions in the north, the Calchaquí Valley often features and is the epicentre of viticulture.
Climate and Geography
Vineyards are located at considerable heights and are coupled with the combination of long daylight hours, thermal amplitude, soft winds and sandy-loam soils. As a result, the wines of Tucumán are fruity and ripe with the right balance of alcohol, presenting bright colours, simple and spicy aromas and sweet flavours. The most planted varieties here are Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and local speciality, Torrontés.
Red Varieties
Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
White Varieties
Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc
Climate
Hot
Landscape
High altitude
Soil
Sand, loam
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Catamarca
Shop Argentinian WineAn Introduction to Catamarca
Catamarca used to be the largest wine region of the north under vine but has recently been overtaken by its neighbour, Salta. The word Catamarca comes from the Quechua language and means “fortress on the slope”, which is quite indicative of today’s vineyards. Winemaking here takes place mainly in a succession of valleys located between the towns of Tinogasta, Fiambalá, and Santa María. As with the rest of the north, these are all part of the Calchaquí Valley. Viticulture is rustic with traditional practices still in place. Around 85% of wines here are either red or rose, with the remaining 15% nearly all made from local white variety, Torrontés.
Climate and Geography
In general, the region has an arid continental climate which is very dry with high average annual temperatures. There are abundant hours of sunshine and very low rainfall, whilst the soils are sandy and deep with pebble surfaces, much like those found in areas of France. In the valleys of Catamarca, red varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Syrah flourish, although it is in fact Torrontés that has the largest area under cultivation.
Red Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah, Bonarda, Merlot
White Varieties
Torrontés, Chardonnay
Climate
Hot
Landscape
High altitude
Soil
Sand, loam
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La Rioja
Shop Argentinian WineAn Introduction to La Rioja
La Rioja is the oldest wine producing region in Argentina and not to be confused with the iconic Spanish wine region of the same name! Much of winemaking here is dominated by a very large winemaking cooperative (an agricultural body of winemakers) which produces wines on scale. Torrontés again features heavily here and is made in a variety of styles, from aromatic dry wines to refreshing, contemporary sparkling. In recent years, independent producers have emerged and have generated a revived interest in the region. A wide variety of red wines are made here, largely from Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Bonarda.
Climate and Geography
La Rioja is characterised by its hot climate, severe drought and mild nights. Vineyards themselves are situated in the middle of fertile oases and arid mountain ranges, where irrigation can be problematic. In general, white wines here have a green hue and intense fruity aromas, with moderate to low acidity. Red wines tend to be concentrated with deep colour and full body.
Red Varieties
Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda, Syrah, Merlot
White Varieties
Torrontés, Chardonnay, Viognier, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc
Climate
Hot
Landscape
High altitude
Soil
Sand, loam
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San Juan
Shop Argentinian WineAn Introduction to San Juan
San Juan is the second most important wine province in Argentina after Mendoza, with nearly a quarter of the country’s vines planted here. Grapes here grow in a succession of valleys irrigated by the San Juan River. Of these, the alluvial Ullum-Zonda is the most important – one of our favourite named regions! The predominant variety is Syrah, which is the cornerstone of the areas’ reputation. Malbec is just behind in terms of volume and comes with interesting differences compared with wines from other parts of Argentina. Local pink variety Cereza is also found here, along with popular whites including Torrontés and Chardonnay. Historically, San Juan has been a key producer of table wines since the 17th century and still is to this day, however the quality coming out of the region has been gaining global recognition since 2000.
Climate and Geography
San Juan is a hot region with a warm, dry climate. This is characteristic of the high levels of solar exposure and low levels of rainfall, coupled with very strong winds which sweep through the valley – these winds can be so intense that they dry out flowers on the vines! As with most of Argentina, vineyards are located at high altitude. Wines here, particularly whites, have strong fruity aromas and are moderate in acidity and structure. Reds on the other hand are medium in colour with a violet hue – a general rule here is the higher the altitude, the deeper and more intense the wine.
Red Varieties
Syrah, Malbec, Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon
White Varieties
Torrontés, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc
Climate
Hot
Landscape
High altitude
Soil
Sand, clay
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Mendoza
Shop Argentinian WineAn Introduction to Mendoza
Mendoza is the largest wine region in Argentina, with 75% of the country’s vineyards and largest number of wineries. This makes it not only the most important Argentine region but one of the main producing centres in the world. The territory itself is broken up into five large sub-regions, each with their own distinct characteristics which translates into the wine styles being produced here. High quality Malbec is synonymous with Argentina and so too Mendoza, with production of the popular former French variety by far leading the way. It could be argued that Mendoza is responsible for Argentina’s sterling global reputation for producing world beating reds – something we’d certainly back! Who doesn’t love a good Argentine Malbec with beautifully cooked steak?
Climate and Geography
The highest peaks of the Andes are found in Mendoza, the summit of which is Aconcagua which is the highest peak in America at 23,000 feet. The presence of the Andes, which act as a barrier to the humid winds of the Pacific, together with the distance to the Atlantic Ocean help to shape the climate, generating ideal conditions for the cultivation of vines. The altitude, continental climate, soils and the snowmelt are key factors for the production of excellent wines, which add to a significant winemaking tradition. Producers here are also very serious at perfecting the art of wine – some leading the way with the latest technologies in vine management and winemaking.
Red Varieties
Malbec, Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Tempranillo
White Varieties
Chardonnay, Torrontés, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon
Climate
Hot
Landscape
High altitude
Soil
Sand, clay
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La Pampa
Shop Argentinian WineAn Introduction to La Pampa
Iconic gaucho cowboys still herd cattle on the immense grassland of the La Pampa plain. Head a little higher up the mountains and you find vineyards sweeping the east Andean slopes. This is real Patagonia – expansive plains with elongated valleys from west to east and dramatic mountainous landscapes. Although La Pampa produces relatively tiny amounts of wine, it still merits its own accolades and reputation as a standalone, cutting-edge wine region. The main varieties produced here are Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay.
Climate and Geography
Since 2000, Patagonia has extended its vineyard boundaries northward over the Colorado River. Here you’ll find a moderate continental climate, with mild autumns and springs, warm summers and cold winters. Vine plantations have increased by 70% since 2002, so it’s an area which is on the rise and is certainly worth keeping an eye out for. La Pampa wines have a perfect balance of acidity and medium levels of alcohol.
Red Varieties
Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
White Varieties
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon
Climate
Moderate
Landscape
High altitude
Soil
Sand, clay
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Neuquén
Shop Argentinian WineAn Introduction to Neuquén
Neuquén is a relative newcomer to the Argentinian wine scene. Based in the Patagonian plains, the wine region has only really been producing wines of scale since the early 2000s, with the emergence of the small town of San Patricio del Chañar in particular contributing to the diversification and growing reputation of its wine. The region’s leading wineries including Bodega Del Fin Del Mundo have only been in existence for barely two decades, but are continually delivering quality wines attracting plenty of newcomers to Neuquén. It’s for this reason that the region is rapidly growing in stature and importance within Argentina.
Climate and Geography
Whilst many of Argentina’s wine regions are well above sea level, Neuquén is decidedly different. Altitudes here are usually only 300 metres above sea level, which is quite surprising given that neighbouring Mendoza has some of the highest in the world! The climate is cooler than its northern counterparts with moderate temperatures and high exposure to sunlight. Strong dessert winds sweep through the pains providing both heat and much needed cooling effects at night. All these factors combine to produce grapes with excellent health. Neuquén wines show a notable concentration of colour in all varieties grown here, with high levels of fruit in the aromas and superb body and structure.
Red Varieties
Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
White Varieties
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon
Climate
Moderate
Landscape
High altitude
Soil
Sand, clay
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Buenos Aires
Shop Argentinian WineAn Introduction to Buenos Aires
The Buenos Aires wine region has been at the centre of Argentine producers exploring new lands and terroirs in recent years. The key push has been expanding vine cultivation to the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, which today represents the most eastern points for winemaking in Argentina. Key projects in Chapadmalal, Médanos and Sierra de la Ventana have been driving the idea of developing oceanic wines, so much so that since its relatively early inception back in 2007, Chapadmalal has gone on to be an officially approved wine appellation in its own right. Roughly two thirds of grapes grown in Buenos Aires are red with Malbec leading the way, closely followed by Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The big two white varieties are Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
Climate and Geography
Most of Argentina’s vineyards are located at high altitude, clustered around the foothills of the Andes mountain range. Buenos Aires on the other hand is quite unique in that vineyards here are largely located around the coastal town of Médanos. If you like your garlic, then you’re in luck, as the annual Fiesta Nacional del Ajo (National Garlic Festival) is located here! Its wines however are on the up, bringing excellent award-winning oceanic wine to the fore. The styles of Buenos Aires wines are very much a consequence of its climatic surrounds – warm and humid, long hours of sunshine, and cooling coastal and mountain breezes. This allows for fresh, elegant wines with notable aromatic complexity, particularly found with white varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Pinot Noir and sparkling wines are also excellent.
Red Varieties
Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Tannat
White Varieties
Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling
Climate
Moderate
Landscape
Coastal
Soil
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Rio Negro
Shop Argentinian WineAn Introduction to Rio Negro
The Rio Negro wine region consists of valleys located in the basin of the Colorado and Negro rivers crossing the province from west to east. Vineyards are situated at high altitudes to the west, peaking at over 1,200 feet above sea level, gradually decreasing along the rivers towards the Atlantic Ocean, by which point they are a little over 10 feet above sea level. The region itself is loosely divided into three main sub regions – Alto Valle, Valle Medio and Valle Inferior. As opposed to many regions in Argentina, it’s the influence of the rivers which hold most influence on the vineyards and wines made here. Rio Negro in one of Argentina’s up and coming wine regions, with more and more producers exploring its potential.
Climate and Geography
Although very dry, the climate here is far cooler than its northern counterparts. Winters are cold whilst summers are generally warm, giving the region a unique luminosity and thermal amplitude. Vineyards also benefit from the warm winds exiting the Austral Mountains, increasing the dryness of the vines, which is particularly useful during cooler, wetter months. Wines of Rio Negro stand out for their balance between alcohol and acidity, which is a result of slow maturation of the grapes due to surrounding climatic conditions. Typically cool climate grape varieties are grown here including Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon also thrive, developing wonderful fruity aromas and mineral notes which are harder to find across Argentina.
Red Varieties
Malbec, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah
White Varieties
Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Chardonnay
Climate
Cool
Landscape
High altitude
Soil
Gravel, clay, loam
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Chubut
Shop Argentinian WineAn Introduction to Chubut
Chubut is another important wine region in Patagonia and boasts the southernmost vineyard in the world, which sits beyond the 45th parallel south. The region is quite unique in that winemaking here is based across a concentration of small settlements, known as oases, which populate surrounding rivers and lakes. Many new developments in Chubut have rapidly progressed with their wines and are beginning to gain international recognition and prestige. Particular valleys are even taking advantage of ideal conditions for making sparkling wine – who knows, we could be on the verge of seeing the next big thing in the world of sparkling, particularly among the southern hemisphere.
Climate and Geography
The differential characteristics marked by the land, latitude and climate are the driving force behind the unique wine styles found here. Extreme cold, strong winds and the presence of frost throughout the season translate into fresh wines with prominent fruity notes and good acidity. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are among the most planted varieties, although the quality that Gewürztraminer reaches in the Chubut valleys is exceptionally good and building a steady reputation. Reds are less common, but reasonable volumes of Pinot Noir are being produced, with smaller quantities of Malbec and Merlot.
Red Varieties
Pinot Noir, Merlot, Malbec
White Varieties
Chardonnay, Torrontés, Riesling
Climate
Cool
Landscape
High altitude
Soil
Gravel, clay, loam
