Argentinian Wine

The international influence on Argentinian wine production cannot be understated. The country’s much celebrated Malbec grapes originated in southwestern France, whereas the Torrontés grape has its origins in Spain. Its underrated Chardonnay takes its cues from Californian examples, yet offers something quite different, and valued a little better too.

Despite its outward looking approach to wine making, Argentinian wine has the country’s incredible geography and climate to thank for its frequently high quality output. Its Malbec is incredibly fresh and yet also richer, riper, more velvety and distinctly spicier than its southwestern French counterpart. The environment for viticulture is quite simply perfect - high altitudes, intense sunlight and natural meltwater from the Andes to irrigate the vines all add to the picture. Most famed are the Mendoza vineyards, whose desert landscapes are responsible for almost three quarters of all Argentinian wine production. A short hop across the Andes, Chilean wines have been vying with their Argentine neighbours to take advantage of this unique topography.

The best Argentinian wine is known for its intense flavours, a symptom of the high altitudes at which it is grown. Many wines carry the altitude of the vineyards in which they are cultivated as a badge of pride.

Although red wines are much more common, Argentinian Chardonnay, for example, from Catena in the Mendoza valley, displays enviable credentials. Like its red cousin, Argentina’s white wine is rich, juicy and fruity, it tends to be slightly brighter and fresher than Californian Chardonnay styles. Torrontés showcases a different side to Argentinian white wine, with the Spanish grape producing heady, perfumed wines with a gorgeous floral aroma. Find your perfect Argentinian red or white wine from some of the New World’s most traditional yet vibrant wine producers below.