Wine Regions : Argentina
Argentina is the largest wine producer in South America and the 5th largest in the world, with over 1,200 million liters (2003), and the 13th largest exporter in the world (431 million USD in 2005).
Due to the high altitude and low humidity of the main wine producing regions, Argentine vineyards rarely face the problems of insects, fungi, moulds and other diseases that affect grapes in other countries. This permits cultivating with little or no pesticides, allowing even organic wines to be easily produced. The most important wine regions of the country are located in the provinces of Mendoza and San Juan (Cuyo region), and La Rioja. Salta, Catamarca and Río Negro are also wine producing regions.
There are many different varieties of grapes cultivated in Argentina, reflecting her many immigrant groups. The French brought Auxerrois, which became known as Malbec, and is the grape responsible for most of Argentina’s best known wines. The Italians brought vines they called Bonarda, although Argentine Bonarda appears to be the Corbeau of Savoie, known as Charbono in California, that may be related to Dolcetto. Argentinean Bonarda has nothing in common with the light fruity wines made from Bonarda Piemontese in Piedmont.
Another typically Argentine grape is Torrontés, mostly found in the provinces of La Rioja, San Juan, and Salta. It is a member of the Malvasia group that makes aromatic white wines. It has recently been grown in Spain. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay and other international favorites are becoming more widely planted, but some varieties are cultivated characteristically in certain areas.
Production Districts
- Valle Central, Mendoza area, Valle de Uco, San Rafael area
- San Juan - Valle de Tulum, Valle de Ullum
- Salta - Valles Calchaquíes
- La Rioja - Valle de Famatina
- Catamarca - Valle de Tinogasta
- Río Negro (Alto Valle)
- Jujuy - San Salvador de Jujuy Neuquén - San Patricio del Chañar
- Córdoba - Caroya
