Although Argentina is considered the "New World," its winemaking tradition is much older than one might think, dating back to the Spanish colonization in the 16th century, followed by Italian settlers. Unlike Chile, wine has long been an integral part of the country's culture.
No wine-producing country in the world made greater strides in the latter part of the 20th century (in terms of viticulture, oenology, and necessarily financial aspects), which allowed the country's wine producers to elevate quality levels and successfully consolidate an international export market. Argentina has now become the fifth-largest wine-producing country in the world, after France, Italy, Spain, and the United States.
Viticulture is primarily practiced in the foothills of the Andes, particularly in Mendoza, where desert landscapes and high altitudes combine to produce aromatic and intensely flavorful wines. Some vineyards can even be planted up to 3,000 meters in altitude!
The terroir here is well-suited to Argentina's adopted grape variety: the ubiquitous Malbec. Originally from Bordeaux, it is now responsible for some of the most famous Argentine wines, characterized by their brilliance and intensity, with floral notes and black fruit flavors. Other red varieties produced in Argentina include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Bonarda, Syrah, Tempranillo, and Pinot Noir. Among white wines, the emblematic grape of the Argentine wine region is Torrontés, which yields a wine with a floral and tropical taste. The country also produces Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio. Nowadays, Argentine wines are recognized worldwide for their full-bodied reds and as high-quality wines.
