What Makes Wines from Argentina so Special?
The world of wine is a vast one. You can find winding vines of red and green grapes in countries on (almost) every continent. So it isn’t hard to find new places with a thriving wine industry and culture. One iconic wine country is South America’s Argentina. With majestic mountains in Patagonia, sweeping coastlines, and desert-like climates in much of the country, Argentina’s wine production is thriving. As a top five producer in the world, wines from Argentina can be found at varying price points and satisfying any discerning palate. Let’s explore Argentine wine and what makes it a frequent WineCollective feature.
World Access to Argentine Wine
Argentina might be the 5th largest wine producing country in the world, but it wasn’t always that way. Wines from Argentina weren’t always easy to find internationally. Until the 1990s, wine produced in Argentina was mostly consumed within their own borders. As a result of increased exporting, the quality of wines being made in Argentina improved significantly. This caused great growth in purchases around the world and is why we’re all able to enjoy access to wines from Argentina today.
What Type of Wine is Argentina Known For?
There are many varietals to enjoy from Argentina. Firstly, you probably think of Malbec, which is the country’s most notable grape. However, there is plenty to explore when it comes to wines from Argentina, where you can also find:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Petit Verdot
- Cabernet Franc
- Pinot Noir
- Torrontes
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc
Two Argentinian Malbec Wines You Have to Try
Proemio Terroir Red Blend
- Why We Love It: In the cellar, the Proemio team employs a unique style of oak barrels for aging — rather than barrels made from staves from the trunk of an oak, they use staves sourced from the tree’s branches. This is not only an effort in sustainability, but also lends a slight rusticity to the finished wine to complement the bright fruit.
- Taste: This wine is a berry bonanza on the palate! All the red fruit from the nose comes through loud and clear with flavours of wild strawberry, tart raspberry, and ripe cherry. It’s fully dry though, so don’t be fooled by all the juicy fruit flavours.
- Food Pairing: This is a party-friendly BBQ wine perfect for spring and summer. While it doesn’t need food, try this with a bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin on the BBQ, or seared halloumi served on crunchy grilled baguette and drizzled with balsamic.
Vaglio Aggie Malbec
- Why We Love It: Vaglio wines are meant to showcase the qualities from their vineyard, with each wine demonstrating a different expression of Malbec. The Aggie, one of five Malbecs produced under Valgio Wines, is harvested from a 52 acre vineyard planted in 2008.
- Taste: Bitterness of plum skin or cherry pit, combined with light leather notes and toasted nuts, give more depth to the fruity profile that enchanted us from the nose. Aged for eight months in 40% new French oak.
- Food Pairing: Portobella mushroom burger with sautéed onions on a toasted brioche bun. Underlying earthy qualities and strong tannins will balance well with the richness of butter and caramelized flavours. An easy wine to pair with almost anything on the BBQ!
Featured May 2020 Wines
Each month we feature many wines from around the world, which often includes Argentina! We are are always finding high quality wine, at exceptional prices. Which is why it continues to be a wonderful source for WineCollective.;lzxaq’ Take a look at the wines we shared with members this month and maybe try some new bottles you didn’t get to.
- Proemio Terroir Red Blend — Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot | Mendoza, Argentina
- Vaglio Aggie — Malbec | Mendoza, Argentina
- Chateau de Rouanne Vinsobres — Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre | Rhone Valley, France
- Yangarra Estate — Roussanne | McLaren Vale, Australia
- Domaine de Castelnau Epicerie de Castelnau Rouge — Carignan, Mourvèdre, Grenache | Pays d’Hérault, France
- Domaine de Castelnau Epicerie de Castelnau Blanc — Colombard, Uni Blanc, Picpoul de Pinet | Pays d’Hérault, France
- Winepress Vintners Chalkboard Red Blend — Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc | California, USA
- Lost Buoy The Edge — Shiraz | McLaren Vale, Australia
- Lost Buoy Gulf View — Sauvignon Blanc | Adelaide Hills, Australia
- Romain Duvernay Plan de Dieu — Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre | Côtes-du-Rhône Villages, France
We hope you’re able to indulge in some Argentine wine soon. It’s an exciting wine country well worth exploring! And don’t forget, you can shop our wine selections any time at WineCollective.ca.
Want to Continue to Explore the World Through Wine?
There is an entire world out there of wine to enjoy. So if you want to start your next wine adventure, we’re happy to guide you!