Argentina Wine Guide for Introductory Sommelier Level 1
Here’s a beginner-friendly breakdown of Argentina for your Introductory Sommelier Course. Argentina is one of the largest wine producers in the world, known for its high-altitude vineyards and iconic Malbec.
Key Topics to Study for Argentina
1. Climate & Soils
Climate:
Continental Climate: Warm, dry days and cool nights, ideal for grape ripening.
High Altitude: Many vineyards are located at high elevations in the Andes foothills, which helps retain acidity and balance in the grapes.
Example: Mendoza’s vineyards range from 600 to 1,500 meters (2,000–5,000 feet) above sea level.
Irrigation: Meltwater from the Andes is used to irrigate vineyards in this arid region.
Rainfall: Low rainfall reduces disease pressure, making organic viticulture common.
Soils:
Alluvial Soils: Found in most regions, with sand, silt, and clay.
Rocky and Well-Drained: Ideal for high-quality wine production.
Calcareous Soils: Found in some high-altitude areas, contributing to minerality in wines.
2. Wine-Producing Regions
Argentina’s wine regions are primarily located along the Andes mountain range. The most important regions to know are:
Mendoza:
Largest and Most Important Region: Produces over 70% of Argentina’s wine.
Sub-Regions:
Luján de Cuyo: Known for high-quality Malbec.
Uco Valley: High-altitude vineyards producing elegant, mineral-driven wines.
Maipú: Known for Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
Key Grapes: Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay.
Salta:
Northernmost Region: Known for its extreme high-altitude vineyards (up to 3,000 meters/10,000 feet).
Key Sub-Region: Cafayate.
Key Grapes: Torrontés (aromatic white grape), Malbec.
Patagonia:
Southernmost Region: Cooler climate, producing fresh, elegant wines.
Key Sub-Regions: Rio Negro, Neuquén.
Key Grapes: Pinot Noir, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc.
San Juan:
Second-largest wine region, known for Syrah and fortified wines.
Hotter and drier than Mendoza.
La Rioja:
One of the oldest wine regions, known for Torrontés and Bonarda.
3. Grape Varietals Associated with Particular Regions
Argentina is known for its Malbec, but it also produces a variety of other red and white wines.
Red Grapes:
Malbec:
Argentina’s flagship grape, originally from France.
Produces bold, fruit-forward wines with flavors of blackberry, plum, and spice.
Key Regions: Mendoza (Luján de Cuyo, Uco Valley), Patagonia.
Cabernet Sauvignon:
Produces structured, age-worthy wines.
Key Regions: Mendoza, San Juan.
Bonarda:
Argentina’s second-most planted red grape, producing fruity, medium-bodied wines.
Key Regions: San Juan, La Rioja.
Syrah:
Known for spicy, full-bodied wines.
Key Regions: San Juan, Patagonia.
Pinot Noir:
Grown in cooler regions, producing elegant, light-bodied wines.
Key Regions: Patagonia.
White Grapes:
Torrontés:
Argentina’s signature white grape, producing aromatic wines with floral and citrus notes.
Key Regions: Salta (Cafayate), La Rioja.
Chardonnay:
Produces a range of styles, from fresh and unoaked to rich and oaky.
Key Regions: Mendoza, Patagonia.
Sauvignon Blanc:
Crisp, aromatic wines.
Key Regions: Patagonia, Mendoza.
4. Notable Wine Styles
Malbec: Bold, fruit-forward, and often aged in oak for added complexity.
Torrontés: Aromatic, floral, and fresh, often compared to Muscat or Gewürztraminer.
Cabernet Sauvignon: Structured and age-worthy, with black fruit and herbal notes.
Bonarda: Fruity and approachable, with soft tannins.
Sparkling Wines: High-quality examples made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, especially in Mendoza.
5. Labelling Terms
Reserva: Indicates a wine with extended aging.
Red Reserva: Aged for at least 12 months.
White Reserva: Aged for at least 6 months.
Gran Reserva: Indicates longer aging.
Red Gran Reserva: Aged for at least 24 months.
White Gran Reserva: Aged for at least 12 months.
Single Vineyard: Indicates wines made from grapes grown in a specific vineyard.
6. Deductive Tasting for Argentine Wines
Sight: Reds are deep ruby; whites are pale to medium lemon.
Nose: Reds (blackberry, plum, spice, chocolate); Whites (floral, citrus, tropical fruit).
Palate: Full-bodied reds with ripe tannins; whites with fresh acidity and aromatic profiles.
Tips for Studying Argentina
Focus on Malbec: Understand its flavor profile and why it thrives in high-altitude vineyards.
Learn Key Regions: Be able to identify Mendoza, Salta, and Patagonia on a map.
Taste Argentine Wines: Try examples of Malbec, Torrontés, and Cabernet Sauvignon to understand their styles.
