Argentina 01
Wine production in Argentina dates back to the 1550s when Spanish settlers planted the first vineyard. The high altitude and arid landscape did not deter viticulture, which became an important local economy. European immigrants from Spain, Italy, and France arrived in the 1800s and early 1900s, bringing their winemaking traditions and important grape varieties like Malbec.
However, for much of the 20th century, Argentina was isolated and focused on producing inexpensive wine from local pink and white grape varieties for domestic consumption. In the 1970s, domestic wine consumption began to fall, and the industry shifted towards quality and export markets in the 1980s and 1990s.
This modernization was aided by foreign investment and famous wine consultants. Argentina gained global recognition in the early 2000s when a weak peso made their wine relatively cheap in export markets. Argentina produces high-quality Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, red blends, and Chardonnay.
The earliest grape varieties in Argentina were the black Mission Grape, also known as Criolla Chica, and pink-skinned grapes such as Cereza and Criolla Grande. Today, one of Argentina's most popular grape varieties is Torrontés Riajona, a cross between Criolla Chica and Muscat Alexandria.
The Cuyo region, home to the provinces of Mendoza, La Rioja, and San Juan, is where the heart of Argentina's wine industry beats. La Rioja is famous for its Torrontés grape production, while Malbec is the second most popular grape. San Juan is the country's second-largest wine-producing province and boasts over 47,000 hectares of vineyards in valleys such as Tulum, Zonda, and Ullum.
Argentina's wine industry also includes the Bonarda grape, the second most planted red grape variety in the country and is identified by DNA as Savoie's Corbeau.
Regarding aging designations in Argentina, Reserva wines must age for a minimum of 6 months for white wines and 1 year for red wines, while Gran Reserva wines must age for a minimum of 1 year for white wines and 2 years for red wines.
Argentina's wine industry is a true testament to the country's rich history and continues to thrive to this day.
Climate and Location
Argentina's wine regions stretch over 1,500 kilometers from Salta in the north to Rio Negro in the south, between approximately 24 and 38°S. The combined influence of altitude and latitude is essential for viticulture. Except for Patagonia in the south, the vineyards are located in the foothills of the Andes in the west of the country.
Most vineyards are planted on flat or gently sloping sites, even at the highest altitudes. The key effect of altitude is the wide diurnal temperature range, with cooler night-time temperatures that extend the growing season and allow the grapes to retain acidity and aromas. Low latitude and high altitude also result in intense sunlight and a relatively high proportion of ultraviolet radiation, leading to grapes with higher tannins and anthocyanins.
Most of Argentina's wine regions have a continental climate with very low rainfall levels, in some places less than 200 millimeters per year. Irrigation is essential for viticulture, but the dry air reduces the risk of disease, as do the often strong winds which blow down from the mountains along the valleys.
However, hail is a constant threat, significantly reducing yields in some years, and netting to protect the vines is expensive. Frost is also a significant problem in some areas of Mendoza, particularly flat areas or at the bottom of slopes.
Argentina is affected by the El Niño phenomenon, which occurs every two to ten years, bringing higher than average rainfall and more hailstorms that can damage crops, significantly increase the risk of disease, and reduce harvests. In 2016, it reduced by over 25% nationwide and nearly 40% in Mendoza.
One wind that affects viticulture is the Zonda, a hot, dry, powerful wind that occurs mainly in late spring and early summer, which lowers humidity and can induce water stress in the vine, affecting flowering and fruit set, or damaging grapes, reducing yields. Trees, particularly poplars, are grown as windbreaks to protect the vines.
What was the first recorded grape variety planted in Argentina?
Which European grape variety became Argentina's signature grape?
What was the focus of domestic wine production in Argentina in the 20th century?
Which grape variety is the most widely planted white grape in Argentina?
What is the second most planted red grape variety in Argentina?
Which region comprises the heart of Argentina's wine industry?
What is the lowest altitude at which vineyards are planted in Argentina?
What is the diurnal temperature range in many of Argentina's vineyards?
What is the effect of high altitude on grape quality in Argentina?
What is the main type of climate in Argentina's wine regions?
What is the main threat to grape production in Argentina?
How do Argentine growers protect their vineyards from hail damage?
What is the El Niño phenomenon and how does it affect Argentine wine production?
Which is the most widely planted red grape variety in Argentina?
Which grape variety produces Argentina's signature white wine?
Which grape variety is challenging to grow in Argentina's hot climate?
What is the minimum aging requirement for Reserva wines in Argentina?
Which province in Argentina has more than 47,000 hectares under vine?
What is the key influence of altitude and latitude on viticulture in Argentina?
Which wind is a hot, dry, and powerful wind that can affect vineyards in Argentina?
