With 875 producing wineries, there is much diversity to the country’s whites, reds and pinks
Today, Argentina has 875 producing wineries, over half of them with a wine tourism offer, spread over 20 wine provinces with 114 GIs (Geographical Indications) officially recognised as producing distinctive wines based on geographic conditions such as climate, soil type, altitude and latitude, and so on.
Mendoza is the most significant province, the heartland of Malbec production and home to three-quarters of this sprawling country’s vineyards. Located in the arid wine region of Cuyo, it nestles in the Andes foothills with altitudes rising from 600 metres above sea level up to 1,600 metres within just 60km, and temperatures dropping by 10C.
Further north, altitudes get even higher: the world’s highest vineyard is in Jujuy province, at 3,329 metres. Further south into the cooler climes of Patagonia and the Atlantic Region, new GIs around Beunos Aires are producing fresh aromatic Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and sparkling Pinot Noir.
Wines of Argentina (winesofargentina.org) has useful maps and regional overviews for anyone curious to learn more about this diversity of regions and grape varieties.
Argentine Wine Day is not the same as Malbec World Day on April 17 and nor should it be. There’s a lot more to Argentinian wine than Malbec. Think aromatic whites like herbal Torrontes and zesty Sémillon, rich reds like fruity Bonarda and rustic Tannat, and pink ‘criolla’ varieties native to Argentina, alongside many international grape varieties.
However, Malbec is a great place to explore Argentina’s diversity of terroir and how where the vines grow can affect the resulting wines. Plus, with our own cooler evenings, it’s a perfect time of year to reacquaint yourself with this winter-warming red.
Wines of the week
Catena Appellation Paraje Altamira Malbec 2022
Catena Appellation Paraje Altamira Malbec 2022, Mendoza, 13.5pc, €25
High and bright with vibrant red and blue fruit, floral hints, notably silky texture and elegant freshness, this is a great-value example of Catena’s Appellation series that highlights what different terroirs can offer by bottling separate elements from their blends. Delineated officially in 2013, the high-altitude Paraje Altamira (1,100 metres) was the first GI to be defined by geographical, geological and climatic characteristics, though it was long synonymous with quality Malbec thanks to its sandy, loamy soil and intense mountain light. Mitchell & Son, Molloy’s, Ely Wine Store, Foley Wines, Barnhill Stores Dalkey, criadowines.ie
Pyros Appellation Malbec 2021
Pyros Appellation Malbec 2021, Pedernal Valley, San Juan, 14pc, €29
From a high-altitude northern valley named after its flinty soil, this is dark, bloody, intense and bold with firm tannic grip. FireCastle (Kildare), Leonard’s (Trim), Galvin’s (Listowel), Molloy’s, Lotts & Co, Brady’s, DrinkStore, Baggot Street Wines (all Dublin), criadowines.ie
Luz de Noche Malbec
Luz de Noche Malbec, Uco Valley, Mendoza, 14pc, €24
From the high-altitude GI of Vista Flores, this unoaked Malbec is full-bodied and fruit-forward but joyously vibrant, thanks to grapes harvested at night to preserve their freshness. The Wine Pair, Neighbourhood Wine, The Grape Vine, Clontarf Wines, criadowines.ie
Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2022
Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2022, Mendoza, 14.5pc, €22-€24
Rich, lush, dense with dark fruit and fine tannins, from high-altitude GIs Vistaflores, Gualtallary and Altamira: an Irish Wine Awards Gold Star winner. Matson’s (Cork), Avoca, Red Island Wine, Baggot Street Wines, McHugh’s, Jus de Vine, Woodberrys Wines, wineonline.ie, theallotment.ie, thenudewineco.ie
Alma Mora Select Reserve Malbec
Alma Mora Select Reserve Malbec, Argentina, 13.5pc, €9.99
A well-balanced bargain with oak-framed fruit and ripe tannins. Pair with Suelo Argentino Torrontés 2023 (€8.99) for an aromatic white with orange blossom notes. Both limited edition. Lidl
Dining and Cooking