Argentinian Wine

While Argentina has produced wine since the 1500s, the country's wine production grew steadily before exploding onto the scene with its signature grape, Malbec. It is now the fifth-largest wine-producing country in the world, behind only Italy, Spain, France and the United States.

Argentina's high-altitude regions nestled at the foothils of the Andes mountains are the greatest source of wine production. These include Mendoza (the country's wine capital) and Salta, whose vineyards are a staggering 4000 feet above sea level. In the south, Patagonia might make only 2% of the country's wine, but its cool climate makes for elegant reds and whites.

Malbec is no-doubt the star of Argentinian wine. The wine originated in France, where it was too tannic to be bottled on its own. In the high-altitude vineyards of Argentina though, the wine has silky layers of delcious dark-fruit flavor.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Merlot and Bonardo are more red varieties that do well in Argentina. Torrontés is the country's star white, while Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc make up a significant portion of white wine production as well.

Mendoza is the country's wine capital, responsible for more than 70% of the country's wine production. Its wine regions stretch as far north as Salta and as far south as Patagonia.

Mendoza has a diverse range of microclimates, from desert conditions to cool, high-altitude areas, which offer ideal conditions for several different grape varieties. The many high-altitude vineyards receive an abundance of sunshine during the day and experience a significant temperature drop at night. This combination of factors help develop complex flavors while retaining serious acidity.

Malbec does extremely well in Mendoza, producing wines that are rich, full-bodied and offering dark-fruit flavors, silky, polished tannins and spice nuance. Mendoza is also home to fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, each expressing their unique natural qualities and the distinct terroirs they're grown in.'

The region's flagship white is Torrontés, an aromatic white grape variety that thrives in the high-altitude vineyards. Chardonnay is another white that shines in Mendoza's cool microclimates.

Mendoza is divided into several subregions. The most noteworthy are Maipu, Luján de Cuyo and Valle de Uco. Despite their high quality, many of their wines remain underrated.

San Juan borders Mendoza and is next in terms of wine production by volume. It is a hotter and drier region, making for jammy, ripe-fruited reds made with Syrah and Bonarda.

Patagonia is growing in popularity on the world stage, despite making only 2% of the country's wine. Located at the polar extreme, the country enjoys a long, warm growing season, which helps grape ripen slowly and develop complex flavors. Meanwhile, the nights are cold, allowing the grapes retain their acidity. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay lead the way here, along with Malbec and Sémillon.

Salta is the highest wine region in Argentina—and one of the very highest in the world. It sits 4,000 feet above sea level, bathing the grapes in serious sunlight and plunging them into cold temperatures at night. This drastic change makes for intense Malbec and Torrontés.

Malbec is the star wine of Argentina. It rose from humble origins in southwest France to global stardom in the high-altitude vineyards of Argentina. The elevation calms the wines tannins, making for velvety, full-bodied reds with intense dark-fruit flavors like blackberry, plum and violets.

Along with its smoother texture and lowered acidity, Argentinian Malbec differs from French Malbec in that its often barrel-aged in American oak, which offer notes of cocoa powder and sweet tobacco.

Malbec is the most widely grown grape variety in Argentina. It makes up over half of Argetina's vineyards and offers similar profile with a slight change of pace for Cabernet Sauvignon fans.

As a medium- to full-bodied red wine, Malbec pairs well with red meat. It has fewer tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes it a good match for leaner cuts, such as a T-bone steak or lamb.

Argentinian Malbec also has a savory hint that pairs well with mushroom dishes and strong cheeses.

Argentina is also home to delicious Cabernet Sauvignon, which thrives in the country's warmer, drier climates. It makes for rich, full-bodied reds with cherry, blackberry and peppery flavos. It makes a delicious partner for red meat, as well as richer dishes.

Torrontés and Chardonnay are the most popular Argentinian white wines.

Torrontés is unique to Argentina, and makes for aromatic white wines that are dry, floral and full of peach and lemon flavors. Lighter than Chardonnay, it goes best with delicate meals featuring chicken, white fish and vegetables.

Argentinian Chardonnay expresses the distinct climate of its region and is typically made in a cool-climate style (closer to Burgundian than Californian). They offer wonderful freshness and bright citrus flavors, pairing wonderfully with pesto, pasta, shellfish, cheeses, buttery sauces and salads.