Argentina is a fascinating, multi-faceted territory. Known for its powerful red wines, it also has the highest vineyards in the world, producing fresh wines.
5th LARGEST WINE PRODUCER
As the world’s 5th largest wine producer in 2020, Argentina is the leading wine producer in South America.
The first vines in Argentina were planted in the 16th century, following the arrival of the Spanish settlers in South America.
The wine-growing territory enjoys many advantages thanks to the Andes Cordillera. The soil, the climate, the southern exposure thanks to the very steep slopes and the oases are among the great riches of the country.
In the 2000s, Donald Hess, a Swiss businessman, decided to establish the El Arenal vineyards at an altitude of 2,600 meters and Altura Maxima at 3,111 meters, in the Andes Mountains of northwestern Argentina, deep in the province of Salta, to produce fresher wines.
These altitudes – the highest in the world – are the most remarkable feature in Argentina. They are responsible for the climatic diversity and allow local winegrowers to grow their grapes despite the strong heat and the proximity of the Equator.
MALBEC
BONARDA
TORRONTÈS
The signature grape varieties are Malbec and Bonarda for the red wines and the very aromatic Torrontès for the white wines.
Also today, Argentina is among the only countries in the world to produce wines from “Creole” grape varieties, such as “Criolla”.
215,000 HA
3 REGIONS
In 2021, the vineyards extend over 215,000 ha., which makes Argentina the 7th largest vineyard in the world.
The main wine regions are :
– The Center-West region (Cuyo) which includes Mendoza and San Juan
– The North region including Catamarca, Salta, Tucuman and Jujuy
– The South region (Patagonia – Atlantic region) with Rio Negro, Neuquen, Bueno Aires and La Pampa
