Argentina — WINERY REFLECTIONS

Argentina

Wine production in Argentina dates back to the mid-sixteenth century when Vitis Vinifera cuttings were first brought across the sea and planted by Spanish explorers. Viticulture in the country remained focused largely on table wine for local consumption for some time, but once the inherent quality of the region's terroir became apparent to outsiders that slowly began to change. Today Argentina has blossomed to the fifth largest producer of wine in the world and is the source of a great deal of premium quality bottlings. The largest wine sub-region in the country, Mendoza, is the source of around 60% of the wine made in all of Argentina. Mendoza is defined by its moderate to warm climate, low humidity, and high altitude that allows for consistent production without major stress from weather, disease, or pests. Argentina is widely known as the spiritual home of the Malbec grape, and Malbec's success here is unquestionably the reason for the international resurgence of this once-unpopular Bordeaux variety. Some other common varieties grown in Argentina are Bonarda (also known as Charbono), Torrontes, as well as other international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Chardonnay. Wine has become such an integral part of Argentine culture that in 2010 it was declared the national liquor by the Argentine government.