The Country and Wine Statistics

• Argentina is the world’s 5th leading wine producing country. 
• Argentina is located in the South American continent to the east of the Andes Mountain range.
• Argentina is the largest wine producer in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Wine exports began during the 1990s and continue to grow.

Wine Origins

• In the 1500s the arrival of Spanish missionaries to the continent brought with them grape starts and began the first vine cultivation in the region. 
• First vine cuttings were brought by Santiago del Estero in 1557.
• Later came the Portugese, Italian, and French influence.

Types of Wine

• Malbec from Mendoza is Argentina’s best known wine which is characterized by black fruit, balanced acidity, smooth and spicy flavor.
• Second in popularity is the Torrontés which is characterized as a fragrant, rich, fruity, crisp, acidity, white wine with plenty of body.
• Red grape varieties include Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Bonarda, Tempranillo and Sangiovese.
• White grape varieties include Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Torrontés.

Wine Regions

• The primary regions for wine in Argentina ranges between the 22° and 42° latitudes along the foothills of the Andean mountain range spanning over 2,400 km/1,490 miles. Main wine producing provinces and regions include:
  • Cuyo – Mendoza, San Juan, La Rioja
  • North – Salta, Catamarca
  • Patagonia – Río Negro, Neuquén
• The wine region is characterized by a dry climate with a low rain level and receives irrigation from the waters off the mountains.