Wine Trade in Argentina: Key Regions, Winemakers, and Varieties
In this note, we will delve into the Wine Business in Argentina, brands, wineries, winemakers, and regions that shape the trends in Argentina.
The main purpose of this topic is to help you launch a wine business in Argentina and contribute to the local economy as a naturalized Argentinian. Let’s talk about the wine business in this article first and on another article here you can read about the legalization process separately.
The world of the Argentine Wine Industry is expansive, and what unfolds in these latitudes is exceptional on the global wine stage.
Stretching 3,800 kilometers from north to south, Argentina boasts vineyards and wineries in nearly every corner of its territory. This diversity of terroirs may be paralleled in countries like the USA or Australia, yet Argentina’s expanse is unparalleled.
Here are some essential technical insights into Argentine viticulture (current as of late 2021):
– Total planted area: 211,099 hectares
– Registered wineries: 1,217
– Active wineries: 870
– Grape harvest: 2,182,710,300 kilograms
– Wine production: 1,248,155,300 liters
Regions for the Wine Business in Argentina
North
Wine Business in Argentina in developed in Jujuy, Salta, Tucumán, and Catamarca, known collectively as NOA, centered around Cafayate, Salta. Covering just over 6,000 hectares (3% of Argentina’s vineyard area), the north is globally recognized for its breathtaking vineyard landscapes, exceptional grape quality, and distinctive wines. It hosts the country’s highest vineyards, including one at 3,329 meters above sea level in Uquía, Jujuy, operated by winemaker Claudio Zucchino. The region is renowned for Torrontés, intense reds, high alcohol content, and pioneering projects like Colomé and Yacochuya by Michel Rolland.
Cuyo
The heart of Argentine viticulture, Cuyo is dominated by Mendoza, which alone houses over 70% of the nation’s vineyards. This region also includes San Juan and La Rioja, covering 184,000 hectares (95% of Argentina’s total vineyard area). Cuyo is the birthplace of Malbec, celebrated in the Uco Valley amid stunning Andean landscapes where melted snow irrigates the vineyards, driving the regional economy. It hosts iconic wineries like Catena Zapata, Rutini, Zuccardi, and Susana Balbo.
Patagonia
Argentina’s southernmost Wine Business is rooted in Río Negro, expanding into Neuquén, Chubut, and La Pampa provinces. The cold, wind-swept climate yields red wines of distinctive character and white wines with refreshing acidity. Notable wineries include Umbral de los Caminos, Chacra, Noemía, and Otronia.
Vineyards Across the Country
Viticulture sprawls across Argentina’s vast expanse, from Atlantic vineyards in Chapadmalal, Buenos Aires province, to thriving plots in Córdoba at the country’s heart. Small-scale projects also thrive in provinces such as Entre Ríos, San Luis, Santiago del Estero, Misiones, and Santa Fe.
Key Grape Varieties of Argentina:
While Argentina cultivates a vast array of grape varieties, Malbec reigns supreme, dominating international markets and domestic consumption. Other significant varieties include Torrontés, Argentine Bonarda, and promising Cabernet Franc, along with Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon at the high end.
Malbec
Argentina’s most renowned red grape, with nearly 50,000 hectares under cultivation, representing over 20% of the country’s vineyards. It’s used in variousil styles including reds, whites (where only the juice is vinified), sparkling wines, sweet wines, rosés, and fortified wines. Malbec wines are distinguished by their deep violet color and aromas of violet and plum jam.
Torrontés
Arguably Argentina’s most famous indigenous grape, Torrontés thrives in regions like Salta and La Rioja. A cross of Muscat of Alexandria and Criolla Chica, Torrontés inherits intense aromas reminiscent of jasmine, orange peel, and orange blossom water from its Muscat lineage.
Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Others
High-quality Argentine wines increasingly spotlight Cabernet (Sauvignon and Franc) and Chardonnay alongside Malbec. The Uco Valley’s altitude has proven ideal for Chardonnay, leading to top-rated wines by international critics. Cabernet Franc shows promise both as a standalone and in blends with Malbec.
Prominent Argentine Winemakers:
Over the past decade, Argentine winemakers have evolved from technical specialists to influential figures in branding and communication. Many have ventured into personal labels, showcasing their creativity with grape varieties and winemaking techniques.
Here’s a roster of some of Argentina’s most esteemed winemakers, each associated with notable wineries:
Andrea Muffatto (Mikaelini & Muffatto)
Matías Michelini (Passionate Wine)
Alejandro Vigil (Catena Zapata & El Enemigo)
Marcelo Miras (Marcelo Miras)
Juan Roby (Lagarde)
José Muné (Monteviejo)
Paula González (Pyros)
Karim Mussi (Karim Mussi)
Agustina Hanna (Ruka Malen)
Germán Di Cesare (Trivento)
Laura Principiano (Zuccardi Wines)
Juan Pablo Michelini (Zorzal Wines & Altar Uco)
Hans Vinding-Diers (Noemía)
Susana Balbo (Susana Balbo Wines)
Andrés Vignoni (Rashis)
Matías Etchart (Arca Yaco)
Pancho Lavaque (Vallisto)
Sergio Case (Trapiche & Pakratti Amichu)
Sebastián Zuccardi (Zuccardi Wines)
Gonzalo Carrasco (Rutini)
Thomas Stahringer (Vinos Ocultos)
Juan Pablo Murgia (Argento & Otronia)
Alejandro “Colo” Sejanovich (Manos Negras, TeHo, Estancia Uspallata, & Estancia Los Cardones)
Pablo Navarrete (Vinos del Mundo)
Gerald Gabillet (Andean Cheval)
Daniel Pi (Bemberg Wines)
Juanfa Suarez (Finca Suarez & Rocamadre)
Santiago Vignoni (Macollo Wines)
Marcos Etchart (San Pedro de Yacochuya)
Walter Bressia (Bressia)
Sofía Elena (Against the Tide)
Christian Moor (Corazon del Sol & Cristian Moor Wines)
Marcelo Pelleritti (Marcelo Pelleritti Wines)
Mariana Onofri (Onofri Wines)
Herman Massera (Escala Humana Wines)
Alejandro Pepa (El Esteco Winery)
Lucas Niven (Niven Winery)
Javier Lo Forte (Pulenta Estate)
Edgardo ‘Edi’ Del Popolo (Susana Balbo Wines & Per Se)
Gerardo Michelini (Michelini & Muffatto)
Federico Gambetta (Altos Las Hormigas)
Claudio Maza (El Esteco Winery)
Diana Fornasero (Kobos Wines)
Rodrigo Serrano (Domen Buske)
Roy Urvieta (Domen Nico)
Ezequiel Ortega (Costa & Pampa)
Francisco “Paco” Puga (El Porvenir de Cafayate)
Rafael Domingo (Domingo Molina)
Matías Riccitelli (Matías Riccitelli Wines)
Roberto de la Mota (Mendel & Revancha Wines)
Alejandro Nesman (Piattelli Vineyards)
Ramiro Balliro (DiamAndes)
Rogelio Rabino (Finca Flichman)
Héctor Durigutti (Durigutti Winemakers)
Gabriela Celeste (Ino.Rolland)
Silvio Alberto (Bianchi)
Rodolfo Vallebella (Rolland Winery)
Agustín Lanús (Agustina Lanús Wines)
Juan Manuel González (De Angeles & González González)
Pablo Durigutti (Durigutti Winemakers)
Here are the references for the sources provided: