From the Andes to Patagonia: Discovering Malbec's New World Home
Limited adoption of formal system
First vines planted
Malbec introduced
Buenos Aires connection
Quantity over quality
International consultants
Global recognition
Single vineyards, altitude
Minimal intervention, Criolla renaissance
Argentina's wine capital - 70% of national production
Mendoza's oldest wine region with lower altitude (600-1,100m). Traditional home of large bodegas producing riper, fuller wines.
Argentina's first DOC, established 1993. Malbec's ground zero with sub-zones including Agrelo, Perdriel, Vistalba, Las Compuertas.
Argentina's most exciting region with extreme altitudes (900-1,700m). Three departments: Tunuyán, Tupungato, San Carlos. Cool climate, intense UV, significant diurnal variation.
Extreme altitude wines
Home to world's highest vineyards in the Calchaquí Valleys. Desert climate with intense sun and cool nights, producing Argentina's signature Torrontés.
Emerging extreme altitude zones with historic plantings.
Cool climate revolution
Desert meets rivers with continental climate and river moderation. Oldest Patagonian region (1960s) focusing on Pinot Noir and aromatic whites.
Extreme southern viticulture pushing boundaries.
Second-largest region traditionally known for volume, now showing quality improvement in high-altitude zones.
Historic and experimental regions.
From flagship Malbec to rising stars
Originally from Cahors, France, now Argentina's signature grape with world's largest plantings (45,000+ ha). Thrives at altitude with thick skins perfect for intense UV radiation.
Argentina's white signature
The underdog rising
Historic grapes reborn
Key Regions: Uco Valley, Luján de Cuyo
Style: New World expression with altitude freshness
Trend: Cool climate sites, single vineyard focus
Watch: Petit Verdot, Tannat experiments
Focus: Criolla varieties, concrete eggs
Movement: MOVI group members
Style: Pet-nat popularity, pergola training
Group: MOVI formation growing
The Argentine table - where beef meets Malbec in perfect harmony
| Spanish Term | English | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bodega | Winery | Wine producer/estate |
| Finca | Estate/Farm | Vineyard property |
| Viña/Viñedo | Vineyard | Grape growing area |
| Cosecha | Harvest/Vintage | Year of harvest |
| Embotellado en origen | Estate bottled | Bottled at property |
| Selección | Selection | Selected grapes/barrels |
| Altura | Altitude | Elevation of vineyard |
| Valle | Valley | Geographic valley |
| Paraje | Small area/site | Specific vineyard site |
| Corte | Blend | Blended wine |
Key Concept: Every 100m altitude = -1°C temperature
• 600m: Warm climate, ripe wines
• 1,000m: Balanced, classic style
• 1,500m: Cool climate, elegant wines
• 2,000m+: Extreme freshness, high acidity
2019: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent, balanced vintage
2020: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cool, elegant vintage
2021: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Outstanding quality
2022: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Warm, ripe wines
2023: ⭐⭐⭐ Variable, challenging
Top collectible Argentine wines with aging potential and market appreciation
| Category | USD | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $8-15 | Alamos, Trapiche |
| Premium | $15-30 | Norton, Luigi Bosca |
| Super Premium | $30-60 | Catena, Zuccardi |
| Icon | $60-150 | Single vineyards |
| Ultra Premium | $150+ | Adrianna, Cobos |
| Style | Region | Specific Bottle | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aromatic White | Salta | El Esteco "Don David" Torrontés | $10 |
| Crisp White | Mendoza | Zuccardi "Serie A" Sauvignon Blanc | $11 |
| Full White | Valle de Uco | Catena Chardonnay | $15 |
| Rosé | Mendoza | Susana Balbo "Crios" Rosé | $12 |
| Light Red | Patagonia | Humberto Canale Pinot Noir | $13 |
| Classic Malbec | Mendoza | Alamos Malbec | $10 |
| Premium Malbec | Luján de Cuyo | Norton "Barrel Select" | $15 |
| High-Alt Malbec | Valle de Uco | Zuccardi "Q" | $16 |
| Bonarda | Mendoza | Colonia Las Liebres | $10 |
| Red Blend | Mendoza | Catena "Appellation" Vista Flores | $20 |
| Icon Splurge | Valle de Uco | Catena "Adrianna" White Bones | $140 |
| Sweet | Cafayate | Etchart Late Harvest Torrontés | $18 |