Argentinian Wine

Argentinian Wines from Great Wines Direct

The 5^th biggest wine producer worldwide, Argentina has been making fine wines since the16th century. Argentinian wines have their origins in Spain, with vine cuttings having been brought to South America during the Spanish colonisation. In the past, Argentine winemakers had a lot more interest in producing in quality rather than quality, however during the 1990s, the lucrative possibilities of the export market promoted an improvement in the quality of the wines being produced with the result that Argentina is now South America’s most prevalent wine exporter.

Argentina’s key wine regions include the provinces of La Rioja, San Juan, Rio Negro, Salta, Catamarca and Mendoza. The southern Buenos Aires region has also recently begun producing wine, however over half of the country’s production comes from the Mendoza Province. One of the main reasons why Argentina produces so much wine is because of the low humidity and high altitudes of the country’s primary wine producing areas, since they face very few problems with mould, fungi, insects and grape diseases which so often affect vineyards. This means that there is rarely any need for pesticides so organic wines are easily produced.

Argentinian wine producers grow a number of grape varieties which reflect the immigrant groups of the country. Malbec grapes were brought by the French, and are used in the making of most of the best known wines from this country. Bonarda vines were brought by the Italians and Torrontes grapes were indigenous to Argentina, being mainly found in San Juan, Salta and La Rioja. This grape produces aromatic white wines which have a delicious flavour. Other international grape varieties such as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are now being planted in the country, although they are not widespread yet.

Wine is so popular as a drink in Argentina that the government actually declared it to be the country’s national drink in 2010.

Our blog explores more about Argentinian wine

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Red 14.5

Grand Pinot Noir 22 Alpasion 75cl £32.34

Red 13.5

Humberto Canale Estate Pinot Noir 2023 75cl £15.46

Cherry, liquorice and truffle aromas make this recognisably Pinot Noir, in a subtle and understated Burgundian style In the mouth it is silky-textured and medium-bodied with fresh berry fruit alongside complex earthy, woody nuances There is ripeness here, but with restraint and dryness that many New World Pinots lack Classic, and a bargain!

Red 15

Ribera del Cuarzo Ribera del Cuarzo Especial 2022 75cl £39.35

Ribera del Cuarzo Especial is a wine of dense-packed black fruit, liquorice, peaty earth, damp forest soil and rich, moist, sticky dark chocolate brownie If Clasico is a pure, single note, this is a resonant chord, of high treble and deep bass, with great amplitude and vocal range, and utter harmony Velvet texture, junipery complexity all underpinned by an umami richness Drink this magnificent wine now and over the next 7-10 years Exclusively from the 5-hectare Araucana Vineyard, whose calcareous soils, cool nights and strong winds result in wines with excellent concentration and marked natural acidity

Red 14.5

Ribera del Cuarzo Ribera del Cuarzo Parcela Unica 2020 75cl £92.32

Ribera del Cuarzo Parcela Unica fuses the smoothness and multifaceted complexity of Especial with the pinpoint precision of Clasico It is a basket of just-picked black cherries and foraged black truffles, a handful of pink peppercorns and crushed juniper, weather-washed Welsh wet slate, liquorice bootlace and an inhalation of the year's first vernal violet It is a perfectly-proportioned, impeccably-tailored sartorial suit of finely-woven tannins; a wine of polish yet minute detail that elicits a haunting sense of place Drink now, and be impressed, although its balance and intensity should allow for a decade's development in the bottle Made from the finest grapes, carefully selected from the prime plot, in the southwest quadrant of the Araucana Vineyard The elevated limestone composition of the soil and relentless winds impart heightened potency and finesse

Red 14.5

Nosotros Malbec 19 Susana Balbo 300cl £499.64

Red 13.5

Humberto Canale Intimo Tinto 2022 75cl £13.72

Red 15

Andeluna Pasionado, Valle de Uco, Malbec 2019 75cl £44.04

Ripe aromas of blackberry jam and dark chocolate with intense flavours and beautiful integration of fine opulence through to a very long finish A powerhouse of a Malbec

Rose 12.5

Andeluna Blanc De Franc, Tupungato 2019 75cl £15.66

A refreshing rose with a silky texture and intense floral and herbal notes, through to a crisp and spicy finish

White 12

Matias Riccitelli Old Vines From Patagonia, Rio Negro, Torrontes 2019 75cl £44.10

Aromas of citrus fruit, white flowers and subtle vanilla highlights lead to a vibrantly aromatic flavour with a lovely combination of roses, peaches and mandarins

White 12.5

Matias Riccitelli, Blanco de la Casa, Valle de Uco 2021 75cl £29.90

A textured and full-flavoured blend, with complex aromas of green apple, hay and citrus notes underpinned by remarkable minerality

White 13.5

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Bodegas Verum Soul D Chardonnay 2019 75cl £25.55

A rich, full-bodied Chardonnay made in Alto Valle del Rio Negro, Patagonia by genius winemaker, Elias Lopez The vines were planted in 2002, and at 39˚ South, the climate is cool: leading to vibrant citrus flavours, and 11 months' ageing in 500 litre barrels brings additional nuances of vanilla, butter and caramel

White 13

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Trapiche Chardonnay Costa and Pampa 2021 75cl £19.30

An elegant wine, lemon in colour with slight greenish tones It has notes of green apples, pear, citrus fruits and hints of nuts and brioche Delicate on the palate with marked minerality and a long, delicious finish