When you think of cutting-edge and organic wines do you think of Argentina?
Did you know that dinosaur bones have been found in the south of Argentina – they are even on display at one of the wineries in that area? Now, I know that’s not cutting edge, but it sure is interesting and historical. In fact, Argentina has been making wine for over 400 years and currently has 60 organic wine producers!
Known as the Paris of South America, Buenos Aires is a beautiful city. A culinary hot spot with a local wine region offering exciting, cutting edge and unique. From north to south Argentina is breathtakingly beautiful!
Argentina is one of the few continental viticultural areas in the world with the majority of vineyards planted at high altitudes with vineyards stretching across more than 2,000 kilometres. Altitude helps to give wines a distinctive character by serving as a temperature regulator for grape growing. Under stress, grapevines adapt and produce more complex fruit. From solar radiation to a thinner atmosphere, high-altitude vines help to produce wines with elegance and finesse.
Vines are grown in higher elevations typically have lower yields from the vines. Grapevines do not need a lot of rain to produce complex and delicious wine. In Argentina, the main source of irrigation for vineyards is pure meltwater from the Andes Mountains. The water is pure, helping the wines to be pure by nature’s own design. Just look at how close the vineyards are to the Andes Mountains. This allows winemakers to make premium wines from very unique and interesting areas.
From exciting white wines like Torrontes and Pinot Grigio to the superstar grape Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon and even Pinot Noir, winemakers are crafting world-class wines from vineyards planted at high elevation. We can really say that Argentina has got range! They have ranged in altitude and also range in wine profiles and styles.
From the Andes Mountains to its beloved grape varieties to its diverse wine styles – this is a region that is making premium and fabulous wines you’re bound to fall in love with! Argentina’s flagship Malbec is what we all know them for, but go beyond this superstar grape and you’ll discover a new favourite wine that will both surprise and delight your palate.
Argentina’s climate lends itself to organic wines; certifications of vineyards and wineries continue to climb. Due to its continental position in the west with a dry climate, Argentina is well positioned for organic agriculture. In fact, 6240 ha of vineyards are certified organic, there are 60 registered organic producers and over 7,700,000 litres of organic wine is exported. The first organic farms began as far back as 1985. This trend is growing and strengthening, both in terms of vines and other agricultural products.
If you’re looking to explore Argentina from the comfort of your home and/or with friends, check out these fabulous wines at a bottle shop near you – they are all Super Wine Girl Approved
VEGAN Wines
Kaiken Seleccion Especial Malbec
ORGANIC WINES
OTHER GREAT WINES
Terrazas de los Andes Reserva Malbec
About Angela Aiello, @SuperWineGirl
As a respected and award-winning writer, educator, host and hospitality maven Angela has tasted over 12,000 wines in her career, travelled to 14+ countries, started and sold the largest wine club in Canada, opened a wine school and learned a lot about great taste along the way. She has her own show called ‘The Juice’, is the regular wine host on CTV Your Morning and CHCH TV Morning Live. To learn more visit her website here