Diversity

“Diversity” is the word that perfectly sums up the identity of Argentine wine. While Mendoza is probably the most outstanding wine-making epicenter in the country, other regions offer their own features in terms of this product. Here are some basic facts about each:

Northern Argentina

The tropic of Capricorn runs through the Calchaquí Valleys, giving the area very different sunshine hours and luminous intensity, which leads to a double character, more intense in flavor and darker wine. Besides, the climate in this region is arid and dry, with very high average temperatures, a wide temperature range, along with a strong solar radiation further favored by the long summers and the altitude.

Bodega Zuchino – Quebrada Uquia – Jujuy

Mendoza

Here, the most outstanding options are fruity and spiced wines, with fruit components not found in the North. According to the site Wines of Argentina, this region “has a semi-desert climate with scarce vegetation, it is cold in winter and hot in summer, influenced by the Andes (…). The freshwater from melting ice feeds the major rivers in the region, which are in turn used through a network of reservoirs and water channels for the irrigation of crops”.

Viñedo – Mendoza

Río Negro

Wines in this area have fruity and floral notes, along with a higher freshness, when it comes to Malbec. Merlot stands out for its mild flavor, its balance and aromatic intensity. Pinot Noir is used in the blend for the elegant sparkling wines in Patagonia.

It may interest you: The Wine Route

Villa La Angostura – Neuquen

How should I choose wine?

This is probably one of the most frequently asked questions among travelers from across the world. Assisted and advised by our guest wine expert today, we have drawn up some recommendations.

– Choosing the dish first is a good idea. But how about the other way around? Which wine would you like to taste?
– Sometimes your choice may not match your expectations, and that’s OK too.
– Travelers planning to include one of these regions in their itineraries are advised to schedule one or several visits to the multiple local wineries.
– For those who seek to have a wine experience while in Buenos Aires, the city offers a wide selection of bars where to sample wines from the different regions.

Recommended wines

– Classic: Fruity Malbec like Malbec Lujan de Cuyo or Valle de Uco, whose flavor and intensity are unlikely to disappoint the taster.
– Those who wish to go one step further should savor a Chardonnay from the Argentine coast, such as Vino Costa & Pampa.
– A brief description to identify each Argentine wine: rose wines are EXPRESSIVE, red wines INTENSE and VELVETY, while white wines are FRESH.

Visits to wineries: recommendations

– Book your place in advance.
– Choose a winery within a reasonable distance from the accommodation. Consider the available transport options.

Bodega Salentein

Argentine food and wine

Wine is also the ideal companion for a nice meal. How should we choose it? When pairing food and wine, it is essential that neither of the elements overshadow the other or is “lost” in the palate. Harmony and balance should always prevail. It is no easy matter, but here are some tips that will come in handy.

Some of the essential or most traditional combinations include red meat with red wine, or fish and seafood with white wine. However, it is always best to bear in mind the density or body of the wine when choosing, rather than the color. As suggested by Wines of Argentina, a full-bodied and woody Chardonnay will pair perfectly well with red meat, but not a young Pinot Noir, which is a lighter red wine.

One more thing that should be considered when selecting is the intensity of aroma and flavor. There should always be harmony and balance between delicate, moderately aromatic wines and highly fragrant dishes. The method in which the food was cooked and the kind of ingredients used in its preparation also speak of the intensity of the dish, something we should contemplate when deciding on the most suitable pairing.

Something like that also happens with the acidity of a wine, as this may upset the balance of the pairing. When ordering dishes that contain great amounts of vinegar, lemon or tomatoes, for example, it is best to opt for wines with a higher acidity. Finally, what happens with desserts? Wines of Argentina advises against the driest wines, as these create greater acidity and imbalance. Thus, the sweeter the dish, the sweeter the wine should be. Now when it comes to chocolate-based desserts, fortified wines become a more suitable choice.

Mendoza

How should we store wine?

Visitors will be tempted to take some wines back home with them, either as gifts or as mementos of their time in Argentina. Whichever the reason, there are two possible scenarios. In the first case, when opening a bottle and not drinking it up, the cork stopper should be replaced and the bottle stored in the refrigerator. The cold temperature will preserve the wine for a longer period of time.

In the event that one would rather store the (unopened) bottle for a longer time, the latter should lie with a forward tilt, to ensure that the cork touches the wine. In this way, the cork will not dry and the wine will preserve its flavor. Finally, it is always best to store wine in cool and dark spaces.