Argentine

The oenological history of Argentina has its roots over 400 years ago, when in 1541 the first Spanish vine was cultivated, with the first Jesuit Missions, near the Atlantic Coast and along the Rio de la Plata, in the eastern part of the country . For a long time the most cultivated grape was Criolla of Spanish origin. Only with the migrations that began during the 19th century did many French, Spanish and Italian vines arrive in the new continent, which changed the face of Argentine viticulture. Among the new varieties, one in particular has proved particularly suitable for the climate and the soil: Malbec . A variety native to the south-west of France, born from a spontaneous cross between the prunelard and the magdaleine noir de Charentes, still cultivated today in the Cahors area and in small percentages in Bordeaux. Other vines that have well acclimatized were the red cabernet sauvignon, merlot, tempranillo, syrah, croatina and the white torrontés, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, chenin blanc, muscat, palomino and pedro ximenez. About 80% of the Argentine vineyard is dedicated to red berried grapes and among these the malbec is the undisputed master, so much so that it has become the symbol of the country .

The most famous area for the cultivation of vines is the Mendoza area, which is located in the central part of Argentina on the border with Chile. The vineyards are cultivated between 600 and 1200 meters above sea level, on land consisting of deposits alluvial, rich in pebbles and sands of volcanic origin, which make the soils very permeable and rich in mineral substances. The wines that come from the areas of Maipù and the Uco Valley are particularly valuable, famous for elegant, fresh and refined wines. The malbec gives structured reds, with intense aromas of plum and dark berry fruit. The sip is rich, ripe and concentrated, with thick tannins and an always balanced freshness. Harmonious and persistent, it is a red that goes very well with grilled meats or roasted red meats. In addition to the areas of San Juan and La Rioja , a very interesting area is the Salta region, located north of the country. Here the vineyards rise on the Andean slopes above 1500 meters, in a cold climate and with strong temperature changes. It is one of the most suitable areas for the cultivation of white berried grapes: chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, but above all torrontes, which in Salta is expressed on high quality levels. Another land that is proving to be very suitable for viticulture is Patagonia , especially the Rio Negro region. In this area the climate is often dry and arid, with significant temperature fluctuations between day and night temperatures. The soils are alluvial or stony and rich in skeleton, very poor and draining. Thanks to these particular soil and climatic characteristics, Patagonia is proving to be a land very suitable for the cultivation of white berried grapes, not only to produce still wines but also to create interesting sparkling wines elaborated with the Classic Method .