Tag: Argentina Wine Regions

Discover the different wine regions in Argentina, the fifth wine production country in the world. Wine production started five centuries ago in Argentina, where wine is considered the national drink. The Spanish were the first that grew vines in the large and varied Argentine terroirs. Thus, the main grape varieties used in Argentine wines are foreign, such as the Malbec or the Cabernet Sauvignon, both native to France. The main Argentine wine regions are Salta and the Norte, Mendoza, San Juan and Patagonia. In the Norte and Salta regions, vineyards spread throughout the Valles Calchaquíes and are characterised by their high altitudes, since they are on the edge of the Andes mountain range. The main production hub is Cafayate, although Catamarca and Tucumán are also relevant. Here, Torrontés variety is grown for producing a sweet refreshing white wine. Going down south, Cuyo region and the province of Mendoza are located. Mendoza is the most important wine producing area in the country with 60% of the national wine production –and it is also one of the most important regions in the world when it comes to exports. Bodega Argento is located there. Within Mendoza, the main subregions are the Uco Valley, Luján de Cuyo, Agrelo and San Rafael. The vines grown in this area, at the foot of the Andes mountain range, are assorted. However, for red wines, the most important ones are Malbec, Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah and, for white wines, the most important ones are Torrontés, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. The second most important wine producer in Argentina is San Juan, to the north of Mendoza, where Syrah is the main stock variety. Tulum, Zonda and Ullum valleys stand out in the area. The fourth big wine region in Argentina is Patagonia, to the south of the country, with big plains and less altitude than the rest of the country. Here the production is focused on Rio Negro and Rio Colorado valleys. The most popular wine varieties are Pinot Noir, Sémillon and Malbec. Discover, by the hand of the collaborators of Bodega Argento’s blog, the features of the different Argentine wine regions, the main wineries, the best routes to tour them and the curiosities about wine production in each of them. And meet some of the best sommeliers in Argentina and the world.

Get the grapes in! Mendoza’s Vendimia Harvest Festival

Mooching around Mendoza’s vineyards is never a bad idea, but head there at the end of summer and you’ll be lucky enough to catch the cultural highlight of the Mendocino calendar – la Fiesta de la Vendimia – Mendoza’s grape harvest festival.

May 15th, 2017

ARGENTINA’S GREAT SOMM HOPE #2: PAZ LEVINSON

In part five of The Real Argentina’s somms series, we meet Paz Levinson, the second of two Argentine sommeliers competing in the A.S.I. Concours du Meilleur Sommelier du Monde 2016 (A.S.I. Contest of the Best Sommelier of the World). Currently ranked number one in both the Americas and Argentina, and the only Argentine to qualify as an Advanced Sommelier from the UK’s Court of Master Sommeliers, Paz will be going for a titles hat-trick at the world championship, which is being held in Mendoza for the first time on 15-20 April 2016.

April 5th, 2016

ARGENTINA’S GREAT SOMM HOPE #1: MARTÍN BRUNO

One of two Argentine sommeliers who will compete in the A.S.I. Concours du Meilleur Sommelier du Monde (A.S.I. Contest of the Best Sommelier of the World), we meet Martín Bruno, sommelier at top Buenos Aires restaurant Tegui, in part four of The Real Argentina’s somms series. Martín spills the beans on how he’s been diligently preparing for this prestigious competition, which is being held in Mendoza for the first time on 15-20 April 2016.

April 3rd, 2016

AN ARGENTINE FIRST: BACKSTAGE AT THE CONTEST OF THE BEST SOMMELIER OF THE WORLD

Sixty competitors, five days, one title; the world’s best sommelier.
Although the immediate thought is ‘football’ when mentioning Argentina and World Cup in the same breath, the world’s fifth-largest wine producer is about to host a very different championship next month: the 15th A.S.I. Concours du Meilleur Sommelier du Monde (Contest of the Best Sommelier of the World).

March 17th, 2016

Top Argentine sommeliers share their professional love

As the countdown to the Concours du Meilleur Sommelier du Monde (A.S.I. Contest of the Best Sommelier of the World) ticks away, The Real Argentina continues with part two of its somms series. Given that it’s the first time that Argentina will host this prestigious competition, it’s the perfect time to find out more about this exciting profession.

Here, we meet some of Argentina’s most respected sommeliers who impart eonological wisdom around the country. Introducing Gabriela Lafuente from El Baqueano, ranked 15th in Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2015; Juan Giacalone, Argento’s sommelier; Mariano Braga from Pampa Roja; Matías Chiesa from Restó, ranked 43rd in Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2015; and Valeria Mortara from Faena.

March 2nd, 2016

YOUNG SOMMS RISE THROUGH THE RANKS

The world of wine will turn its attention to Mendoza in April, not because of its bottled goods for a change, but because Argentina’s principal wine-producing province is hosting the prestigious Concours du Meilleur Sommelier du Monde (A.S.I. Contest of the Best Sommelier of the World) for the first time.
Around 50 sommeliers, each who has already succeeded in national and regional competitions to reach this crucial point, will head to Mendoza for the Argentine Sommelier Association organised event. And Argentina proudly has two top noses – Paz Levinson and Martín Bruno – in the final, which comes around every two years. Over the next few weeks, various Argentine sommeliers talk to The Real Argentina about their industry and this competition.
In part one, we meet some young somms who are coming through the ranks: Andrea Donadio from Oporto Almacén; Gabriella Gera from Don Julio; Marco Scolnik from Chila; and María Laura Nuñez from Aldo’s Vinoteca & Restorán.

February 23rd, 2016

PHOTO CONTEST: LIVE VENDIMIA HARVEST IN MENDOZA WITH ARGENTO

Would you like to live the harvest (vendimia) in Mendoza, meet Bodega Argento, harvesting in one of our vineyard estates, enjoy a wine tasting and participate in the National Harvest Festival? Imagine all that, plus: eat at the best restaurants in Mendoza, stay at one of the most luxurious hotels in the city and share all the activities together with Argento team. Participate in this photo contest and if your photo achieves the most votes, you will be the winner of this fabulous prize, for you and a companion.

February 13th, 2016

WHERE TO STAY IN MENDOZA

We’re just weeks away from the perfect moment to visit Mendoza: vendimia. Harvest time is the busiest in the province, and offers up the most fun, too. The vines have kept to their side of the bargain and it’s the turn of grape pickers, agronomists and oenologists to get the latest vintages rolling. You don’t have to be a wine fan to enjoy Argentina’s second-most visited region – though it helps. This TRA accommodation guide will help you choose where to stay in Mendoza’s glorious countryside complete with obligatory Andes panorama.
THE BEST WINE EXPERIENCE HOTELS IN MENDOZA

February 4th, 2016