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Argentina wine regions arguably produce the best wines in South America. However, many restaurant industry experts and sommeliers might argue that Argentinian wines are some of the best in the world. Between organic varieties and approachable flavor profiles suitable for a food and wine pairing menu, Argentinian wine should be in every restaurant’s cellar.
But where in Argentina should this inventory come from? Continue reading the remainder of this blog to discover the top five Argentina wine regions of all time.
Key Distinctions of Argentina Wine Regions
What’s great about Argentina wine regions is that they’re kind of in a category all by themselves in South America. Sure, you might have Chilean wine regions that are close competitors, but it’s not like Argentina is surrounded by the world’s top wine-producing countries.
With this being said, it’s important to acknowledge the key distinctions of Argentina wine regions. Various traits set them apart from other geographic areas with thriving vineyards. Learn about the best characteristics of Argentina wine regions below:
- Argentina’s high altitude regions create a balance of warm days and cool nights, creating balanced acidity levels in wine.
- The variety of regions that Argentina is home to are responsible for producing a wide range of grape varieties.
- Many Argentinian vineyards have well-drained soil, which results in deep root systems that allow the vines to resist stress and produce potent grapes.
- Certain regions throughout Argentina, including Mendoza, rely on irrigation from the Andean Mountains, where snowmelt creates a constant water source.
- Argentina winemakers focus on sustainable agriculture, which means that their products are ideal for eco-friendly restaurants.
- The Andean Mountains serve as a barrier against pests and diseases, which reduces the need for chemical treatments across Argentinian vineyards.
Argentina wine regions sound pretty impressive, don’t you think? Now that you're aware of the country’s many advantages when it comes to wine production, let’s take a look at some of the best regions. Move along to the next section for all the details.
Top 5 Argentina Wine Regions
Argentina wine regions produce some of the richest, most delicious wines in the world. The country’s many vineyards and diverse terroirs allow for there to be numerous wine varietals. While Argentina might not be as robust as the range of French wine regions or Italian wine regions, they can certainly offer a great deal of opportunity for your restaurant’s wine list. So, without further ado, discover the leading Argentine wine regions below:
1. Mendoza
As the most popular and prestigious wine region in all of Argentina, Mendoza is home to the bulk of the nation’s wine production. Its arid, or dry, climates and high altitudes create an environment that tends to be cooler with virtually no humidity. As a result, winemakers across Mendoza create wines like Malbec, Chardonnay, Torrontés, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The region’s selection of robust reds and refreshing wines is the result of diverse climates.
2. San Juan
To the north of Mendoza, you have San Juan, a region with a particularly dry and hot climate. It’s on the brink of being a desert, with high elevations that help regulate its summer-like temperatures. As the second-largest wine-producing region in Argentina, some potential best-selling wines from the area include Syrah, Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay. If you’re in the market for dessert wine, San Juan vineyards are also known to grow the Muscat grape varietal.
3. Patagonia
Extending across the Neuquén and Río Negro provinces, you’ll find the Argentina wine region of Patagonia. Unlike other areas of the country, Patagonia has a continental climate due to its winds from the Atlantic Ocean, which establishes a much cooler environment. Subsequently, Patagonia winemakers often produce wines with great acidity, like Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Pinot Noir.
4. Salta
Right near the border of Bolivia is Salta, an Argentinian wine region with extremely high altitude. In some areas, the vineyards can reach a whopping 6,500 feet. As a result, Salta has a much cooler climate than other areas of Argentina. Its weather conditions and terroir serve quite literally as the foundation for spectacular wines with a tendency to be quite concentrated with stellar acidity. Some notable varieties that you can source from Salta with confidence include Malbec, Torrontés, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah.
5. La Rioja
Not to be confused with the European La Rioja, one of the leading Spanish wine regions, Argentina has its own region of the same name! In the La Rioja region of Argentina, winemakers put their craftsmanship to work within cool climates with high altitudes. In some areas of La Rioja, the altitude can reach as high as 2,000 feet. This region is recognized for both red and white wine types, especially the Malbec and Tempranillo varieties. After all, both of these wine varietals thrive best in high-altitude regions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Argentina Wine Regions
At a glance, it might seem like Argentina wine regions are too few to dominate the food and beverage industry. However, you may be surprised to learn that Argentina is one of the top producers of wine in the world. If you’d like a brief overview introducing the topic, or a summary of what you read above, take a look at the following FAQ section. It should serve as a thorough refresher on the topic of Argentina wine regions.
How Do Argentina Wine Regions Rank Among Others In South America?
Argentina wine regions constantly rank as some of the best in all of South America. Chile is a pretty close runner up, producing wines of similar quality. However, it’s worth noting that Chile takes the top spot when it comes to wine production volume and the amount of wine its producers export. So, when it comes to Argentina wine regions being the best in its continent, it’s a case where quality trumps quantity, as it so often does.
Which Types of Wine Is Argentina Known For?
Argentina is most famous for producing Malbec, a dry yet fruity red wine. Other red wine types that Argentina is known for include Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. But if you’re in the market for a light and floral white wine, Argentina is highly recognized for an option that isn’t too common elsewhere–Torrontés.
What Is Argentina's Largest Wine Region?
Mendoza is Argentina's largest wine region. In fact, this region produces approximately 70% of Argentinian wine. The best part? Mendoza consists of multiple climates due to its high altitudes. So, not only are wine producers in Mendoza capable of crafting high-quality wines, but a variety of them as well.
How Many Wine Regions Are There In Argentina?
There are five main Argentina wine regions, all of which have unique climates and soil. The five primary Argentina wine regions are:
- Mendoza
- San Juan
- Patagonia
- Salta
- La Rioja
What Is the Most Important Wine Region In Argentina?
The most important wine region in Argentina is Mendoza by a long shot. Mendoza is home of the bulk of Argentina's wine production and is the heart of the country’s wine culture. Not only do Mendoza-based wine producers export products all over the world, but tourists constantly visit the region’s many wineries.
Add Varietals From the Best Argentina Wine Regions to Your Menu
We encourage you to stock up on a variety of reds and whites from the leading Argentina wine regions. Would you’d like to access an all-inclusive platform that allows you to browse through wine and spirits, while simultaneously tracking your beverage program?
With BinWise, you and your staff can benefit tremendously. If you’d like to learn about its world-renowned features and wine list functionalities, schedule a demo with us today. Soon after, one of our dedicated industry experts will be in touch to learn more about your business and walk you through the platform.