Argentine wines are respected by serious critics the world over. And they’re gaining momentum. The region of Mendoza, 1,037 kilometers northwest of Buenos Aires, is their home and heartbeat.
The region accounts for approximately 70% of total production in Argentina. Mediocre pink grapes such as Criolla Grande, account for nearly half of new vines and are used for cheap blends and grape concentrates, while premium red and white grapes make up the rest and world class wineries are making sure production is done right.
Malbec is the word here. The Argentine’s call it Malbeck. It’s a grape variety used for blending in red Bordeaux and has a soft, subtle structure and deep colors with hints of plum, black cherry, and anise, unlike the European blends. It’s a bit like a New World Merlot and matched best, which no doubt the Argentine’s have learned, with a thick slab of fine beef.
Malbec was brought from France (where it is called Côt) in the XIX century, which never really used the grape to its full potential as it was sensitive to frost. The South American versions are gaining lots of international attention for their ability to age better than the Malbec in France ever did.
The climate here suits it far better and it’s the reason why the grape has finally come of age. The grape is thriving at Lujân de Cuyo and the Uco Valley at 3,000 feet in the Andean foothills.
Other than Malbec, try the Bonarda, one of Mendoza's most-planted red varieties from northwestern Italy’s Piedmont and Lombardy regions. It’s similar to Barbera and you can find some very good bottles under $10. Tempranillo, which makes up 10% of the reds bottled, is an earthy, complex wine with dark color and hints of tea, brown sugar and vanilla. Blends such as Syrah-Cabernet, Cabernet-Malbec-Merlot, and Malbec-Syrah are quite common now, although many of the blends are still in the experimenting stage. On the other side of things, Chardonnay is still the leading white, with Chenin Blanc, Ugni Blanc, and Torrontés Riojano not far behind.
Recommended Wines from Mendoza, Argentina:
Kendall-Jackson's Tapiz Malbec 2001(US$9) - Made in their facility near Mendoza.
The Don Miguel Gascon Malbec 2001(US$10) - Smooth texture. Earthy.
Catena Zapata Malbec Mendoza Alta 2002 (US$45) – Vanilla and mocha is paired with plum and blackberry. Excellent.
Catena Zapata Chardonnay Mendoza Alta 2003 (US$30) – Complex and one of Mendoza’s highest rated whites. Fruity finish.
Trapiche Iscay 1999 (US$50) - Flavors of black currant and olive. Highly recommended.
For a luxury hotel in Argentina, try the Cavas Wine Lodge.
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