Every May 25th, while in Argentina we celebrate the Día de la Patria to commemorate the May Revolution of 1810, up north the United States raises its glass for National Wine Day (NWD). It’s a perfect date on which to pay tribute to the diversity of wine and especially remind yourself of the diversity, modernity and vibrancy of Argentine wine.
Here, we share a guide to celebrating NWD category by category:
Vibrant whites
Is Argentina secretly a country of white wines? Today, from the heights of Gualtallary in Mendoza to the calcareous soils of the Pedernal Valley in San Juan or the extreme terroirs of Patagonia, Argentine whites are enjoying a golden age.
Tense, mineral Chardonnays, Semillóns and Chenin Blancs from historic vineyards and even Torrontés with a dryer, more gastronomic twist reflect a country that is exploring its fresher side with great success.
Among these wines, stand outs include Del Fin del Mundo Special White Blend (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillón), Ver Sacrum Geisha Dragón del Desierto (Viognier, Marsanne and Pedro Ximénez), Mendel Semillón and Puramun Reserva Chardonnay, from the renowned José “Pepe” Galante.
The rebirth of Criollas
Criolla varieties are sheer authenticity. Heritage grapes such as Criolla Chica, Criolla Grande, Moscatel Rosado and Cereza are being re-evaluated by a new generation of producers who understand that identity also means taking a new perspective on the past.
The result is wines with a light profile, low alcohol content, fresh red fruit and a juicy acidity that drink perfectly when slightly chilled. Combine with music, friends and restful afternoons.
Some to look out for? Ánimal Criolla Orgánico from the Uco Valley; Pequeños Parceleros de la Quebrada from Jujuy, and Valle Arriba La Criollita or Lavaque Criolla Chica, both of which are from Salta. From the East of Mendoza, Alma Gemela Criolla Blanca (field blend of Pedro Giménez, Maticha, Huevo de Gallo, Moscatel de Alejandría, Torrontés Mendocino) and Matías Morcos Criolla.
Rosés get serious
If you still think of rosé as “just a summer wine” you probably haven’t tried any of the new Argentine rosés. Today, you’ll find them to be substantial, dry wines with subtle textures and delicate aromas, many of them from cool or high altitude areas.
Malbec, Pinot Noir, Garnacha and even Bonarda have been reinvented as rosés, showing that the style has as much to say as any other. They’re perfect for a toast or pairing with ceviche, Indian or Thai curries, sushi or just a good playlist.
You’ll undoubtedly be surprised by Rosalía from Mendel Wines, Lagarde Organic Rosé, L Argentin de Malarctic Rosado and Punta de Flechas Rosé de Tannat. An interesting new addition is the alcohol-free Sparkling Brunette from Domaine Elena de Mendoza.
Malbec, reloaded
Oh yes, Malbec continues to be a natural ambassador for Argentine wine. But forget the “fruit bomb” stereotypes. Today, Malbecs look to express the geography they came from: from sharply-honed versions from the Uco Valley to the more intense styles found in Los Chacayes, passing subtly through Río Negro (Patagonia) or the Calchaquí Valleys in the northwest.
Today, there’s a new wave of vibrant Malbecs in which the fruit is precise, the palate full of energy and the texture silky, wines that express their terroirs in ever greater detail such as Raquis Gualtallary, Gen del Alma Seminare, Matervini Piedras Viejas or Los Dragones Malbec.
Reds on the rise
Argentine Cabernet Franc needs no introduction. Elegant and herbal with good tension and freshness, it’s found a place in some of the most selective cellars in the world. But there are others too: Pinot Noir from cold climates such as Chubut or the Uco Valley, juicy Garnachas that evoke the Mediterranean and plenty more curiosities that reflect the enterprising spirit of the contemporary Argentine scene.
The country has ceased to be about a single grape variety and moved on to become the home of multiple reds, each with its own distinctive voice. And that deserves a toast. For instance, look out for Irracional Cabernet Franc from the new winery Celler del Pi, Homo Felix Gran Cabernet Sauvignon, Luigi Bosca Apuntes Grenache, Domaine Nico Grand Mere Pinot Noir or the ultra refined Bordeaux Blend from Cheval des Andes.
Natural, organic wines and more
In addition to the what, the how matters too. In recent years, a growing number of Argentine wineries are shifting toward sustainable, organic and/or regenerative practices with wines that don’t just help to protect the environment but that also have plenty to say in their own right.
From minimalist labels with no added sulfites to craft biodynamic projects, this new wave – more ethical than aesthetic – adds to the authenticity and diversity.
Some key labels to look out for include Thibault Delmotte Malbec Natural de los Valles Calchaquíes, El Salvaje Pinot Noir de Casa de Uco, Krontiras Aglianico Natural, Punto Final Organic Cabernet Sauvignon and Rey del Aire, from 3sapas.
If there’s one thing that characterizes Argentine wine today it’s the scene’s dynamism fed by the curiosity of the producers and a global appetite for authenticity, Argentina is an inexhaustible source of new discoveries.
Would you like to learn more about Argentine wines? And especially Criolla Chica? Click here.
