5 Best Argentine Wines

The three things you are guaranteed to find at any Argentine gathering is family, barbequed meat, and excellent wine. Wine has been a staple of the Argentine diet for centuries, so it's no wonder that they have developed and refined some of the finest wines of all the world. But what exactly are the very best of Argentine wine? Where is it found? And how is it made? Read on to discover all about the wine world of Argentina, and be inspired to try some for yourself; or maybe even take a wine tasting trip across the country!

 

First up, we have Cabernet Sauvignon. This rich, sweet, fruity wine is intense and usually drunk in small doses. It is usually paired with red meat, which explains its popularity in Argentina - after all, the country eats more red meat per head than any other country in the world. You will often find a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon at the table at a traditional Argentinian Asado (the Argentine barbeque). By far the most important wine-producing region in Argentina is the Mendoza region, which is home to some of the world's best wineries. And it is here you will find our pick for a great Cabernet Sauvignon - La Mascota Cabernet Sauvignon, from the Bodegas Santa Ana, one of the country's foundational wineries set up in 1891. 

 

Also known as douce noir, this grape is mostly grown in Argentina and is now fast rivalling Malbec as the Argentine red of choice. It is sometimes described as a cult wine, as the connoisseurs are somewhat rare but extremely enthusiastic. That said, it is the second most common grape in Argentina, and there is a large market in the country. It is a dark, sweet wine, which often pairs well with game meat and seafood. One of the best places to find a Bonarda is the Casa El Enemigo, often hailed as one of the best wineries in all of Mendoza. A new business, built by two friends, they have quickly become one of the best bottlers of Bonarda in Argentina. The colour of El Enemigo is unusual, violet, almost blue, and the complexity too is unusual - all this makes for a real bucket list wine. 

 

Chardonnay is one of the most popular wines in the world, but Argentina has its own twist on the classic, offering some of the finest bottles. Argentine Chardonnays tend to be oaky, which lends itself well to chicken and smoked fish, both of which are very common in Argentina. Continuing our tour of the Mendoza region, a great winery to check out for Chardonnay is the Bodega Catena Zapata. Founded in 1902 and housed in a unique Mayan-style building, this family-run winery is one of the best known in Argentina, and its wine is available worldwide - you may be able to find some to taste in your local supermarket. While it's best known for its high-altitude Malbec, its Chardonnay really is to die for, with fresh and crisp fruity notes, and is famous world-over.

 

Syrah is also known as Shiraz, and is another widely popular wine. Syrah or Shiraz is a classic pairing with food from the grill, so Argentina's love for the Asado goes hand in hand with this often full-bodied wine. A great place to find Syrah is the stunning Bodega La Azul, so called because it's said the sky is always blue above their vines. Their oaky Syrah is one of the finest in the region, and the winery itself is a spectacular spot, where you can wine, dine, and view the mountains from their land. 

 

And we have of course saved the best until last - if there is one wine that Argentina is known for all over the world, it is of course Malbec. Obviously Malbec is originally a French wine, but in recent years the acreage in France has decreased while it has only increased in Argentina. The Argentine variety of Malbec is characterized by its deep color, intense fruity flavors and its unique velvety texture. One of the top Malbec wineries in Argentina is the Bodega Tierras Altas in Luján de Cuyo, in the Mendoza region. A newer winery, constructed in 1999, their high tech equipment and state of the art underground cellar has quickly made it one of the best boutique wineries in the country. They hold wine tasting tours of the winery, where you can taste wine straight from the barrel.

 

If you've been inspired by these tales of vineyards in the sun, then why not make the trip? There's so much to see and do in Argentina, and it doesn't stop with the wine. And while you're exploring what the gorgeous country has to offer, why not dress like a local too? Here at pampeano we design and create authentic Argentine luxury leather accessories, from our famous polo inspired pampeano belts, to luxury travel bags to take on your journey. Explore our whole range of Argentine made leather goods right here on our website.