A Guide to Argentinian Wine: Exploring Beyond Malbec

Argentina boasts the most variety in the Americas, with over 218,232 hectares of vineyards planted across the country. While Malbec remains the most cultivated variety, accounting for over 45,000 hectares, there are numerous other grapes worth discovering.

White Varietals: Fresh, Aromatic, and Versatile

Torrontés

Known as Argentina’s signature white grape, Torrontés is an intensely aromatic variety with floral and citrusy notes. It thrives in the high-altitude regions of Salta, where the extreme climate results in wines with bright acidity and fresh, tropical flavours.

Chardonnay

While Chardonnay may not be the first grape that comes to mind when thinking of Argentina, the country produces some excellent examples, particularly in cooler regions like Patagonia. These wines often have a refined minerality and elegant fruit character.

Chenin Blanc & Moscatel de Alejandría

These lesser-known white varieties are used for both still and sparkling wines, offering lively acidity and refreshing fruitiness.

Red Varietals (except Malbec!): The Underdogs Worth Trying

Bonarda

The second most planted red grape in Argentina, Bonarda produces smooth, fruit-driven wines with notes of red berries and spice. It is often compared to Italian Barbera for its bright acidity and food-friendly nature.

Cabernet Franc

This grape has been gaining recognition in Argentina for its elegant structure, herbal aromas, and silky tannins. Often aged in amphora or minimal oak, it offers a refined alternative to Malbec.

Tempranillo & Sangiovese 

Brought over by Spanish and Italian immigrants, these varieties have found a home in Argentina’s diverse terroirs, producing wines with bright fruit and earthy complexity.

Tannat

Originally from France, Tannat thrives in Argentina’s northern regions, creating powerful and age-worthy wines.

While Mendoza is Argentina’s most famous wine region, responsible for 70% of the country’s production, there are several other regions producing exceptional wines.

Salta

Home to some of the world’s highest vineyards (over 3,000 meters above sea level), notable ones such as Bodega Colomé have 151 hectares of vineyards between 2,000 and 3,000 metres above sea level! Salta is best known for its Torrontés, which develops remarkable aromatic intensity in the region’s dry, high-altitude climate. The area also produces robust Malbec and Tannat.

La Rioja

One of Argentina’s oldest wine regions, La Rioja specialises in aromatic whites like Torrontés, Malbec, Bonarda, and Syrah.

San Juan

Producing a mix of Malbec, Bonarda, and Cabernet Sauvignon, this region benefits from warm temperatures and abundant sunshine, yielding full-bodied, fruit-forward wines.

Patagonia

The cooler climate of Patagonia makes it an ideal location for Pinot Noir, Merlot, and crisp white wines like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The region’s unique combination of cold desert winds, low rainfall, and intense sunlight creates wines with freshness and structure.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Argentine winemaking is its unique terroir and production methods. Here are a few key factors that differentiate Argentina’s wines:

Altitude and Climate

Many of Argentina’s vineyards are planted at high altitudes, particularly in Mendoza and Salta. The combination of intense sunlight and cool nighttime temperatures enhances the acidity and complexity of the wines.

Dry, Desert-Like Conditions

With minimal rainfall (an average of 220mm per year in some regions), winemakers rely on irrigation from the Andes’ melted snow, allowing for precise control over grape ripening.

A Wine Legacy Unaffected by Phylloxera

Unlike Europe, which suffered devastating losses due to the phylloxera epidemic, Argentina’s vineyards have remained untouched by this pest. This means that many of the vines are still grown on their original rootstocks, contributing to their unique depth of flavour and longevity.

Sustainability and Biodynamic Practices

More wineries in Argentina are embracing organic and biodynamic farming, focusing on natural vineyard management, minimal intervention, and responsible water use.

Pairing wine with food is an art, and Argentina’s diverse varieties lend themselves to an array of delicious combinations:

Torrontés & Ceviche

The crisp acidity and floral notes of Torrontés make it a perfect match for fresh seafood, particularly ceviche or grilled prawns.

Chardonnay & Roast Chicken

A lightly oaked Chardonnay from Patagonia pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, creamy pasta, or grilled vegetables.

Bonarda & Empanadas

The fruit-driven nature of Bonarda complements the richness of Argentine empanadas, particularly those filled with spiced beef or chorizo.

Cabernet Franc & Grilled Lamb

The herbaceous character of Cabernet Franc enhances the flavours of grilled meats, making it a great partner for lamb chops or chimichurri steak.

Tempranillo & Hard Cheeses

The bold flavours of Tempranillo stand up well to aged cheeses like Manchego or Parmesan.

While Malbec will always be a flagship wine for Argentina, the country offers so much more to discover. From high-altitude Torrontés to elegant Cabernet Franc and the underappreciated Bonarda, Argentina’s wine scene is rich with diversity and innovation. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing white, a smooth and fruity red, or a complex, age-worthy bottle, Argentina has something to offer. Next time you explore Argentinian wine, venture beyond Malbec—you just might find your new favourite bottle.

For those interested in Argentinian wines beyond Malbec, we are the exclusive importer in the UK for Alpamanta, a family-owned boutique winery that champions biodynamic practices. The range includes Chardonnay, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, as well as their signature Malbec, available in both oaked and unoaked versions!

Browse their range and explore the diversity of Argentina’s winemaking.