Are you a wine enthusiast curious about Argentine red wines but unsure where to start? Argentina is renowned worldwide for its superior red wines, especially the illustrious Malbec.
This blog will guide you through various Argentine red wine types, outlining their unique characteristics and best vintages. Let’s uncork the bottle and dive into the intriguing world of Argentine viniculture!
Key Takeaways
Malbec is the most loved red wine in Argentina, with a strong taste and hints of cherry and blueberry.
Cabernet Sauvignon offers bold flavors of blackcurrant, plum, and tobacco, pairing well with hearty dishes.
Pinot Noir is known for delicate flavors of cherries and raspberries, making it a great choice for lighter meals.
Bonarda is worth exploring as the second most planted red grape in Argentina, offering fruity and smooth wines.
Essential Red Wine Types from Argentina
Argentina offers a variety of essential red wine types, including Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, and Bonarda.
Malbec
Malbec is like a star in Argentina. It is the most loved red wine there. Almost 38 percent of all the red wines made in Argentina are Malbec. You will find it has a strong taste and feels heavy in your mouth.
Yet, it also has sweet hints of cherry and blueberry. These flavors make it smooth to drink. Both locals and visitors can’t get enough of it! In fact, Malbec makes up about 21 percent of all wines made in this country.
That’s not just red wines – that’s all types of wine! This shows how much people enjoy Malbec from Argentina.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is another popular red wine variety produced in Argentina. It is known for its bold and robust flavor profile, with notes of blackcurrant, plum, and tobacco. The grape thrives in the country’s diverse terroir, resulting in wines that showcase both elegance and power.
Cabernet Sauvignon from Argentina often has well-integrated tannins and a long-lasting finish. It pairs well with hearty dishes like grilled meats or aged cheeses. If you’re looking to explore Argentine red wines beyond Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon is definitely worth trying.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is another popular red wine variety produced in Argentina. It is often used in Bordeaux blends and has its own distinct character. Cabernet Franc grapes give the wine a medium body with flavors of black cherry, raspberry, and hints of spice.
The wines are typically smooth and well-balanced, making them enjoyable to drink. If you’re a fan of red wines with depth and complexity, giving Cabernet Franc from Argentina a try would be worth it.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is one of the most prominent red wine varieties produced in Argentina. It is known for its delicate and elegant flavors, with notes of red fruits like cherries and raspberries.
The grapes used to make Pinot Noir are grown in the Rio Negro Valley, which has a climate and terroir that are ideal for this grape variety. Argentine Pinot Noir wines are often light-bodied with a smooth texture and balanced acidity.
They pair well with a variety of dishes, including roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or mushroom risotto. So if you’re a fan of lighter red wines with vibrant fruit flavors, be sure to give Argentine Pinot Noir a try!
Bonarda
Bonarda is another red wine variety from Argentina that you should try. It’s not as well-known as Malbec, but it’s definitely worth exploring. Bonarda wines are known for being fruity and smooth, with flavors of blackberry and cherry.
They have a medium body and can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of dishes. Bonarda is the second most planted red grape in Argentina, so you’ll have no trouble finding different options to taste.
Give Bonarda a chance and discover a new favorite among Argentine red wines!
The Best Red Wines from Argentina
Some of the best red wines from Argentina include the Gran Enemigo Cabernet Franc 2019, Zuccardi Finca Piedra Infinita Supercal 2019, Achaval Ferrer, Viña Cobos, and Susana Balbo Nosotros S.V.N.
Malbec 2019.
Gran Enemigo Cabernet Franc 2019
Gran Enemigo Cabernet Franc 2019 is a highly recommended red wine from Argentina. Made with Cabernet Franc grapes, it offers a unique and complex flavor profile. This wine has aromas of red fruits like cherry and raspberry, along with hints of spice and tobacco.
On the palate, it is full-bodied with smooth tannins and a long finish. It pairs well with grilled meats and rich dishes. If you’re looking to explore Argentine red wines, Gran Enemigo Cabernet Franc 2019 is definitely worth trying for its exceptional quality and taste.
Zuccardi Finca Piedra Infinita Supercal 2019
Zuccardi Finca Piedra Infinita Supercal 2019 is one of the best red wines from Argentina. It comes from the renowned Zuccardi winery, known for producing high-quality wines. This particular wine is made from a blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc grapes.
It has a deep ruby color and offers rich aromas of blackberry, plum, and spices. On the palate, it is full-bodied with velvety tannins and flavors of dark fruits and oak. It pairs well with grilled meats and hearty dishes.
Zuccardi Finca Piedra Infinita Supercal 2019 showcases the excellent craftsmanship of Argentine red wines and is definitely worth trying for wine enthusiasts looking to explore the diverse offerings from Argentina’s vineyards.
Achaval Ferrer
Achaval Ferrer is a renowned Argentine winery that produces exceptional red wines. They are known for their dedication to quality and their commitment to showcasing the unique characteristics of Argentina’s terroir.
The winery focuses on small-scale production, allowing them to pay close attention to every detail of the winemaking process. Some of their notable red wine offerings include Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and blends made from various grape varieties.
Achaval Ferrer wines are highly regarded for their depth of flavor, balance, and complexity. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just beginning your journey into the world of red wines, exploring the selections from Achaval Ferrer is definitely worth considering.
Viña Cobos
Viña Cobos is a renowned winery in Argentina that produces exceptional red wines. They are known for their dedication to quality and their commitment to showcasing the unique characteristics of Argentine grapes.
One of their standout offerings is the Bramare Malbec, which is highly regarded for its rich flavors of dark fruits like blackberry and plum, along with hints of chocolate and spice.
Another popular wine from Viña Cobos is the Felino Cabernet Sauvignon, which offers a harmonious blend of ripe fruit flavors and elegant tannins. These wines reflect the passion and expertise of the winemakers at Viña Cobos, making them a must-try for any red wine enthusiast looking to explore the best that Argentina has to offer.
Susana Balbo Nosotros S.V.N. Malbec 2019
Susana Balbo Nosotros S.V.N. Malbec 2019 is a highly recommended red wine from Argentina that wine lovers should try. This Malbec is crafted by renowned winemaker Susana Balbo, who is known for her expertise in creating exceptional wines.
The 2019 vintage offers a rich and intense flavor profile, with notes of dark fruits like blackberry and plum, complemented by hints of spice and chocolate. It has a smooth and velvety texture, making it enjoyable to sip on its own or pair with grilled meats or hearty dishes.
Susana Balbo Nosotros S.V.N. Malbec 2019 showcases the quality and craftsmanship of Argentine red wines, making it a must-try for any wine enthusiast looking to explore the flavors of Argentina.
Tips on Buying and Tasting Argentina Red Wines
When choosing Argentine red wine, consider your personal preferences and the occasion to find the perfect match. Understand the flavors and characteristics of different varieties, and use proper wine tasting techniques to fully appreciate their unique qualities.
How to choose Argentine red wine
When choosing Argentine red wine, it’s important to consider your personal preferences and taste preferences. Argentina produces a variety of red wines, so there is something for everyone.
One key factor to consider is the grape variety used in the wine. Malbec is the most famous grape from Argentina and offers bold flavors of cherry and blueberry. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Bonarda, and Pinot Noir are also popular options with different flavor profiles.
Another consideration is the region where the wine was produced. Different regions in Argentina have their own unique terroir that can influence the taste of the wine. For example, if you enjoy lighter-bodied red wines, look for those from cooler regions like Rio Negro Valley or Patagonia that produce excellent Pinot Noir wines.
Understanding the different flavors and characteristics
Argentina is known for producing a variety of red wines that offer different flavors and characteristics. Malbec, the most famous Argentine red wine, is known for its intense and full-bodied nature with flavors of cherry and blueberry.
Cabernet Sauvignon offers rich black fruit flavors and firm tannins. while Cabernet Franc brings herbal notes and vibrant acidity to the table. Pinot Noir is lighter-bodied with delicate red fruit flavors. while Bonarda offers juicy dark fruit flavors.Each red wine variety from Argentina has its own unique taste profile. so it’s worth exploring different options to find your favorite.
Proper wine tasting techniques
To fully appreciate the flavors and nuances of Argentine red wines, it’s important to use proper wine tasting techniques. First, start by pouring a small amount of wine into a clear glass.
Hold the glass by its stem to avoid warming the wine with your hand. Take a moment to observe the color of the wine – is it deep and vibrant or light and translucent? Swirl the wine gently in the glass to release its aromas, then take a sniff.
Notice if there are any fruity, floral, or spicy scents coming from the glass.
Now it’s time for a taste. Take a small sip and let it coat your tongue. Pay attention to how it feels in your mouth – is it smooth or tannic? Note any flavors that you detect – do you taste berries, spices, or tobacco? Think about how these flavors might change as you continue to drink.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Argentine red wines offer a wide variety of options for wine lovers to enjoy. From the popular and robust Malbec to the elegant Pinot Noir, Argentina has something for every palate.
With their rich flavors and diverse terroir, these red wines showcase the country’s unique winemaking heritage and are definitely worth exploring. Cheers to discovering the delicious world of Argentine red wine!
FAQs
1. What are some Argentine red wine types?
The popular Argentine red wine types include Syrah, Tempranillo, Merlot, and Malbec.
2. What kinds of grapes do they use in Argentina for making red wine?
Argentine red wines are often made from a variety of grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Tannat.
3. Can you recommend any good Argentine red wines to try?
Yes! For good quality and taste go for the Catena Zapata; it’s one of the top picks in Argentine red wine recommendations.
4. Which type of Argentine Red Wine is popular?
Merlot is quite popular among other Argentine Red Wine varieties for its deep flavors and smooth texture.
5. Is exploring red wines from Argentina worth it?
Absolutely! With a wide selection like Malbec or Bonarda available there’s lots to learn about the different tastes that come with each bottle across diverse regions in Argentina.
