Being the only wine variety considered 100% Argentine, Torrontés is cultivated in all the wine regions of the country, from Salta to Rio Negro. Its origin has been an issue of broad-ranging discussion amongst many wine experts, but its relationship to the Europe Mediterranean Muscat is undeniable. A proof of this bond is its fragrant and unmistakable aroma, resembling roses, jasmine and geranium, with occasional spicy essences. The first cultivation of Torrontes dates back from the times of the Spanish Conquerors, and ever since it became one of the most cultivated grape variety in the country. Recently, it has been elaborated as sparkling and fortified wine, with excellent results in both cases. Torrontes produces a unique symbiosis with spicy food and Indian, Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai dishes. It pairs marvelously with Northern Argentinean food, such as the typical empanadas and and corn stew.
| PROVINCE |
Acres with TORRONTES RIOJANO |
Acres with TORRONTES SANJUANINO |
Acres with TORRONTES MENDOCINO |
| Mendoza |
7.736 |
756 |
642 |
| San Juan |
2.792 |
5.367 |
336 |
| La Rioja |
6.595 |
81 |
- |
| Catamarca |
724 |
- |
- |
| Río Negro |
303 |
269 |
743 |
| Salta |
2.088 |
- |
- |
| Córdoba |
64 |
- |
- |
| Neuquén |
4,9 |
- |
9,8 |
| Tucumán |
37 |
- |
- |
| La Pampa |
7 |
- |
- |
Chardonnay holds the first place among classic white grape varieties. It is much appreciated in Argentina for its capacity for good ripening and because it can be used to make a wide range of wines, from the bases for sparkling wines to the full-bodied varietals fermented in oak barrels to the fresh and elegant wines without oak. Chardonnay is a profound, delicate and remarkably persistent wine. It can be extremely complex, expressing the character of the terroir in which it was grown. In general terms, it is characterized by tropical notes when it comes from warm regions and by aromas of minerals and fresh vegetables when it comes from colder regions. It is light yellow in color, with green hues, and its aromas are reminiscent of green apples, lemons and grapefruit, among others.
| PROVINCE |
Acres with CHARDONNAY |
| Mendoza |
12.402
|
| San Juan |
2.184
|
| La Rioja |
274
|
| Río Negro |
76
|
| Salta |
64
|
| Córdoba |
7 |
| Neuquén |
264
|
| La Pampa |
24
|
| Buenos Aires |
7 |
| Chubut |
7 |
Very fine variety which has historically adapted very well to Argentine terroirs. Nevertheless, it is rarely found in varietals. It is mostly used to add freshness and acid structure to many white blends. Its analogy with white peach peel is mainly used to describe its aroma.
| PROVINCE |
Acres with CHENIN |
| Mendoza |
6.350
|
| San Juan |
743
|
| La Rioja |
79
|
| Río Negro |
29
|
| Salta |
39
|
| Córdoba |
2 |
The finest white variety. It requires care and wisdom during production. It is an old variety, not much developed in Argentina due to its peculiar vegetative behavior. However, its cultivation has expanded significantly over the last years. Sauvignon Blanc is a dry and fresh wine, with good body and remarkable acidity. Of great personality, it sometimes has smoky tones and slightly spicy flavor. It is yellow in color with green and golden hues, and it offers herbaceous aromas that evoke honey, pineapple, mango, gunpowder, asparagus and pink grapefruit. This wine makes an excellent aperitif.
| PROVINCE |
Acres with SAUVIGNON |
| Mendoza |
3.919
|
| San Juan |
585
|
| La Rioja |
39
|
| Río Negro |
108
|
| Salta |
9,8 |
| Córdoba |
4,9 |
| Neuquén |
160 |
| La Pampa |
14 |
| Buenos Aires |
7 |
Implanted in Argentina since the end of the nineteenth century. This variety requires cool and mild weather, and there are only two places in the country where it grows well: the Uco Valley (Mendoza) and the Rio Negro Valley. It is a dry, balanced wine, with good body and tropical fruit notes. In the Cuyo Region, Semillon acquires aromatic white fruit tones and interesting honey hints, while in the Patagonia Region, it offers apple and earthy tones. In both cases, it has very good evolution in the bottle and gets to develop complex olfactory nuances. In the mouth it is a wine of great personality that attains a very good balance. It is slightly greenish yellow in color.
| PROVINCE |
Acres with SEMILLON |
| Mendoza |
2.036
|
| San Juan |
111
|
| La Rioja |
12 |
| Río Negro |
190
|
| Neuquén |
49 |
| La Pampa |
4 |
This variety is little developed in Argentina, since it only thrives on a very-limited-yield basis in mild or cold areas. In those conditions, some delicate but robust wines can be obtained, with high acidity and a typical citric and floral aroma, with mineral notes that are often described as a “metallic” flavors. Its evolution in the bottle is excellent, and it can attain amazing levels of complexity.
| RIESLING |
Acres |
| Mendoza |
222 |
| San Juan |
37 |
| Río Negro |
9,88 |
| Salta |
2 |
| Chubut |
2 |
Of late, Argentine winemakers have begun to grow this variety and tried different vinifications with it. It is a very aromatic and elegant variety. It is suitable for production in stainless steel vats and for fermentation and aging in oak barrels. In fresh wines, some flower and tropical fruit notes are present, as well as an unmistakable caramel descriptor. When stored in oak, almond aromas develop after a few years.
| PROVINCES |
Acres |
| Mendoza |
993
|
| San Juan |
615
|
| La Rioja |
47
|
| San Luis |
12 |
| Neuquén |
7 |
| Río Negro |
2 |
| Salta |
2 |
It is cultivated in very high and cold areas, where just a few, but well elaborated dry or sweet wines are obtained. When it is elaborated providing all the necessary care and attention, it shows a unique aroma and a full body, but without resigning its typical natural and fresh acidity. The most frequent aromas are floral and citric, vegetables and spicy bouquets appear occasionally.
