Argentine wine, as with many aspects of Argentine cuisine, has its roots in Spain. During the Spanish colonization of the Americas, Juan Cedrón (or Cidrón) brought the first vine cuttings to Santiago del Estero in 1557, and the cultivation of the grape and wine production stretched first to neighbouring regions, and then to other parts of the country.
There are many different varieties of grapes cultivated in Argentina, reflecting her many immigrant groups. The French brought Auxerrois, which became known as Malbec, which makes most of Argentina's best known wines. The Italians brought vines that they called Bonarda, although Argentine Bonarda appears to be the Corbeau of Savoie, also known as Charbono in California, which may be related to Dolcetto. It has nothing in common with the light fruity wines made from Bonarda Piemontese in Piedmont.
Torrontés is the most typically Argentine grape, a member of the Malvasia group that makes aromatic white wines. It has recently been grown in Spain. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay and other international favourites are becoming more widely planted, but some varieties are cultivated characteristically in certain areas.
Due to the high altitude and low humidity of the main wine producing regions, Argentine vineyards rarely face the problems of insects, fungi, moulds and other diseases that affect grapes in other countries. This permits cultivating with little or no pesticides, allowing even organic wines to be easily produced.
Regions
The most important wine regions of the country are located in the provinces of Mendoza and San Juan (Cuyo region), and La Rioja. Salta, Catamarca and Río Negro are also wine producing regions.
- Mendoza - Valle Central, Mendoza area, Valle de Uco, San Rafael area
- San Juan - Valle de Tulum, Valle de Ullum
- Salta - Valles Calchaquíes
- La Rioja - Valle de Famatina
- Catamarca - Valle de Tinogasta
- Río Negro (Alto Valle)
- Jujuy - San Salvador de Jujuy (the northernmost wine producing province, which has produced wines at some of the highest recorded altitudes)
- Neuquén - San Pedro del Chañar (developing wine region in the north of the Patagonian province)
- Córdoba - Caroya