Wines of Argentina: Malbec and Beyond
From the sun-drenched heights of Mendoza to the crisp whites of Salta, explore why Argentina has become one of the world's most exciting wine destinations.
Mendoza, Argentina
High-altitude winemaking at its finest
Argentina is the fifth-largest wine producer in the world, yet for many wine lovers, it remains an undiscovered treasure. While Malbec has put Argentina on the global wine map, the country offers so much more—from aromatic white wines to elegant Cabernet Francs, all produced in some of the most dramatic vineyard landscapes on Earth.
What makes Argentine wine truly special is the combination of extreme altitude, intense sunshine, and cool nights that creates wines with incredible depth, freshness, and character. And the best part? These world-class wines often come with surprisingly accessible price tags.
Malbec: Argentina's Flagship Grape
Malbec found its true home in Argentina. Originally from Cahors in southwestern France, this grape struggled to achieve greatness in its homeland. But transplanted to the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza, Malbec transformed into something extraordinary.
Argentine Malbec is characterized by deep purple color, plush tannins, and flavors of ripe plum, blackberry, and violet, often with hints of chocolate, leather, and sweet spice. The high altitude gives these wines a freshness and elegance that balances their natural richness.
Malbec by Region
- 🏔️ Luján de Cuyo: Classic, structured Malbecs with velvety tannins and dark fruit
- 🏔️ Uco Valley: Elegant, mineral-driven wines from the highest vineyards
- 🏔️ Maipú: Fruit-forward, approachable styles perfect for everyday drinking
- 🏔️ Salta (Cafayate): Intense, high-altitude expressions with lifted aromatics
Food pairing tip: Malbec is a natural match for Argentina's famous beef. Try it with grilled steak, empanadas, or hearty stews. The wine's soft tannins also make it surprisingly versatile with pizza, burgers, or mushroom dishes.
The High-Altitude Advantage
Argentina's secret weapon is altitude. While most wine regions sit below 500 meters, Argentine vineyards climb from 900 to over 3,000 meters above sea level. This extreme elevation creates a unique environment for grape growing.
Intense Sunlight
At high altitude, UV radiation is stronger, causing grapes to develop thicker skins with more color and flavor compounds. This gives wines their characteristic deep hues and concentrated flavors.
Cool Nights
The dramatic temperature drop at night—often 20°C or more—preserves natural acidity and freshness. This is why Argentine wines have such vibrant fruit and balanced structure.
Did You Know?
Vineyards in the Uco Valley's Gualtallary district sit at over 1,500 meters, making them some of the highest vineyards in the world. At this altitude, temperatures can swing by 25°C in a single day!
Torrontés: Argentina's Signature White
If Malbec is Argentina's red wine calling card, Torrontés is its white wine star. This aromatic grape produces intensely perfumed wines unlike anything else in the wine world—a true Argentine original.
Expect explosive aromatics of rose petal, jasmine, and orange blossom, followed by flavors of peach, lychee, and citrus. Despite their aromatic intensity, the best Torrontés wines finish crisp and dry, making them incredibly refreshing.
Where to Find the Best Torrontés
The finest expressions come from Cafayate in the Salta region, where vineyards reach 1,700+ meters. Look for bottles labeled "Cafayate" or "Salta" for the most aromatic, complex examples. Most excellent bottles cost just $12-18.
Food pairing tip: Torrontés is fantastic with spicy Asian cuisine, ceviche, fresh salads, or as an aperitif. Serve it well-chilled on a hot day—it's pure refreshment.
Beyond Malbec: Other Grapes to Explore
Argentina's wine story extends far beyond Malbec and Torrontés. Adventurous producers are crafting excellent wines from a variety of grapes:
Cabernet Franc
Argentina's next big thing. The Uco Valley produces Cab Francs with herbal complexity, red fruit purity, and silky texture that rival the best from the Loire Valley.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Often blended with Malbec, but increasingly bottled as a varietal. Look for versions from Agrelo and Perdriel for classic structure with Argentine flair.
Bonarda
Argentina's second most-planted red grape. Produces juicy, easy-drinking wines with cherry and plum flavors—perfect for casual occasions.
Chardonnay
High-altitude Chardonnay from Uco Valley offers citrus freshness, stone fruit, and elegant minerality—a great alternative to pricier Burgundy.
Semillón
Old-vine Semillón from Mendoza produces textured, honeyed whites that age beautifully. A hidden gem for wine collectors.
Argentina's Key Wine Regions
Mendoza
The heart of Argentine wine, producing about 70% of the country's output. Sub-regions like Luján de Cuyo, Maipú, and the Uco Valley each have distinct personalities. This is where you'll find the greatest concentration of world-class Malbec.
Salta (Cafayate)
Home to some of the world's highest vineyards at 1,700-3,000+ meters. Famous for aromatic Torrontés and increasingly recognized for high-altitude Malbec with intense color and lifted aromatics.
Patagonia
Argentina's coolest wine region, located in the south near Neuquén and Río Negro. Look for elegant Pinot Noir, crisp Chardonnay, and aromatic whites. A region on the rise.
San Juan
Argentina's second-largest wine region, known for bold Syrah and good-value everyday wines. Also produces excellent Torrontés and fortified wines.
The Value Proposition
One of the most compelling reasons to explore Argentine wine is the incredible value. Due to favorable exchange rates and lower production costs, you can find exceptional quality at every price point:
Excellent entry-level Malbecs and Torrontés that outperform similarly-priced wines from other regions
Single-vineyard and reserve bottlings with complexity that rivals $50+ wines from California or France
Top-tier wines from prestigious vineyards that compete with the best in the world
Getting Started with Argentine Wine
Ready to explore? Here's our recommended progression for discovering Argentine wines:
Start Here: Classic Malbec
Pick up a $15-20 Malbec from Mendoza to understand what the fuss is about
Try: High-Altitude Expression
Compare with a Uco Valley or Salta Malbec ($20-30) to taste the altitude difference
Explore: Torrontés
Grab a Cafayate Torrontés ($12-18) to discover Argentina's unique white wine
Branch Out: Cabernet Franc
Try a Cab Franc from Uco Valley to see Argentina's exciting future
Argentina offers a wine experience unlike anywhere else. The combination of dramatic landscapes, ancient soils, extreme altitude, and passionate winemakers creates wines with genuine character and sense of place. Whether you're reaching for an affordable Tuesday night Malbec or a special-occasion bottle from the Uco Valley, Argentine wines consistently deliver more than you'd expect.
So next time you're browsing the wine aisle, look for those Andes mountain images on the label and give Argentina a chance. At these prices, you can afford to explore—and you might just find your new favorite wine.
