Argentina's rise on the International Wine Scene

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Permalink Reply by Trevor Fulp on July 20, 2011 at 1:01pm

Immigration has heavily influenced Argentina’s path toward cultural and economic identity throughout its history. Wine is certainly not separated from this fact. After the phylloxera epidemic destroyed vineyards in Europe in the mid 19^th century, French winemakers crossed the Atlantic into Argentina bringing with them their expert techniques in wine production and the Malbec grape varietal. Argentina had by this point gained a reputation for desirable vineyard climate and geography. This fact provides in many ways (literally and figuratively) the roots for Argentina’s growth in wine and still today contributes most definitely to its prominence.

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Permalink Reply by Trevor Fulp on July 20, 2011 at 1:02pm

The winemaking regions of Argentina, namely Mendoza which contributes around 60% of total production in the country, are truly blessed by geography. The region is one which has yet to foster phylloxera due to natural barriers and borders provided by the Andes mountains, deserts, and oceans. Mendoza and surrounding regions experience hot, desert-like climate by day and especially in the summer, and cool nights which allow for great temperature variation. High altitudes and inclinations additionally create cooling features. The Andes themselves provide the single most important source of water for Mendoza and other wine regions in the West via melted snow harnessed through complex irrigation and funneling systems. General geography and absence of phylloxera has allowed the Malbec grape to flourish and sustain itself as a singular varietal for winemaking in Argentina.

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