Overview:
Once referred to as a
"sleeping giant" (Wine Spectator, 1996), Argentina has become one of
the world's largest producers of wine. In fact, the production
per capita and consumption of wine is one of the largest in the
world and far greater than that of the United States. For many
years, Argentinean wine production has held its focus on quantity,
not quality. However, a world-wide demand for higher quality wines
(beginning in the 1990's) sparked a revolution in the Argentinean
wine industry. Recently, Argentinean winemakers have embarked
on a program of modernization of their wine-making infrastructure
and the resulting award-winning wines are rapidly growing in
international popularity.
Climate
Most of the vineyards
in Argentina are located on the right side of the Andes mountains
neighboring Chile. The mountains protect the vineyards from the
cool, moist air blowing from the Pacific Ocean, thus creating
favorable viticultural conditions. Streams originating from
the Andes mountains flow into the area creating ample water for
vineyard irrigation.
Varietals
Argentina places emphasis on it's premium varietal, Malbec, a
grape that yields complex red wines both drinkable at release and
capable of aging well for several years. Other
varietals commonly
produced in Argentina include Torrontes, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin
Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Semillon, Syrah, Tannat, Merlot, and
Cabernet Sauvignon.
|
|
