Cellar Tastings

The land of Tango and Gauchos also offers the visitor spectacular landscapes ranging from the cactus covered deserts around Salta, the Argentinean wine lands of Mendoza and icebergs and stunning natural scenery of Patagonia. The capital Buenos Aires is European in style with wide boulevards reminiscent of Paris, Italian restaurants and cafes, romantic parks and colorful, bohemian neighborhoods like La Boca (the “Soho” of Buenos Aires, founded by Italian immigrants from Liguria and once the home of artists). Out in the countryside, you can stay in immensely charming “Estancias” (Spanish colonial mansions with working ranches) which these days often double as luxury small hotels.

Argentina is the fifth largest wine producing country in the world, and now Argentina is beginning to show its true colors. Its industry is currently dominated by bulk wine, but the up and coming premium wine industry is promising. The drop in domestic consumption is pushing winemakers to improve quality and begin exporting. Spanish, American and Italian investment along with Argentinean viticultural know-how has already shown super results The best Argentinean red varietal is Malbec, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Sangiovese (originally planted by the many Italian immigrants, who have made such an important rich cultural impact on Argentina).
Mendoza

90% of wine production from Argentina comes out of this region. Classic Italian and French varieties are used. This spectacularly beautiful wine region is located close to the eastern Andes, that separates Argentina from Chile. Irrigation in this area is very important as water is redirected from the mountains. Chardonnay is well established in Mendoza, located on the higher altitudes causing late ripening periods. Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Merlot also take advantage of these ideal locational conditions.

Best Producers: Norton, Catena, Fabre Montmayou, Finca el Retiro, Finca Flichman, Altos de Temporada, Anubis, Leoncio Arizu, La Agricola, Nieto Senetiner, Felipe Rutini, Trapiche, and Weinert.
Lujan de Cuyo

This sub-region of Mendoza is the high region. It is recognized as an area of premium production of Malbec, Argentina’s most important variety. Certainly the most spectacular winery is Catena, a prominent winery with a 100 year old history in Aregntina, founded by an Italian immigrant Nicola Catena. Nicolas Catena, the winemaking heir, has created one of the most beautiful wineries on the planet. It is a Mayan-inspired pyramid, a dramatic example of Pre-Columbian American architecture that Nicolas felt would best reflect the unique terroir of the high altitude Mendoza wine country.Robert Parker has given Catena’s wines up to 95 points.

Producers: Catena, Alta Vista, Fabre Montmayou, Norton, Bodegas Weinert
Tupungato

Tupungato is the highest and most westerly sub-region in Mendoza. Chardonnay is the favorite in this region, but some reds are also produced including varieties of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. Rainfall is very low, but the Andean mountains source irrigation. There are few producers in the region, but the grapes are used as blends in other regions

Producers: Bodega Salentein
Salta

Salta is the most northern region in Argentina. It is very hot and dry and is planted at a high altitude of about 4500 feet. Vines are planted close to sinking boreholes in order to bring up the much needed irrigation water. This has become an experimental region, usually containing Cabernet Sauvignon and the white varietal, Torrontes.

Best Producers: Etchart and Michel Torino
Rio Negro

This region is located in the cooler south. It is not fully established, but is a very interesting emerging wine region. Its long growing season and chalky soils have drawn in some experimental vintners. Success has been found with various European varieties including, Semillon, Chardonnay, Sauvingon Blanc, Malbec, Merlot, and recently with Pinot Noir.

Best Producers: Humberto Canale and Domaine Vistalba