About Argentina


Argentinean Wine History

Argentina’s wine history began in the early 16th century when Spanish missionaries and conquistadors, pining for a taste of home, planted clipping from their European family vineyards. After first trying (and failing) to grow in the tropical conditions of the now Buenos Aires, grape growing in the higher and dryer Mendoza region flourished. Like the United States, Argentina’s population grew steadily with an influx of European immigrants. However, unlike the US’ puritan
forefathers, Argentinean immigrants were wine-loving Italians, Spanish and Germans. By the 1970s, Argentineans were some of the heaviest wine drinkers in the world – consuming 92 liters per capita per year. This means that for every man, woman, and child, close to one and one half bottles were drunk every single week. This big local market made Argentina one of the largest wine producing regions in the world, but with no exports to speak of. It wasn’t until the 1990s when local consumption dropped, international investment increased, and quality improved that Argentina began to make a presence on the world wine market.


Argentina’s Wine Region

Argentina’s largest wine-growing region, Mendoza, swelters in the rain shadow of the Andes Mountains. With the highest altitude reaching 4920 feet, Mendoza is dry, desolate, and otherwise a desert if it weren’t for a network of canals that channel snowmelt from the peaks above. Thought to have been originally built by the indigenous people, this irrigation system hydrates a thriving agriculture. Because of this Mendoza’s grape-growing environment is superb: hot days, cool nights, minuscule rainfall, arid desert soil, few pests, and a pure, controlled water source.


Argentina’s People, Culture, and Food

Argentina is a land of immigrants with strong cultural ties to Europe. With 85% of an Italian decent, many still hold European passports. You’ll also find many Germans and Jews who made their home here after fleeing the atrocities of World War I and II. Despite all this, their South American identity is strong, making their culture, like their wine, a remarkable blend of the old and new worlds.


Like their Italian ancestors, Argentineans are pleasure-focused with a love of wine, late-night dining, and music. However, like their northern European ancestors, they are hard-working and entrepreneurial. Blend this with Latin American hospitality and focus on the family, to make a culture that straddles the Atlantic divide. Sound confusing? Well, it is. Part European, and part Latin American, this sometimes conflicting mix of cultures and identities make for unique food, incredible wine, and soulful music.


Per capita, Argentina eats more beef than any other country in the world. Their flavorful grass-fed cattle is the centerpiece of the Argentinean barbeque – or “asado”. Seasoned with only salt, pepper, and herbs, the meat is prepared differently than its North American brother. With a fire of wood or grapevines burning to the side, only smoking coals are placed directly under the grill. Part grilled and part smoked, the meat is flavorful and juicy. It is served with salads, cook vegetables, and empanadas – a meat filled dumpling that is also cooked over the coals.


Due to their strong Italian roots, pasta dishes are also very popular. Ravioli, gnocchi, and fettuccine are served at most restaurants. Similarly gelato, pizza, and other Italian delights are staples in the Argentinean diet.


With this focus on grilled meats and Italian foods, it is easy to see that the wines from Argentina pair beautifully with these types of dishes.  To pair a robust malbec with a grilled steak, or a torrontes with a cream sauce, is a match made in heaven.

 

Argentina Slideshow