If any country can satisfy the world’s thirst for value-priced red wines, it’s Argentina.
One of the world’s top five wine producing nations, most of its wine had traditionally been consumed by Argentinians. But the consumption rate has been falling since the 1970s when the nation’s younger generations discovered soft drinks and designer beers. Subsequently, many Argentine wineries are focusing on exports.
The country’s climate and topography is considered nearly perfect for growing grapes. The wineries are in the western part of the country stretching from the northern border down to La Pampa and Rio Negro, generally following the Andes and its foothills.
In the lower elevations, conditions are hot and dry, which is ideal for making red wines. The higher elevations provide warm, sunny days and cool nights, excellent for producing white wines.
Argentina’s climate has been described as “refrigerated sunshine.” Rainfall is modest in most regions, making irrigation vital, but snowmelt from the mountains is channeled to the vineyards and provides ample water in the growing season. Argentina continues to add quality wine with exceptional value to the international market, and the land-rich nation with the perfect climate still hasn’t reached its peak.
THE VALUES
- 2007 Kaiken Malbec, Argentina (about $14 retail)
- 2007 La Linda Bonarda, Argentina (about $10 retail)
- 2008 Trapiche Malbec, Argentina (about $10 retail)
THE SPLURGES
- 2007 Luigi Bosca Reserva Malbec, Argentina (about $18 retail)
- 2008 Dona Paula Estate Malbec, Argentina (about $20 retail)