Other than juicy steak, Argentina is also known for our red wine, especially Malbec which is our signature wine, and Mendoza is our famous wine region; these are just the tip of the iceberg of the wine culture here. In fact, beautiful wines are also produced as north as Salta, Catamarca and Tucumán, the northern region specifically known as los Valles Calchaquíes. Taking advantage of their higher altitude and different cultivation conditions, on top of the usual suspects (Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay), they also produce wines like Tannat and Torrontés, which are made especially well from these regions.
Some other examples of grapes that are less well-known for Argentine wines but you shouldn’t pass on the opportunity to try them out are Bonarda, Syrah, Tempranillo and Sauvignon Blanc. Moreover, do you know espumantes (sparkling wines) are also very popular among Argentines? Before dinner as an apéritif and/or end the dinner on a high note is a common scene. Chandon is the most sought after brand but many vineyards are also producing their own now, from extra brut to brut nature to sparkling Rosé. Varieties are evergrowing when you go to the supermarket.
With all these choices, what should one do you wonder? Wine tasting is always a good choice but what even better is the Wine Expo! This year’s Expo Vinos y Bodegas is going to take place over 3 days from Friday October 30 to Saturday November 1 at La Rural, Palermo. (Halloween is not a big thing here so wine show would very well be the better plan for the weekend!) There will be over 40 wineries offering tastings, gourmet food market and live music. Whether you are a wine lover or not, this will be a great opportunity for you to see why Argentine wine is a lot more than Malbec.
For more info, visit the Expo Vinos y Bodegas site here.
Drink responsibly. ¡Salud!
