Argentina is a country that is well-known for its wine, but with such a large selection it can be hard to know where to start–especially with so many unfamiliar names. While most wines can be found all over the globe (Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, etc.) below I want to mention some wines that you’re less likely to have run into elsewhere (especially if you’re not a big wine drinker) and also some recommendations for vineyard.
Reds:
Malbec – The most popular wine here in Argentina, you’ve probably heard of it and you’ll find it on the menu at every restaurant in Argentina. It tends to be more acidic with a higher tannin content, and is a medium- or full-bodied wine. It’s very food-friendly, and can be paired with steak (obviously!) but also spicy dishes.
Tannat – The Tannat is to Uruguay what Malbec is to Argentina and now this grape has made its way over to Argentina. It has a lighter body and lower tannins and it pairs very well with red meats.
Tempranillo – Another medium/full-bodied with low acidity and fruity characteristics. This wine is very food-friendly as well, so don’t hesitate to give it a try, even with sushi! You won’t see it everywhere though, since it isn’t as popular as the other reds mentioned above.
Whites:
Torrontés – the white counterpart to the Malbec, Torrontés is a light to medium-bodied wine that pairs well with a variety of foods.
Cosecha Tardía – I don’t know what grape this comes from, but if you want a sweet, sweet white wine, then go for the “late harvest”. It’s kind of like apple juice, and usually fairly cheap.
For vineyards, I’ve often found that if I like one wine by a vineyard, I tend to like them all, so feel free to experiment and play with the different wines offered by the following:
Budget (under AR$35): Aberdeen Angus, Callia, Marcus, Trapiche, Quara, Benjamin, Nieto Senetiner, San Felipe
Mid-Range (AR$36-AR$80): Alamos, Nieto Senetiner, Terraza, Trumpeter, Fond de Cave, Norton, Graffigna, Elementos, Escorihuela Gascón, Navarro Correas
Splurge (AR$81+): Luigi Bosca, Rutini, D.V. Catena, Trapiche Gran Medalla, Saint Felicien
These should give a you a great place to start – happy tasting!
