Top 5 Argentine Wines You Need To Try

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Argentina, a land of vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and passionate people, is also home to some of the world's most incredible wines. Known for its high-altitude vineyards and unique terroir, Argentina has carved out a special place in the hearts of wine lovers everywhere. If you're looking to explore the best that Argentine wine has to offer, you've come to the right place. Today, we're diving into the top 5 Argentine wines that you absolutely need to try. So, grab your wine glass and get ready for a delicious adventure!

1. Malbec: The King of Argentina

When you think of Argentine wine, Malbec is probably the first thing that comes to mind, and for good reason! This grape has found its perfect home in Argentina, producing wines that are rich, fruity, and incredibly smooth. But what makes Argentine Malbec so special? The high-altitude vineyards, particularly in Mendoza, expose the grapes to intense sunlight and cool temperatures, creating a unique combination that enhances the wine's flavor profile. This results in wines with deep color, lush aromas of black fruit (like blackberry and plum), and a velvety texture that's hard to resist.

Why You'll Love It

Argentine Malbec is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide range of foods. Whether you're grilling a juicy steak, enjoying a hearty stew, or even indulging in some dark chocolate, a glass of Malbec will elevate your experience. The wine's balanced acidity and tannins make it a great companion to rich, savory dishes, while its fruity notes complement sweeter flavors. Plus, there's a Malbec for every budget, from affordable everyday bottles to high-end, age-worthy wines that are perfect for special occasions.

Top Malbec Recommendations

  • Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard Mundus Bacillus Terrae Malbec: This is one of the most celebrated Malbecs in the world, showcasing the best of what high-altitude vineyards can offer. Expect a complex wine with layers of dark fruit, floral notes, and a long, elegant finish.
  • Achaval-Ferrer Finca Altamira Malbec: This wine is known for its intense concentration and rich flavors, reflecting the unique terroir of the Altamira vineyard. It's a powerhouse of a wine that will age beautifully.
  • Zuccardi Q Malbec: Offering excellent value, this Malbec delivers a lot of bang for your buck. It's a well-structured wine with a good balance of fruit, acidity, and tannins, making it a great everyday choice.

2. Cabernet Sauvignon: A Bold Contender

While Malbec might steal the spotlight, Cabernet Sauvignon in Argentina is a force to be reckoned with. Argentine Cabernet Sauvignon wines are known for their bold flavors, firm tannins, and impressive structure. These wines often showcase a unique blend of New World fruitiness and Old World elegance, making them a favorite among Cabernet Sauvignon enthusiasts.

Why You'll Love It

Argentine Cabernet Sauvignon is perfect for those who enjoy a full-bodied wine with plenty of character. These wines often exhibit notes of blackcurrant, cedar, and spice, with a firm tannic backbone that gives them excellent aging potential. They pair wonderfully with grilled meats, hearty pasta dishes, and aged cheeses. If you're looking for a wine that can stand up to robust flavors, Argentine Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent choice.

Top Cabernet Sauvignon Recommendations

  • Nicolás Catena Zapata: A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, this iconic wine showcases the best of both grapes. It's a complex and age-worthy wine with layers of dark fruit, spice, and oak.
  • Viña Cobos Bramare Zingaretti Estate Cabernet Sauvignon: This wine is known for its intense flavors and elegant structure, reflecting the unique terroir of the Zingaretti Estate. It's a sophisticated Cabernet Sauvignon that will impress even the most discerning palate.
  • Rutini Cabernet Sauvignon: Offering excellent value, this Cabernet Sauvignon delivers a lot of complexity and flavor for the price. It's a well-balanced wine with a good structure and a long finish.

3. Bonarda: Argentina's Hidden Gem

Bonarda is often referred to as Argentina's hidden gem, and it's time this grape got the recognition it deserves. Originally from Italy, Bonarda has found a new home in Argentina, where it produces wines that are fruity, approachable, and incredibly food-friendly. These wines are often characterized by their vibrant acidity, soft tannins, and bright red fruit flavors.

Why You'll Love It

Bonarda is the perfect wine for casual gatherings and everyday enjoyment. Its easy-drinking style and versatile flavor profile make it a great match for a wide range of dishes, from pizza and pasta to grilled chicken and salads. If you're looking for a wine that's both delicious and affordable, Bonarda is an excellent choice. Plus, it's a great way to explore a lesser-known grape and discover a new favorite.

Top Bonarda Recommendations

  • Colomé Auténtico Bonarda: This wine is made from ungrafted vines planted in 1854, making it a true piece of Argentine wine history. It's a complex and flavorful Bonarda with notes of red fruit, spice, and earth.
  • ** хозяйства Familia Zuccardi Emma Zuccardi Bonarda:** This wine is a tribute to Emma Zuccardi, a pioneer of Argentine winemaking. It's a modern and elegant Bonarda with a focus on freshness and fruit purity.
  • Trivento Tribu Bonarda: Offering excellent value, this Bonarda delivers a lot of flavor for the price. It's a well-balanced wine with a good structure and a long finish.

4. Torrontés: Argentina's Aromatic White

For white wine lovers, Torrontés is a must-try. This aromatic grape is Argentina's signature white variety, producing wines that are intensely floral, fruity, and refreshing. Torrontés wines are often characterized by their aromas of jasmine, rose petals, and citrus fruits, with a crisp acidity that makes them incredibly food-friendly.

Why You'll Love It

Torrontés is the perfect wine for warm weather and light meals. Its aromatic complexity and refreshing acidity make it a great match for spicy dishes, seafood, and salads. If you're looking for a white wine that's both flavorful and refreshing, Torrontés is an excellent choice. Plus, it's a unique and interesting alternative to more common white varieties like Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

Top Torrontés Recommendations

  • Susana Balbo Signature Torrontés: This wine is known for its elegance and complexity, with layers of floral and fruit aromas. It's a sophisticated Torrontés that will impress even the most discerning palate.
  • El Esteco Old Vines Torrontés: This wine is made from old vines grown at high altitude, resulting in a concentrated and flavorful Torrontés with a long finish.
  • Crios Torrontés: Offering excellent value, this Torrontés delivers a lot of flavor for the price. It's a well-balanced wine with a good structure and a long finish.

5. Red Blends: The Art of Combining Flavors

Finally, we can't forget about Argentine Red Blends. Argentine winemakers are masters of blending different grape varieties to create wines that are greater than the sum of their parts. These blends often combine Malbec with other grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Bonarda, resulting in complex and flavorful wines with a wide range of aromas and flavors.

Why You'll Love It

Argentine Red Blends offer a diverse range of flavors and styles, making them a great choice for those who enjoy exploring different wine profiles. These wines can be fruity and approachable or complex and age-worthy, depending on the blend and the winemaking techniques used. They pair well with a wide range of foods, from grilled meats and hearty stews to pasta dishes and aged cheeses.

Top Red Blend Recommendations

  • Cheval des Andes: A collaboration between Château Cheval Blanc and Terrazas de los Andes, this wine is a blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. It's a complex and elegant wine with layers of dark fruit, spice, and oak.
  • ** Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Single Vineyard:** This wine is a blend of Malbec and Cabernet Franc, showcasing the best of what Gualtallary can offer. It's a powerful and age-worthy wine with intense flavors and a long finish.
  • Angulo Innocenti Gran Corte: Offering excellent value, this red blend delivers a lot of complexity and flavor for the price. It's a well-balanced wine with a good structure and a long finish.

So there you have it, the top 5 Argentine wines that you absolutely need to try! From the iconic Malbec to the aromatic Torrontés, Argentina has something to offer every wine lover. So grab a bottle, gather your friends, and get ready to experience the incredible world of Argentine wine!