Some little known facts about Argentine wine.
Argentine wine is regarded internationally for its robust range of flavors, textures, and varieties, however it was only until relatively recently that this became the case. Until the early 1990s, 90% of Argentine wine was consumed by South Americans only and not as an international trade export like today. Rich in fertile land, Argentina produces both red and white wine of a largely Spanish influence, but also of grape seeds from France and Italy.
How big of a part is Argentine wine in the global market? How and where did Argentina get their foot in the wine-making door to begin with?
Argentina is the 5th largest producer of wine in the world behind only Italy, France, Spain, and the United States. Interestingly, the harvesting months of the country’s grapes are the inverse of the top 4 countries due to Argentina’s opposite seasons (their winter is our summer and vice versa).
Viticulture (the cultivation of grapevines) was first introduced by Spanish colonization, and the first recorded vineyard set up in Argentina was by Christian missionaries in 1557 with cuttings from the Chilean Central Valley. These grapes would be the foundation of Argentine wine for the next 300 years.
Interested in visiting Argentina’s vast vineyards? The city of Mendoza is the perfect place to experience the vibrant and sophisticated culture of urban Argentina outside of Buenos Aires. The city is known for its high quality Malbec producing vineyards that are positioned in the high altitude regions of Lujan de Cuyo and the Uco Valley. These Malbec vineyards are cultivated 5,000 feet above sea level creating distinct and fragrant flavors that are exported around the world.
With Argentina’s mixture of Spanish, French, Italian, and their own distinct grapes, it’s no wonder that they are such a presence in the international wine community. A wonderful mixture of flavors and cultures, Argentine wine has a companion in Zouq’s own Jubilee mix, which is its own mixture of tasty delights created to be enjoyed and celebrated around the world. Check out more Zouq flavors here!
Trivia
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