For many years, Argentina was producing a wide range of wine from inexpensive yet drinkable, to truly world class quality and collectible, yet few people outside of South American could find a single bottle of Argentinean wine. Part of the reason for the lack of exports is that Argentineans drink more wine per capita then any other country in the world, save Luxembourg. That means that the wine industry sells at least 70% of its wine to local customers, leaving very little left over for international markets, especially when you take into account the large amount of wine sold to neighboring countries such as Peru or even Chile.

As you might expect, the ability to sell wine to Chilean customers and others in South America has led Argentina's wine industry to focus on a largely misunderstood grape that is grown successfully no where else in the world; Malbec.

Originally from Bordeaux, Malbec is the primary ingredient for Cahors, a red wine from Southwest France....but it is also virtually extinct in the rest of the country. Even in Bordeaux, it is barely grown any more. In Argentina however, it attains a level of success and quality that isn't possible anywhere else.

Malbec is crafted in single varietal wines as well as blended with Cabernet Sauvignon. For our money, it is these blended wines which truly are internationally significant. Wines at price points around $10 can offer interesting, easy drinking fruit forward wines that are round enough to be food friendly. Spend another $10 or so per bottle and you can find wines which are not only very drinkable, but even age worthy in good years. Malbec itself offers an almost silky element to the wine, with earthy flavors and a nice balance of fruit and acidity. This higher acidity then you typically find in Cabernet Sauvignon makes Malbec a good compliment to most meals. Additionally, it's important to note that Argentina is known the world over for its beef. It's been said Argentineans don't have a national cuisine, they have beef. It makes sense that the flavors and textures of Malbec have been manipulated both through viticulture and the wine making process over the years to pair perfectly with beef.

In Argentina, there is one significant white wine; Torrontes. In many ways it is a nice combination of Sauvignon Blanc's crisp acidity and green fruit flavors when combined with Gewurztaminer's spice and exotic flavors. Torrontes pairs well with fish and white meats (pork especially) and interestingly jerk chicken which is typically a pairing challenge.