It has been long established that many European grape varieties have been able to adapt so beautifully to the South American terroir, that they have subsequently become the emblematic variety of their new home countries. In much the same way that vintners have been able to reimagine the Carménère in Chile or the Malbec in Argentina, Uruguay’s winemakers have developed the Tannat to become their award-winning, emblematic red wine. Tannat is a red grape variety that is originally from the southwestern region of Basque in France that is believed to have arrived in South America in the late 19th century. Basque immigrants are said to have brought the variety to Uruguay as they were looking for a grape that could withstand the country's cool, humid climate. Many years later, the grape became hugely popular and was eventually adopted as their national grape. Tannat , the most widely planted grape variety in Uruguay, is known for producing full-bodied, complex red wines with high tann...

  Sauvignon Blanc, whose name etymologically refers to primitive or wild vines, is a very old variety believed to have originated in the southeast and center of France. It can be recognized by its leaves that are quite lobed and contorted as well as its compact clusters, with ellipsoidal berries. The grape, known for its bright acidity and refreshing citrus flavours, is grown in several wine-producing regions around the world, including Argentina. It is present in most of the wine-producing provinces of the country with Mendoza having the largest number of cultivated hectares, approximately 1,446, according to the National Institute of Viticulture.  As of 2021, Sauvignon Blanc represents a total of 1,905 cultivated hectares across the country or 0.9% of the total vines in Argentina. In addition to the province of Mendoza, this grape is also grown in San Juan with 225 hectares, Neuquén with 81 hectares and Salta with 49 hectares with the remaining 100 or so hectares planted in ...

Bodega Puna , located in Argentina's Salta province which is world-renowned for its Torrontes grape variety, was the only winery from that wine-producing region awarded a platinum medal at the recent 2022 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) event. Its winning wine, the Puna 2600 Malbec, was produced in the north western part of the country known for its higher altitude vineyards. The winery also won a silver medal for its 2600 Malbec Reserva as well as 2 bronze medals, 1 each for the 2600 Gran Reserva Malbec and the Puna Torrontes respectively.  Located at an altitude of 2,600 meters above sea level in the Cachi Adentro region of Salta, Bodega Puna ’s journey began in 2014 when the Montero family decided to use their farm as a gateway to the world of viticulture. The farmlands, an expansive 69 acres located at the foot of the Andes mountain range, were originally acquired for recreational purposes but following a trip to Spain, they were inspired to pursue winemaking. Since its fi...

Buttressed by its long history in Argentina, the Semillón white wine grape is being rediscovered by the country’s wineries, despite an annual decline in the vineyard surface affecting various vines. In what is touted as a well-timed revival, oenologists are becoming more attentive to the vast potential of the Semillón with the hopes of making it another flagship varietal in the south alongside the Malbec and Torrontes. Of the 704 hectares currently planted in Argentina, 86% is found in Mendoza with the remaining 14% found in another ten provinces including La Pampa, Chubut and Buenos Aires. The launch of new Semillón wines in recent years, gives credence to the ‘revivalist sentiment’ being expressed in wine circles globally as, despite being mostly used as an enhancer, it finds greater footing as a varietal.  The Semillón grape, a classic from the Sauternes region of Bordeaux, has adapted well to life in Argentina, particularly the cooler regions of Mendoza and Patagonia. Thoug...