Dan's Argentinean Wine Ramblings, Reviews, & Tasting Notes

Argentinean Wines

Argentina is the fifth largest wine producing nation in the world. It is believed that Jesuit missionaries are responsible for planting the first vines in the Mendoza region in the 16th century. The Mendoza region is Argentina's primary wine producing region. It's located on the east side of the Andes mountains about half way down the country. The region really didn't take off until the railway from Buenos Aires to Mendoza was completed in the early 20th century.

Pais and Moscatel vines dominate the plantings, but these varietals are not exported. Argentina's most famous varietal is Malbec. The Malbec grape was brought from France to Argentina in the early 20th century. Other varietals that have shown good results in Argentina are Torrontes, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Bonarda, Nebbiolo, and Viognier.


Tasting Notes by Region: Argentina Australia California Chile France Germany Italy New Zealand Oregon South Africa Spain Washington Tasting Notes by Varietal: Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenère Chardonnay Gewürztraminer Grenache Malbec Merlot Moscato Petite Sirah Pinot Grigio Pinot Noir Pinotage Primitivo Riesling Sangiovese Sauvignon Blanc Syrah/Shiraz Tempranillo Viognier Zinfandel	2004 Crios de Susana Balbo Syrah Bonarda Delightfully confusing "Jekyll and Hyde" wine... Full Tasting Notes (09/23/06)	My Score: 87

	2005 Bodega Norton Lo Tengo Malbec Dangerously easy to drink... Full Tasting Notes (06/10/06)	My Score: 86

	2004 Finca El Portillo Merlot Darker and heavier than most merlots... Full Tasting Notes (06/03/06)	My Score: 85
















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