Rio Negro

The Rio Negro region has just less than 2,900 hectares of vineyards with an altitude of 370 meters (1,210 feet) above sea level—low in comparison with other Argentine vineyards. Rainfall averages at 19 centimeters (7.5 inches), creating a moderately dry region with continental weather patterns.  Grape vineyards—and also many other fruit orchards growing primarily apples and also pears and plums—are along or close to the confluence of the Neuquen and Lamay rivers. Rio Negro’s soils tend to be chalky yet nutrient rich. Summers are hot, while winters are quite cold, creating good contrasts in temperatures. Sun exposure in Rio Negro is long in the summer, though not as intense as somewhere with a higher altitude. Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir varietals are quite popular in Rio Negro. Lots of sparkling wines are made in Rio Negro from the Semillon varietal. When grown in Rio Negro, red wines have excellent color and a more mineral taste compared to other regions in Argentina. Some Pinot Noir and Malbec vines in Rio Negro were planted in 1932 through 1955, though wine in this area of Patagonia dates back to the early 1900s. 

Wine in Rio Negro was not commercially successful until recently. Rio Negro produces 6.76 million (7,450 US tons) kilograms of grapes a year. 35,261 hectoliters (9.3 million gallons) of wine from Rio Negro are set aside for domestic consumption. Rio Negro exports 5,508 hectoliters (1.5 million gallons) and 3.4 million USD worth of wine a year. Wineries in Rio Negro include Bodega Noemia, Bodega del Rio Elorza, Bodega Agrestis, and Bodega Humberto Canale.

tags: rio negro ·