Winemaking Regions of Argentina

Argentina has some of the best terroirs in the world to grow wine grapes (see Why Argentina? section). The Argentine viticultural region is nestled against over 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles) of the Andes Mountain Range—a defining characteristic of Argentine terroir. The altitude is incredibly high with an average of 900 meters (2,950 feet) above sea level. Due to the low rainfall at about 20 centimeters (7.9 inches) annually and dryness, Argentine winemakers have less problems with fungi, molds, and pests, and therefore do not need to spray chemicals which creates a virtually organic environment for the vines to grow. Argentine vineyards’ water supply comes from the purest runoff water of the Andes Mountains and controlled irrigation from rivers in widespread manmade canals left by or replicated from Native American tribes. This runoff water combined with the dryness holds the key to the success of viticulture in Argentina because since the weather is so arid, nothing would grow without this irrigation.

In general, the weather is mostly dry with clear skies—seeing sun for upwards of 300 days a year. Sunshine is especially important for Malbec, Argentina’s signature grape (see Wine Varietals section), because it has thin skins and is prone to disease and rot, which are caused by humidity. Temperatures fluctuate greatly throughout the year from -5 to 40 degrees Celsius (23 – 104 degrees Fahrenheit), allowing the grapes to mature very well and achieve good concentration of fruit flavors, sugars, and acid. In springtime, frosts rarely occur in the vineyards and the only other weather-related concern is hail, an issue easily solved by hail nets. Argentina’s soil is fertile and not over-farmed, helping give the wines deep flavor and color. 

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