Argentine Wine Explosion

We've got a nice selection of Argentinean wines in our stores, but did you know that just a decade ago, Argentina was virtually unknown as a wine making country?

From 2007 to 2010 alone, sales of Argentinean wine increased about 88%! Among countries exporting wine to the United States, Argentina ranks fifth. And it's not just the amount of juice that's rising, according to Nielsen scan data reported by Wine Business Monthly in the fall of 2010, Argentinean wine saw a 38% dollar rise in sales for the year ending April 2010.

Most of the Argentinean wine coming into the United States is malbec, known for its dark berry fruit, great structure, and soft texture. Malbec, a grape that originated in France, started becoming well-known in the mid-to-late 2000s. By 2009 it achieved a growth rate in sales of 50% in one year.

While wine is also grown in the provinces of, San Juan, La Rioja, Salta, Catamarca, Río Negro and Southern Buenos Aires, the Mendoza province is the most lucrative, producing more than 60% of the Argentine wine. Due to the high altitude and low humidity of the main wine producing regions, Argentine vineyards rarely face the problems of insects, fungi, molds and other grape diseases that affect vineyards in other countries. This allows cultivating with little or no pesticides, enabling even organic wines to be easily produced.

If you want to try a great Argentinean wine at a reasonable price, pick up a bottle of Achaval Ferrer Malbec, rated 91 points by Jay Miller of Wine Advocate.

"This prestige Argentine producer puts their best foot forward with this classic Malbec. It has a punchy nose with mushroom, blueberry, mint, blackberry and leather. It is full-bodied and juicy with plenty of black and blue fruits, vanilla, anise and mocha. Let this guy shine on its own after dinner." Debbie Miller Nelson - Wine Manager, Woodbridge

Try it for only $16.99 in our BottleClub!