Ignore the headline and read these comments from leading wine figures about the changes that have taken place in the last 10 years and then guess the country they are talking about: "It’s been a revolution…we are now working with viticulture to bring out the essence of every single terroir…Winemakers now have the freedom and desire to produce wines which reflect key attributes from their region…Wine made based on the place they come from and not just a varietal first approach." Winemaking rooted in scientific analysis of which soils, climates and regions suit the right variety. Yes, welcome to the new winemaking force that is Argentina.
Ahead of a major trade study tour to the country in the autumn, The Buyer talks to some of the most influential voices in Argentine winemaking – from Catena Zapata, Zuccardi Valle de Uco, Chakana Winery, Bemberg Estate Wines, Finca Decero and Grupo Avinea – to hear first hand how they are all working together to arguably make the claim that Argentina is leading the world not just in winemaking, but crucially in site-focused, vine growing too.
What would you say have been the big advances in Argentine winemaking in the last 10 years?
Facundo Bonamaizon, agronomist, Chakana Winery
Argentina has taken great strides in terms of exploring and learning about new zones for winegrowing. This is the key factor affecting the quality of the wine. In terms of winemaking, we have developed a more ‘Argentine’ style, departing from standardised techniques of vinification in favour of creating authentic wines. We are achieving diversification and new levels of quality through the exploitation of different regions and micro regions, such as Paraje Altamira, Gualtallary, San Pablo, La Carrera, and new zones in the Calchaquies valleys and Costa Argentina and around Buenos Aires.
Juan Pablo Murgia, winemaker, Grupo Avinea
I would say it’s been a revolution in many ways. Focusing on special places and recognising them in Geographical Indications. Working with precision viticulture to bring out the essence of every single terroir. On the winemaking side, we have understood the need to focus on techniques which respect the grapes and character of the land. We have improved a lot in terms of extraction, ageing, oak use and many other aspects which favour the expression of the different terroirs.
Juan Marcó, chief executive, Finca Decero
I would sum it up by saying we now have a key understanding and strong focus on terroir differences and micro terroirs. Learning from traditional regions and vineyards and exploring new ones; moving limits forward and beyond any previous limit. Winemakers now have the freedom and desire to produce wines which reflect key attributes from their origin. There has been massive improvement in the quality and character of white wines that are starting to reflect a sense of place.
José Alberto Zuccardi, director, Zuccardi Valle de Uco
I believe the major advances in Argentine viticulture over the last 10 years are related to the deeper understanding of terroir and the identification of those great terroirs that are proving we can produce world-class wines. This has been supported by Malbec, a variety that has adapted very well to Argentina and allows us to produce wines with long ageing potential.
We also have a generation of agronomists and winemakers who have great knowledge and passion for what they do.
It is important to mention that Argentina is a major wine producer and consumer – wine is part of our culture and our diet. Immigrants brought the knowledge of viticulture and the tradition of consuming wine. In recent years, there has been significant evolution in the Argentine domestic market, as Argentine consumers appreciate quality and terroir-driven wines much more. I believe this is also a key factor in the significant advances of Argentine viticulture.
To read the full article, click HERE.