In October, the World Wine Travel writers are exploring wines from Argentina paired with food.

Argentine Wine

Argentina and its neighbor Chile are renowned for their exceptional wine production, making them among the top wine producers in South America.

Situated at the foothills of the Andes Mountains, Argentina boasts a unique terroir that provides high altitudes, intense sunlight, and distinct microclimates, all of which combine to produce top-notch wines that truly embody the essence of the region.

Argentina’s wine production is centered in the Mendoza region, with notable areas including Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley. The wines I sampled are from the Uco Valley.

It has a rich history of viticulture, with wine production dating back to the 1500s when Spanish missionaries first introduced the practice. Later, Italian settlers also contributed to the growth of the industry.

Foreign investment, particularly from France, has been instrumental in the development of Argentine wines in recent decades. Collaborating with local winemakers has further enhanced the quality of wines produced in Argentina, leading to increased global recognition. It is worth noting that Argentina’s world-class sustainability efforts have also contributed to this recognition.

Malbec, a grape variety originally from France, has become Argentina’s signature grape. In addition to Malbec, Argentina also cultivates significant plantings of other popular grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Bonarda.

Today, Argentina is ranked at number seven country in the provisional 2021 and predicted 2022 global wine output figures published by OIV (International Organisation for Vine and Wine).

In My Glass

Disclosure: Wines from Trapiche and Unànime were provided as a media samples. No other compensation was received. All opinions are mine.

2018 Trapiche Malbec Terroir Series Finca Coletto El Peral

Trapiche is a one of Argentina’s most renowned and prestigious wine producers. Founded in 1883 in the heart of Mendoza, the winery has a rich history of crafting exceptional wines at fair prices that showcase the unique terroir of Argentina’s wine regions. It was selected as “New World Winery of the Year” in 2019

100% Malbec rrom 57-year-old vines at El Peral, 3,700 feet. Aged 18 months in French oak and 12 months in bottle.

Tasting Note: Deep purple color with macerated red plums, blackberry, violet, tobacco, cacao, vanilla and cedar aromas. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied and long with with lively acidity and well integrated velvety tannins with tangy ripe red plum, blackberry sauce, vanilla, cranberry flavors with a very appealing graphite minerality with a long spicy finish. 15% abv| Cellar Tracker Community Ave Value ~$26

2019 Mascota Vineyards Unánime

The Peñaflor Group has been producing wine for over a century. In 2010, they launched a new project called Mascota Vineyards, led by their experienced winemaker Rodolfo Sadler. The project is focused on the two significant terroirs of Mendoza, namely the historic heart of Maipú and the emerging wine regions of the Uco Valley.

It has experienced rapid growth since its inception, now producing two and a half million bottles of wine annually. In a remarkable achievement, it was awarded the title of Argentine Wine Producer of the Year at the International Wine & Spirits Competition in 2014, only four years after its establishment.

Mascota VineyardsBlend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Malbec, and 15% Cabernet Franc raised in French oak.

Tasting Note: Medium garnet color with cassis, black cherry, black pepper, violet, vanilla, cedar and dark chocolate aromas with hints of fresh green pepper and mint. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied with well-integrated supple tannins and good acidity with cassis, ripe black cherry, vanilla and dark chocolate flavors. Medium-finish. 14% abv| Cellar Tracker Community Ave Value ~$20

On My Plate

When it comes to food and wine pairings, many people often think of Argentine red wine as the perfect match for beef. However, as I explore a more plant-based diet and reduce my consumption of red meat, I’m now on the hunt for a delicious vegetarian dishes that can still complement the flavors of the red wines.

It’s been my experience that roasted vegetables (particularly mushroom and eggplant) can enhance their compatibility with red wines, as the process of roasting can impart richer, caramelized flavors and a softer texture to the vegetables. Risotto and I are on a first name basis, so I decided to make Roasted Mushroom Risotto and Vermouth.

Both wines paired well with the risotto, resulting in a split decision between my wife and me as to which one we preferred. My wife favored the Unanime Bordeaux blend, while I preferred the Trapiche Malbec.

I invite you to read my fellow World Wine Travel writers articles that follow below for more wonderful Argentine wine and food pairings!

• Camilla at Culinary Cam shares “From Soil and Sea to Sky: Miso-Glazed Squash and Salmon with Trapiche Medalla Chardonnay“
• Wendy at A Day in the Life on the Farm shares “Celebrating Day of the Souls with Carbonada en Zapallo and Trapiche Cabernet Sauvignon“
• Lynn at Savor the Harvest shares “Off The Beaten Wine Path in Argentina“
• Steve at Children of the Grape shares “The Dance of the Vine“
• Martin at ENOFYLZ Wine Blog shares “Savoring Argentine Red Wines From Trapiche and Unànime with Roasted Mushroom Risotto“
• Deanna at Wineivore shares “Unanime and Trapiche Wines with Argentinian Inspired Tapas“
• Gwendolyn at Wine Predator shares “Not Just Malbec: Argentina’s Trapiche Cab Blend and Syrah Paired with Burgers 2 Ways“
• Linda at My Full Wine Glass shares “Pairing South American food and wine long distance“
• Susannah at Avvinare shares “Trapiche Fall Flavors For Halloween Celebrations“

Thirsty for more knowledge about Argentina and other tasty wine and food pairings? We’ll chatting as a group on X/Twitter on Oct. 28 at 11:00am Eastern Time in the US. Whether or not you are a contributor, you are invited to participate in the chat, simply open X/Twitter and search for #WorldWineTravel. We hope to see you there!