Argentine grape varieties: beyond Malbec, a journey into the heart of Argentina's great grapes
When you think of Argentine wine, one name immediately comes to mind: Malbec.
And there is good reason for that. In the space of a few decades, Argentina has become the world reference for this grape variety originating in south-west France. But reducing Argentine wine to Malbec alone would mean missing out on an incredible diversity. Torrontés, Bonarda, Cabernet Franc, Semillón and Criolla each tell a different story about the Argentine vineyard.
So what are the main Argentine grape varieties? What styles of wine do they produce? And above all, which one is right for you? Set your compass for the Andes.
Why has Argentina become a great land of grape varieties?
The Argentine vineyard stretches over more than 1,500 kilometres along the Andes mountain range.
From the vineyards of Mendoza to the spectacular valleys of Salta, via the freshness of Patagonia, the vines benefit from unique conditions:
- a dry, sunny climate
- significant diurnal temperature variation between day and night
- altitudes that can exceed 2,000 metres
- very low disease pressure
These conditions allow the grapes to ripen slowly while retaining freshness and aromatic intensity.
The result: concentrated, expressive wines that are often remarkably well balanced.
Malbec, the undisputed king of Argentine grape varieties
There is no other place to start.
Introduced in the 19th century by French immigrants, Malbec found a second home in Argentina. Today, more than 75% of the world's Malbec is grown in the country.
What does Argentine Malbec taste like?
Argentine Malbec is generally characterised by:
- aromas of blackberry and plum
- notes of violet
- a generous texture
- ripe tannins
- beautiful freshness thanks to altitude
Depending on the region, its expression varies considerably.
Mendoza: the perfect balance
Mendoza Malbecs often offer the finest balance between fruit, freshness and structure.
Salta: power and altitude
In the Calchaquí Valleys, certain vineyards sit at over 2,000 metres above sea level. The wines gain in intensity, freshness and depth. At Vinodelice, the cuvées El Esteco Don David Reserve, Sunal Ilogico and Agustín Lanús Atypico perfectly illustrate this high-altitude expression.
Torrontés: Argentina's great white treasure
If Malbec is the king of reds, Torrontés is unquestionably the country's emblematic white grape variety. It is found primarily in the Salta region.
Why is Torrontés so special?
Because it combines:
- very floral aromas
- notes of jasmine
- orange blossom
- citrus
- exotic fruit
All of this without heaviness or excess sugar. Few grape varieties offer such aromatic intensity while retaining so much freshness.
Torrontés pairs beautifully with:
- Asian cuisine
- ceviches
- spiced dishes
- summer aperitifs
The Llama Torrontés makes an excellent introduction to this fascinating grape variety.
Bonarda: Argentina's most planted grape variety
This often comes as a surprise. Despite Malbec's fame, Bonarda is among the most widely planted varieties in the country. Long used to produce simple wines, it is experiencing a genuine renaissance today.
What does Bonarda taste like?
Bonarda typically offers:
- plenty of fruit
- notes of black cherry
- low tannins
- great generosity
It is often an excellent choice for lovers of fruity, accessible reds.
Cabernet Franc: the new darling of connoisseurs
If there is one grape variety generating excitement in Argentina today, it is Cabernet Franc. The high-altitude terroirs of Mendoza produce remarkably elegant wines.
Why do enthusiasts love it?
Because it combines:
- freshness
- finesse
- spice
- dark fruit
- ageing potential
Many critics now consider Cabernet Franc one of the most promising varieties in the Argentine vineyard.
Semillón: the forgotten great white
Before the rise of Malbec, Semillón occupied an important place in Argentine vineyards. Long overlooked, it is making a comeback today.
Its profile
Semillón typically offers:
- aromas of lemon
- notes of beeswax
- a beautiful texture
- remarkable ageing potential
Lovers of gastronomic whites would do well to take a closer look.
Criolla grape varieties: Argentina's new wave
If Malbec symbolises the Argentina of yesterday and today, the Criolla varieties could well represent the Argentina of tomorrow.
Long confined to simple, high-yielding wines, these historic varieties — descended from the first vines introduced by the Spanish — are experiencing a genuine renaissance. A new generation of winemakers is putting them back in the spotlight to produce lighter, fresher and more digestible wines, in tune with what today's consumers are looking for.
A unique viticultural heritage
The various families of Criolla represent one of the most original patrimonies in the Argentine vineyard. They include Criolla Grande and Criolla Chica (identical to the Spanish Listán Prieto, also known as País in Chile). These varieties typically produce lightly extracted, highly aromatic wines particularly suited to convivial drinking.
An iconic cuvée: Las Criollas de Don Graciano
Among the most original wines being produced in Argentina today, Paso a Paso "Las Criollas de Don Graciano" Clarete perfectly illustrates this renaissance. This "blouge" (a blend of white and red grape varieties) combines Criolla Grande, Moscatel Rosado, Torrontés and Pedro Ximénez in a typically Argentine assemblage.
The result is a delicate and refreshing wine with notes of crunchy red fruit, citrus and white flowers, sitting somewhere between a gastronomic rosé and a very light red. A fine demonstration of the dynamism of the modern Argentine vineyard.
Mendoza, Salta or Patagonia: what are the differences?
Mendoza
The most celebrated region. It produces balanced, accessible wines representative of the Argentine style.
Salta
Home to some of the world's highest vineyards. Salta wines are often more concentrated, fresher and more intense.
Patagonia
Patagonia benefits from a cooler climate, producing some very fine Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and elegant Malbec.
Which Argentine grape variety to choose based on your taste?
Fruity reds: Bonarda
Generous reds: Malbec
Powerful reds: Salta Malbec
Elegant reds: Cabernet Franc
Wines for ageing: High-altitude Malbec, Cabernet Franc
Aromatic whites: Torrontés
Fresh whites: Semillón
Original discoveries: Criolla
Our favourite Argentine grape varieties
For discovering Malbec
For discovering Torrontés
For exploring Patagonia
For discovering Argentina differently
FAQ: Everything you need to know about Argentine grape varieties
What is Argentina's emblematic grape variety?
Malbec is by far the grape variety most associated with Argentina and is today one of the symbols of the country's vineyard.
What is the main Argentine white grape variety?
Torrontés is considered Argentina's emblematic white grape variety.
Which region produces the best Malbec?
Mendoza remains the reference region, but the high-altitude Malbecs of Salta are among the most spectacular in the country.
Is Argentine Malbec different from French Malbec?
Yes. Thanks to the dry climate and altitude, Argentine Malbecs are often fruitier, riper and more approachable in their youth.
Which Argentine grape variety to choose for discovering white wines?
Torrontés is generally the best entry point thanks to its unique aromatic profile.
Are there indigenous Argentine grape varieties?
Yes. The various Criolla families are part of Argentina's historic viticultural heritage and are currently experiencing a significant revival of interest.
Which is the most original grape variety in Argentina?
Blends based on Criolla, Moscatel Rosado, Torrontés or Pedro Ximénez are among the most original expressions of the contemporary Argentine vineyard.
Much more than a Malbec country
The success of Malbec should not overshadow the incredible richness of the Argentine vineyard.
From the fragrant Torrontés of Salta to the Cabernet Francs of Mendoza, via the old Criolla vines and the great Semillón whites, Argentina today offers one of the most exciting playgrounds in the wine world.
An excellent reason to look beyond Malbec — even if it remains a magnificent place to start.
