Why will the major grape-growing companies choose Argentina first in the future?
According to a June 1, 2017 report by Argentina's "Clarin", our Lanyu's largest client, namely China's largest red wine company Yantai Changyu Pioneer Wine Co., Ltd., acquired three wineries under Chile's Bethia Group - Viña Indómita, Santa Alicia and Argentina-based Dos Andes - for 50 million USD on Tuesday of this week, with the transaction expected to be completed in June this year. Through this acquisition, Changyu became the first Chinese company to invest in the Argentine red wine market in an indirect way.
Dos Andes winery is located in Neuquen Province and was founded in 1986. At present, the winery has an annual red wine output of 2.3 million liters and a vineyard area of 220 hectares, mainly with red wine brands such as Calafate, Chalten and Ruta 22.A. Chile's Bethia Group acquired the above three wineries (including Dos Andes winery) owned by the Corpora Group for 52 million USD in 2012.
Argentine wine map
Argentina has 9 important wine regions, namely Catamarca, Salta and Tucuman in the northern region, La Rioja, Mendoza and San Juan in the Cuyo region, and La Pampa, Neuquen and Rio Negro in Patagonia.
1. Catamarca
The winemaking area of Catamarca is located in the western part of the province, and the main winemaking area is located in the Tinogasta district, which accounts for nearly 70% of the province's grape plantings. In addition, other grape-growing areas in the province include Belen, Fiambala and Santa María. The most typical grape varieties in these areas are Torrontes and Cabernet Sauvignon. Among them, Rioja Torrontes white wine has a rich aroma, medium body, high alcohol content and medium acidity, and carries obvious fruity and floral notes.
2. Salta
The grape region of Salta Province is the highest-altitude grape-growing area in the world, with the highest point reaching an altitude of 10,210 feet. The province's most outstanding region is Cafayate, which accounts for more than 70% of the vineyards in the Calchaquíes Valleys, and the most outstanding grape variety in the region is Torrontes.
3. Tucuman
Tucuman is one of the world's highest valleys. This area extends north from the Salta region and south from Catamarca. The main grape varieties grown are Tannat, Malbec, Syrah, Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon and Torrontes.
4. La Rioja
Most of the vineyards in the La Rioja region are located in small irrigated valleys in the western part of the province. Two kinds of wine are produced here: one is wine made in an industrial way, and the other is wine made in a traditional way, which is mostly regional wine produced by family workshops. Both white and red grape varieties are grown in the region. The most typical white grape is Torrontes, but there are also a few red grapes, such as Bonarda and Syrah.
5. Mendoza
Mendoza is Argentina's main wine-producing province, and its wine production accounts for 80% of the country's total output. Mendoza has a total of 5 relatively large oases, located in the northern, eastern, central, southern and Uco Valley areas. Among them, the northern area is very suitable for growing white grape varieties, such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Ugni Blanc and Torrontes; of course, some red grape varieties are also grown, such as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda and Malbec. White grape varieties grown in the eastern area include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Torrontes and Viognier, while red grape varieties include Sangiovese, Syrah, Bonarda and Tempranillo. The most distinctive grape variety in the central area is Malbec, while the most distinctive in the southern area is Chenin Blanc. The area in Uco Valley with the longest history of grape growing is La Consulta, where red grape varieties such as Malbec, Merlot and Pinot Noir are grown, while the white grape varieties are Chardonnay and Semillon.
6. San Juan
The San Juan region is Argentina's second-largest grape-growing area. It has many famous valleys and features not only a warm climate but also abundant sunshine. The good growing environment gives the locally grown grapes rich flavor compounds and a relatively high polyphenol content, and the wines made from them are elegant in body and full of fruit flavor. In addition, Syrah, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda, Chardonnay and Torrontes are also grown in the San Juan region. It is worth mentioning that Syrah from the San Juan region is now attracting more and more attention due to its good performance.
7. La Pampa
La Pampa is located in a fan-shaped valley, where the main grape varieties grown include Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
8. Neuquen
The northern mountainous area of Neuquen Province has a dry climate and is very suitable for growing grapes. San Patricio is one of its regions, and today it is the top choice for major grape-growing companies. This region has a rainfall of only 7 mm and a day-night temperature difference of up to 20°C. Such weather conditions allow the grapes not only to grow better during the ripening season, but also to accumulate more flavor compounds. The wines made in this region have rich fruit aromas, a full body and a complex taste. The cool climate can make the wines produced delicate and elegant, such as Pinot Noir.
9. Rio Negro
Rio Negro Province is Patagonia's most outstanding wine region. It has a typical continental climate, with very cold winters and hot, dry summers. Patagonia has a unique geographical landscape, which makes the wines produced in this region not only full of character but also outstanding, with the acidity and sweetness of the wine reaching a perfect balance. The Patagonia region is mainly famous around the world for producing white wines. The white wine made here from a blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc has a unique and rich mineral flavor that other regions do not have. In addition, some red grape varieties are also grown here, such as Merlot, Pinot Noir and Malbec.