Although everyone thinks of Malbec when they think of Argentinian wine, there are other red varieties worth trying out.
Argentina Beyond Malbec
Malbec makes up almost half of the wine production in Argentina and 85% of that is produced in Mendoza, where 75% of all the country’s wine is made. Malbec is a great gateway wine because it’s usually inexpensive and easy to like with its ripe dark fruits and smooth texture.
Beyond Malbec, you can also find both varietal Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc along with Bordeaux blends. Many wine geeks actually prefer Cabernet Franc over Malbec from Mendoza, and it’s arguably the best place in the world to find varietal Cabernet Franc. There’s also Tempranillo, which is the fifth most planted red grape.
There are lighter red varieties as well. Quality Pinot Noir is being made in the higher elevations of Mendoza and Argentine Patagonia. The second most planted grape (just above Cabernet S.) in Argentina is actually Bonarda (Charbono), which is typically made into a light, fruity wine, but less is exported.
However, there are always producers looking to bring back old varieties like criolla grapes or experiment with other international varieties. For example, Rhone varieties are developing more interest.
Rhone Varieties in Argentina
Syrah is actually the 4th most planted red variety in Argentina, making up about 5% of the vines. You might find some in blends while a lot of big name producers make a mono-varietal version too. However, not as much gets produced or exported. Most are still being made in hotter areas, but there are some making fresher varietal versions at higher elevation in the Uco Valley. This helps to make it more distinct since warm-climate Syrah has a lot of the same characteristics as average Argentine Malbec.
Even less common are varietal Grenache and Mourvedre. One of the pioneers in Rhone varieties is the producer Corazon del Sol, who makes Syrah, Grenache, GSM blends, Rhone White blends, and even Semillon. Ver Sacrum, who also uses the label La Cayetana, is another producer making red and white Rhone varietals and blends along with Mencia and Nebbiolo. I was impressed by a Marsanne-Roussanne blend of theirs that I had last year, so I’m reviewing two of their Rhone red varietals here.
Tasting Notes
2018 La Cayetana Integrae Naturae Syrah Los Chacayes Uco Valley
From winemaker Eduardo Soler of Ver Sacrum. 100% Syrah at 1,100 meters above sea level in Los Chacayes in the Uco Valley on rocky alluvial soil. Native yeasts. 50% destemmed. Fermented and aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. Nose of bright purple fruit with some savory herbal and meaty notes. The palate follows through with similar fruity notes, a medium-body, chalky tannins and a long minerally, fresh finish. Smooth and elegant for a Syrah. Amazing value at $17 here in Chile. Wine journalist, Juan Jaeger, sells Ver Sacrum/La Cayetana wines in Santiago. 93
2019 Ver Sacrum Monastrell Los Chacayes Vista Flores Uco Valley
100% Monastrell picked at 22 Brix grown at 1,100m altitude. Semi-carbonic maceration with 100% whole bunch fermentation. No wood treatment at all. Rather they used concrete eggs. Native yeasts. The color looks more like Piedmont Nebbiolo. Bright red fruited nose with minerality which you also find on the palate. None of the animal you sometimes get with Mourvedre. There’s some savory spice. Medium-bodied. Soft tannins. Overall, it’s a bright, light fruity Monastrell with tangy acidity, spice and minerality. Only $14. Both these wines show a cool climate, high elevation spin on the varieties at a great price. I would seek them out. 91
I’ll be in France and Spain for the next month, so hopefully I can find some cool wines to explore for the blog. Meanwhile, follow us on Instagram.