Renowned Argentine Malbec
By Kathleen Pokrud
Argentina is known for its wine in addition to footfall and the tango. Their wines are renowned for their quality and diversity due to the country’s unique terroir and climate, and one that is celebrated annually is their Malbec.
HE Ambassador Gustavo A Martino, while hosting a celebration for Malbec World Day (MWD) earlier this year at Hyatt Regency Sukhumvit Bangkok, explained, “Malbec World Day is a global initiative created by Wines of Argentina (WOFA), the institution responsible for the promotion of Argentine wine in world markets. The aim is to position Argentine Malbec as one of the most prominent Malbec wines in the world and celebrate the success of the Argentine wine industry. This special celebration is also supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Argentine Wine Corporation (COVIAR).”
The date chosen commemorates the day in 1853 when the Argentine government commissioned French agronomist Michel Pouget to bring new grape varieties - Malbec, among them - to see how they would fare in Mendoza. Hence, the date is not only the starting point for the development of this grape in Argentina, but also a symbol of the transformation of Argentina's wine industry.
Ambassador Gustavo went on to say, “Argentine Malbec can be described as mouth-filling, juicy from black fruits with a subtle pepper spice taste and silky tannins.”
Malbec has become Argentina’s flagship variety and global icon of Argentine viticulture. Argentina is at present the main producer and exporter of Malbec with over 75% of the world’s Malbec grapes cultivated in Argentina.
This year, MWD’s motto is “Better for the World”, a concept that highlights current efforts towards a more sustainable viticulture that are being made by the Argentine wine industry.
There are many Argentine wineries that are already taking action in that regard through the reduction of their water footprint, neutral carbon policies, better energy and waste management and circular economy, fueling their engine of change. Thus, the Argentine wine industry is working to make sure that Argentine Malbec is not only “Better” for the consumer, but also “Better for the World”.
From the high-altitude vineyards in the north, through the aridity of Cuyo and the plains of Patagonia, to new projects on the Atlantic coast, Argentine wines offer an endless range of flavours that reflect the identity of each region. Most of the Argentine Malbec (nearly 90%) is produced in the Cuyo region, particularly in Mendoza province, whereas Torrontés has emerged in the north.
Some Argentine wineries have reached world class renown. One example is Catena Zapata (CZ) Winery, No 1, according to the 2023 World’s 50 Best Vineyards awards. These year’s awards feature other Argentine wineries such as Durigutti Family Winemakers, Bodegas Salentein, Matías Riccitelli, El Enemigo Wines, Bodega Diamandes and Bodega Colomé.
Malbec World Day is widely celebrated annually on 17 April.
