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Malbec World Day: #MalbecArgentino Champion

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#MalbecArgentino Champion

Join Malbec World Day

We invite you to be part of a global toast: the 13th edition of Malbec World Day. This April 17th we celebrate the Champion: #MalbecArgentino! In each edition we discover new reasons that reinforce its title of undisputed champion, a leadership that you can see every time you raise your glass.

We are champions!

Few things position Argentina at the center of the international scene like football and wine. The Argentine football team –with its captain Lio Messi, awesome players and Scaloni at the helm– managed to put the country on everyone’s lips after winning the Qatar 2023 World Cup final.

#MalbecArgentino on the podium

“Curiously, this worldwide recognition is not only experienced in the stadiums and through the World Cup. Argentina has been a champion for decades and remains on the podium thanks to Malbec, whose path is reminiscent of football…

It is ours: Argentine & universal

Malbec and Argentina are part of an inextricable link. You can’t talk about Malbec without talking about us, our history and our way of being Argentine. An European variety which has adapted amazingly to the terroirs of Argentina to become a banner that represents us everywhere. It is an emblematic case of a country that has achieved direct association with a varietal, reinvented it and made it a huge success on the global wine scene.

Teamwork

As in football, here there is also a team of winemakers, agronomists and industry professionals who –guided by their knowledge, teamwork and driven by passion– knew how to turn Malbec into the country’s flagship variety. Malbec is synonymous with Argentina.

Diversity

The #MalbecArgentino is the most widely cultivated variety in the country, the one with the highest production and the most demanded internationally. #MalbecArgentino is a player of the entire pitch: from north to south, Malbec is produced in 17 Argentine provinces and, in each one, gives rise to a particular expression.

It is the varietal that identifies and represents Argentina, because it is the one that best expresses the characteristics of its land and its complex diversity.

Innovation

The transformation of the wine industry in Argentina through research and innovation opened the doors for the discovery of infinite Malbec profiles depending on the type of soil, climate, proximity to the Andes Mountains or the Atlantic Ocean and, of course, according to the strategy of the Winemaker.

Prestige

#MalbecArgentino is not only the favorite among consumers, it is also known by and has the respect and recognition of the most demanding international courts and arbitrators. The scores and distinctions from wine critics, Masters of Wine, Masters Sommeliers, educators, journalists and global industry leaders reinforce its glory, celebrating and encouraging it.

Sustainability

As a champion, #MalbecArgentino has also echoed world trends, becoming a sustainable option. Today, a wide range of organic, ecological and biodynamic Malbecs populate the shelves. This reflects the commitment assumed by Argentina both in environmental matters –with good practices in reducing the carbon footprint and rational water management–, as well as at a social and economic level. Increasingly, #MalbecArgentino is raising the flag of triple impact and becoming a true agent of change.

Find out more about #MalbecArgentino 

 

Diversidad

#MalbecArgentino Champion

Malbec reflects the
diversity of Argentina

#MalbecArgentino is much more than just a wine: it expresses the identity of each region. Each bottle reflects the characteristics of our terroirs and invites us to discover the landscapes and culture of Argentina. Uncork a #MalbecArgentino today and start the adventure.

Malbec reflects the diversity of Argentina

Advances in research, the expansion of a wine frontier and the search for identity in wine has led #MalbecArgentino to show everything it is capable of, and the game is on to discover an inexhaustible range of Malbec profiles associated with the terroir.

Altitude: what makes us unique

Argentina has a handful of vineyards next to the Atlantic Ocean, but the bulk of its vineyards can be found between 600 and 2,000 meters (1,970 and 6,562 ft) above sea level in the West of the country. The highest point of Argentine viticulture reaches a staggering 3,329m (10,922ft), in the province of Jujuy.

This has caused several oases to develop at the foot of the Andes Mountains where the vines grow in very different conditions, all linked to the same factor: altitude. One of the factors that sets our wine apart is that it is the only country that incorporates altitude as a characteristic element of terroir.

Altitude regulates temperature and compensates for latitude. For every 150 meters (500 ft) of ascent the average temperature drops by 1ºC. So, between the northernmost (Jujuy) and the southernmost (Chubut) vineyards in Argentina there are 2,300 linear kilometres, the equivalent of going from Edinburgh to Marrakech or from Toronto to Havana, and the landscape changes as much as the profile of the wines. Changes that are interpreted as a terroir effect.

The altitude, combined with the latitude and proximity of the mountains gives life to a diverse range of Malbec profiles throughout Argentina. Discovering them is part of the adventure.

One. And at the same time many


Malbec is a variety of intense color, with shades of deep violet; aromas of red fruit, such as plums and cherries; notes of violet, spices and minerals. With oak ageing, it brings out chocolate, vanilla and tobacco flavours. In the mouth it is characterised by its softness and persistence and the sweetness of its tannins.

Since 2000, Argentine producers have begun to focus on origin, resulting in Malbecs that celebrate the identity of each terroir. Its noble and versatile character makes Malbec the variety that best reflects the diversity of Argentine wine regions.

The Argentine North stands out for its high altitude, low latitude and high insolation in the region, which gives Malbec a blackish color and a lot of intensity. Aromatically it is characterised by ripe black fruit and jam, combined with spicy notes of herbs or peppers, typical of the area. In the mouth it has marked tannins, excellent concentration, texture and very good length.

Located in the center-west of the country, the Cuyo region is influenced by the Andes Mountains, with varied altitudes and very heterogeneous soils. The Malbecs of Cuyo have a ruby reddish color. Aromatically they are characterised by the presence of fruits such as quince, figs and plums, and notes of caramel, wines with alcohol levels that generate sweetness and smoothness in the mouth.

In Mendoza, the departments of Luján de Cuyo and Maipú make up the Primera Zona (First Zone), the birthplace of Malbec. Here there are old plantations with remarkably good balance. The Malbec of this sub-region has a more reddish color and red fruits such as plums, cherries, raisins and some sweet floral notes such as violet stand out in the nose. The tannins of Luján de Cuyo are silky smooth and enveloping. They are also sweeter in the mouth.

The Uco Valley – made up of by the departments of Tunuyán, Tupungato and San Carlos – has colder nights and greater height. The Malbec of the Uco Valley has more vivid colors, with violet tints. A wider aromatic palette of red and black fruits appears, but also more acidic flavours such as cassis, blackberries, raspberries, currants, in addition to herbal notes such as jarilla, lavender, field herbs, resins and even some notes of graphite. In general, they are finer wines with marked acidity, which gives them greater freshness.

Patagonian Malbec achieves very good maturity due to the characteristics of the region: high latitude, lower altitude, sun and strong winds. Reddish-black hues are often perceived, and very ripe fruit aromas such as sweet red berries, jam, caramel and raisins, are noticeable in the nose. In the mouth they have high levels of tannins that give texture and structure to the wines.

The Atlantic region stands out for its pronounced thermal amplitude, its proximity to the ocean and the influence of its maritime winds, which give the Malbec intense red colors with violet hues. Wonderful aromas of liquorice, red fruits and the freshness of menthol. In the mouth this sensation of fruit and freshness is repeated, presenting itself as a stylish, elegant wine, with soft tannins and a long and delicate finish.

#MalbecArgentino for experts

VaPorTodo

#MalbecArgentino Champion

Raise a glass

Discover the wide diversity of styles that reinforce his title of undisputed champion. You can find #MalbecArgentino to celebrate with company, to pair with your favorite dish or simply to enjoy the moment in any corner of the world. And here we have some recommendations to make your search easier.

Find out where to buy #MalbecArgentino in your country!

Scroll to see our favorite stores.

UNITED STATES usa

If you own or if you work for a store in the USA and you don’t find it listed, you can add it by completing this form.

UNITED KINGDOM uk

If you own or if you work for a store in the UK and you don’t find it listed, you can add it by completing this form.

BRASIL Brasil

If you own or if you work for a store in Brazil and you don’t find it listed, you can add it by completing this form.

The best companion

Malbec is loved for its versatility: its dynamic character is captivating. It adapts to an array of terroirs and offers styles for all dishes and palates. Always evolving, it invites us to continue enjoying it.

For all tastes

Malbec’s potential, given its nobility and versatility, has opened a completely new landscape for consumers around the world who are surprised by the nuances and styles of the variety. From structured and full-bodied to fresh, light and simple-bodied. Produced as white wine, rosé, bubbly and even as sweet wine, there is a #MalbecArgentino for each of us. This has been possible thanks to the ability of Argentine winemakers to extract the best of the varietal, maintaining a constant: its superlative quality and rich flavours are present in each bottle. But beyond the advances there is something that is certain: Malbec’s potential is such that the road has just begun…

Malbec: a partner for all dishes

There are many dishes in the kitchens of the world, and as many Argentine Malbec’s to pair with them.

For Malbec, it is the ideal pairing, not only because it represents the dish most adored by Argentines, but also their favorite wine. Of course there is a radical difference between an asado and a barbecue. The simplest of all is that asado is an institution where it’s all about fire and meat, in a social gathering. Several cuts of beef are cooked with different flavours and cooking times. An asado of entraña, costillas, vacío, chorizo and morcilla, will go very well with a glass of Malbec. No matter the style.

Outside of Italy, there are few countries where pizza is a serious matter. In Argentina, and particularly in Buenos Aires, which has the best pizzerias, it is something that can be debated for hours. What nobody disputes however, is that, if a wine is required to put fuel on the fire of a discussion about Mozzarella or Napolitana – two local specialties -, it will be a Malbec. Those that best accompany the sauces and cheeses are the light ones.

Italian tradition says that pasta is eaten every Sunday. It can be made at home, but is often bought from pasta shops found in each neighbourhood, town and city. Whether stuffed with ham and cheese, spinach and ricotta, or chicken, both Raviolis and Sorrentinos will pair with a fresh, medium-bodied Malbec.

A famous dish across America, from Mexico to Argentina, is a packet of corn leaves with various fillings boiled or steamed. Each region has a different version. In Argentina it’s very popular in the northwest, with ground beef or chicken, along with corn paste, all well seasoned. There’s the key: pair well with a spicy and corpulent Malbec from the Calchaquíes valleys (North).

Similar to the tamale in that the base ingredient is corn, and it is even wrapped in a leaf according to some versions. But unlike that, the taste of humita is sweet and spicy and doesn’t contain meat. It is also typical of the northwest. With this dish, what works best are Malbec Rosé wines, which bring freshness and fruit.

This Japanese snack is now a global meal: there are very few cities in the world that don’t offer a version of sushi. As with almost all Japanese food, the issue with this dish is in the balance between the taste of the products and the abundance of umami in the soy sauce, as well as in the contrast of perfumes from wasabi. Light Malbec Rosé, Provencal style, or even the growing trend of white Malbec.

The wok, with all its versions, is the most universal dish of Chinese food in the West. With Chop Suey, you can find almost anything finely chopped with wok sautéed rice. Depending on whether it is the main ingredient or is served with beef, pork, chicken or shrimp – it will have possible pairings. In each case, there is a Malbec to go with it, from the light and medium-bodied, such as those in colder areas, to refreshing rosés.

Find out more about #MalbecArgentino

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#MalbecArgentino
over time

Argentina is the main producing country of Malbec. Since 2011 it has been the most cultivated variety in the territory and the one that has increased its surface area the most in the last 20 years. But it has come a long way to become the emblem of our country and the paradigm of #VinoArgentino.

MWD

Malbec World Day (MWD) is a global initiative created by Wines of Argentina that seeks to position #MalbecArgentino in the world and highlight the success of our national wine industry.

Held for the first time on April 17, 2011, MWD managed to position itself as a historic event in the promotion of #VinoArgentino worldwide and is now part of the international calendar. This campaign has the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship and the Argentine Wine Corporation (COVIAR), and is part of the Argentina 2020 Strategic Wine Plan.

Every year, Wines of Argentina organise an array of activities in the main export markets, in addition to events organised by Argentine representatives abroad and independent initiatives that place Malbec at the center of a global toast. The immense impact achieved by this activity has led to the experience being replicated within the country as well by the Provincial Governments of Argentina and local entities.

Learn more about the history of #MalbecArgentino

Malbec in numbers

There are many ways to recount a success: with a story, a tale or with numbers that describe trends. In terms of Malbec, numbers say more than words. These are the digits that define #MalbecArgentino.

109,686

Ac. cultivated

109,686 acres is the surface planted with Malbec (for vinification) in Argentina up to 2019 (INV – 12/31/2019). Malbec represents 39% of the red varieties and 22,4% of the total cultivated surface (for vinification) in the country.

171%

increase

171% has grown the area planted with Malbec in Argentina since 2000 to date, the equivalent of 69,290 acres (28.040 hectares). Since 2011 Malbec is the most cultivated variety in the country and the one that has increased its surface the most.

4,303,510

quintals

4,303,510 quintals of Malbec were harvested in 2019, registering a 99.8% growth in the period 2008-2019. Thus, Argentina is the main producing country of Malbec in the world.

85%

Mendoza

85% of Malbec corresponds to Mendoza, by far the most important province in terms of this varietal. Luján de Cuyo is the area with the most Malbec and accounts for 22% of the total, while the entire Uco Valley covers 40%, including San Carlos, Tunuyán and Tupungato. The rest is divided between the eastern and southern oases. In this way, when expressing flavours, the mentioned regions are very important.

79,3 MM

Lt. exported

79,3 million litres of Malbec were exported in 2019. It is by far Argentina’s most exported varietal. Measured in foreign currencies, Malbec exports reached 327 million dollars the same year.

124

countries

124 countries have received at least one shipment of Malbec in the last year (2019). The one that received the most was the United States, with 2.9 million boxes; the least, Ethiopia, with about three units. Among the highlighted destinations, we must mention the United Kingdom, with 1,6 million boxes, Brazil, with 734,141 units, and Canada, which reached 632,446. The highest average price per box was achieved by South Korea, with 202,80 US dollars (Source: Caucasia Wine Thinking).

10,922 ft

highest vineyard

10,922 feet a.s.l. / 3.329 m.a.s.l, the highest Malbec vineyard in Argentina. It is located in the town of Uquía, Jujuy, in the northwest of Argentina, and while we’re on records, between the vineyards of the northernmost Malbec (Jujuy) and the southernmost (Chubut), there are 2,300 linear kilometres. These are -of course- extreme points, since Malbec’s epicentre is concentrated in an area around latitude 33º South.