Argentina

The fifth-largest wine producing nation in the world is cut off from the Pacific Ocean and its regions are defined by their altitude. Many of the best vineyards lie over 1000m above sea level and most are at least 600m above sea level. It is this cooling influence which enables quality wines to be made; most of the country is very dry and hot.

The region around Mendoza accounts for about 70% of Argentina’s wine production.

Argentina was planted with vines by Spanish colonisers in the mid-16th century. Widespread immigration from Italy and Spain in the mid-19th century (and later from France) bestowed Argentina with its eclectic mix of grape varieties.