Argentinean wine is a rapidly evolving story. Once largely overlooked, today Argentina is the world's fifth largest wine producer. The latest fine wine chapter is currently being written in the high-altitude vineyards of Salta and the cool southern region Patagonia.

Like neighbouring Chile, Argentina benefits from natural vine-growing advantages. The altitude of Argentina's newest vineyards - some as high as 2,400 metres - would seem unthinkable by European standards, yet it's here that some of the most exciting wines are grown.

Warm days and cool nights provide a long, slow ripening period - so more aromatic grapes - and dry mountain air guards against vine disease.

Malbec is as important to Argentina as Shiraz is to Australia. It's among the country's most widely planted varieties and the grape behind its finest reds. But that is only part of the story. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Syrah are joined by more eclectic grapes such as Tannat and Bonarda. Among whites, Chardonnay, Viognier, Verdelho and the distinctive Torrontés thrive.

Investment from world-famous names such as Moët et Chandon, Château Cheval Blanc (of Bordeaux) and international giant Pernod Ricard (owners of Jacob's Creek) have secured Argentina's wine future.

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  Popular Grapes

  Malbec, Bonarda, Torrontés, Verdelho, Pinot Noir

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  Famous Producers

  Fabre Montmayou, Andean vineyards, Colome, La Riojana

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  Principal Regions

  Mendoza, San Juan, Famatina Valley, Patagonia, Salta, Catamarca

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  Climate

  Continental

Did you know?

• With its deep-rooted Spanish and Italian heritage, Argentina has one of the strongest natural wine cultures of any country outside Europe.
• Malbec was brought to Argentina from pre-phylloxera France in the 1850s making the quality of its Malbec vines today second to none.
• Argentina boasts some of the world's highest vineyards with several now planted at over 2,000 metres.