Argentina is fifth largest wine producer yet remains mystery for Irish drinkers

PRODUCING EXCITING WINES

Besides Mendoza in the central area, La Rioja and San Juan have emerged as notable wine growing areas, with Syrah again producing exciting wines, while recent plantings of Tempranillo are promising.

Down south in Patagonia, winemakers in La Pampa, Rio Negro and Chubut are excited about Pinot Noir, Merlot and Syrah. These are exciting times for the wines of Argentina, which can no longer be labelled a Malbec one-trick pony!

At a recent masterclass and tasting I was mightily impressed by the Bodega Clarascura Cabernet Franc (ABV 14.5%), at €17.50 from good independents.

With single vineyard fruit from Vista Flores in the Uco Valley, central Mendoza, it has intense, dark red fruit flavours with herbal notes and a hint of oak.