Argentina
Argentina is located on the
southeastern coast of South America, between the Andes Mountains, and
the Atlantic Ocean. Argentina ranks as the fourth largest wine producer
in the world, and the largest in South America.
Most of the vineyards are
in the northwestern part of the country, in the foothills of the Andes.
The mountains provide a rain shadow from the Pacific Ocean, while the
melting snow from the mountains provide plenty of water for irrigation.
The climatic influence of the Atlantic Ocean provides light summer rains,
and a dry winter season.
Argentina has a multicultural
identity, as complex as that of the United States. Immigrants from Spain,
Italy, France, and most of Europe settled here around the turn of the
century. These immigrants brought with them native European vines to
supply their taste with European wine varieties, French Malbec, Spanish
Torrontés and Tempranillo, and Italian Sangiovese, Nebbiolo,
Dolcetto, Barbera, and Lambrusco.
