By Clodagh Dowson
If you drink wine, chances are you’ve probably had a Malbec from Mendoza at some point. But how did Mendoza become Argentina’s largest wine region? And what makes wines from Mendoza so delicious?
Now the fifth largest winemaking country in the world despite being a New World wine territory, everyone knows that Argentina produces delicious reds – but not everyone is familiar with the country’s largest wine region: Mendoza. Accounting for 75% of Argentia’s vineyards and being the global leader in Malbec production, this Illinois-sized region spanning across central-western Argentina is blessed with the perfect geographical landscape and environmental conditions to produce outstanding wine.
History of Mendoza
Dating back to Spain’s colonisation of Argentina, Mendoza’s winemaking industry began at the start of the 16th century and continued to grow when missionaries began to produce red wine for communions. In the late 1800s, Argentina’s winemaking and grape culture was influenced heavily by mass immigration from European countries such as Spain and Italy, and by the 1990s Argentina’s wine economy was booming thanks to political stability.
Geography of Mendoza
Located at the foot of the Andes, Mendoza is protected from the Pacific Ocean’s wet weather by the mountain range. Despite being dry and sunny, Mendoza also has its own natural irrigation system thanks to snowmelt from the Andes infiltrating the region’s vineyards. The high altitude of Mendoza also increases the vineyards’ UV exposure, which enhances the colours and flavours of the grapes whilst the coolness of the altitude enables them to retain acidity and freshness. This altitude is what gives Malbecs from Mendoza that distinctive red cherry flavour and ability to age well. What’s more, the region is predominantly flat and free from pests, meaning that winegrowers face few issues in grape growth and have increased influence over ripening. In true Argentinian fashion, pair red wines from Mendoza with a fat, juicy steak! For the veggies out there, aged cheeses and roasted vegetables like red pepper and aubergine also compliment the region’s hearty red wines beautifully.
Characteristics of Grapes in Mendoza
Whilst Mendoza is best known for its red grapes (Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Bonarda), white grapes such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc have also become more widely planted across the region in recent years. Mendoza’s white wines tend to be refreshing, acidic and aromatic thanks to the altitude and cooler climate.
The Wines
Bodegas Caro Aruma Malbec | Waddesdon Manor
Malbec is all the rage in the UK, and has been for a few years. The grape variety flourishes in Mendoza, and it would be fair to say it produces the best results on the planet. As with any grape, the careful hand of the producer means everything – let’s be clear no-one knows Malbec better than the Catena family, and DBR Lafite are among the finest wine producers on the planet. It’s no surprise then that this fruit-filled, punchy and utterly gorgeous Malbec delivers oodles of luscious black fruit and spice. This vintage represents a return to form for Aruma with notes of violets, cassis and chocolate covered blueberry. Great stuff!
Flechas de Los Andes Gran Corte | Waddesdon Manor
Inky purple hues with hints of garnet. The incredible intensity on the nose boasts notes of rich blueberry juice, coffee, beef stock, blackcurrant, vanilla, cocoa and spice. The palate is full bodied, with deliciously fine tannins and exceptional length on the finish. This is a big, powerful yet refined wine; one of our favourites’ here at Waddesdon. The palate feels compact and the wine has such confidence. After a few hours in a decanter this vintage feels so complete. It has energy, balance, richness, texture, weight and complexity – all in equal measure. Take a bow the team at Flechas de Los Andes – this is epic stuff.
Bodegas Caro | Waddesdon Manor
This wine has a dark, intense colour, with hints of violet. The nose reveals a complex mix of aromas including raspberry, black pepper, violets, cloves and subtle notes of dark chocolate. On the palate the wine is well-balanced with a refreshing acidity and ripe tannins that contribute to the harmony and smoothness of the palate. This wine will reveal its complexity with further bottle ageing.
