Argentina

Argentina is one of the worlds largest four wine producers. However, the industry is suffering because most of this production was for local consumption and as trends lead young drinkers towards more popular drinks such as beer and cola, wine consumption has dropped to less than half of what it used to be. The Andes mountain range supplies most of the water that the otherwise dry region uses for production. Although mass varieties of Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon have been planted, Argentina also grows Spanish and Italian varieties like Tempranillo, Bonarda and Barbera. Two superstar varieties appearing in the wine scene include the Torrontes and the Malbec. The Torrontes makes white wine with a rich bouquet and structured body while the Malbec makes a deep black-red wine that is peppery and smooth. Argentinean wine regions include Mendoza, the center of all production, Salta, Rio Negro, San Juan and La Rioja.