The Spanish conquerors brought wine to Argentina in 1556, and the vines were then developed by monasteries. The leading vine was the long-living Criolla. Even today this vine's percentage is quite high. French and Spainsh immigrants brought their knowledge and made Argentina to a modern wine-country within the last century.
Thanks to a finely developed irrigation system the Mendoza province is one of the most famous regions. 90% of the country's wine comes from here and its neighbor San Juan. Most of the vineyards are on the slopes of the Andes foothills. The pampa (the fertile flatlands) aren't suitable for viniculture.
many different table wines were produced up until the 1970's. Since the simple vines were replaced by more complex ones, quality has risen. The favorites are Pedro Giménez followed by Moscatel de Alejandria, Torrontés, Chenin Blanc, Ugni Blanc and Chardonnay for white wines. The rosé wines are made from Cereza and Criolla Grande vines For red wines we find Bonarda, Malbec, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Merlot.
Wine laws are being developed. The Denominaciones de Origen (DOC) are already valid in some areas.
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