06/04/08 Argentina Part 1

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran. On previous programs we discussed the wines of Chile. Today let's move into another well known South American wine area  Argentina. Argentina is the largest wine producer in South America and 5th largest in the world. Due to the high altitude and low humidity of the main wine producing regions, Argentine vineyards rarely face the problems of insects, fungi, molds and other diseases that affect grapes in other countries. This permits cultivating with little or no pesticides, allowing even organic wines to be easily produced. Argentine wine, as with some aspects of Argentine cuisine, has its roots in Spain. In 1557, during the Spanish colonization Juan Cedrón brought the first vine cuttings to Santiago del Estero, and the cultivation of the grape and wine production stretched first to neighbouring regions, and then to other parts of the country. Many different varieties of grapes are cultivated in Argentina. The French brough Malbec, which makes most of Argentina's best known wines. The Italians brought vines they call Bonarda, Argentine Bonarda appears to be the grape known as Charbono in California, which may be related to Dolcetto. Although, it has nothing in common with the light fruity wines made in Piedmont. Torrontés is another typically Argentine grape and is a member of the Malvasia group that makes aromatic white wines. However, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay and other international favorites are becoming more widely planted. Join me tomorrow as we continue our discussion about Argebtine wines and thanks for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.