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What are Wines of Argentina’s main goals at Vinexpo Asia this year?
We’re looking to expand the presence of Argentine wines in our main Asian markets and reach potential new export destinations. We have 16 wineries from Argentina participating in Vinexpo Asia, and we want to strengthen our position in the region.
Why are in-person events like Vinexpo Asia so important for the industry?
It is an opportunity for wineries to reach out to potential clients. Wineries have the chance to meet potential buyers face-to-face and build trusting relationships, as well as keep in touch with existing clients. Also, it’s a good way to learn about the local market, and keep abreast of market developments. Wine is special in that it needs to be tasted. Potential buyers can meet winemakers directly and at the same time try different products.
What can you tell us about the “Women in Argentina” programme at Wines of Argentina? Why is this important?
Wines of Argentina is committed to taking clears steps to advance equal opportunities in the workplace, the market, and in the community. We’re developing strategies for equality between men and women. Breaking down gender stereotypes is a challenge that we must tackle together, with the goal of changing the culture from within our organisations. This means institutionalising best practices in terms of fairness. In doing so we hope to inspire other wine producers to follow our lead.
What are some of the main trends in Argentine winemaking right now?
Argentine producers have been exploring cooler regions in an effort to produce fresher wines. These include higher elevation areas in the Uco Valley in Mendoza, Alto Valle in Rio Negro, Patagonia, and the Atlantic coast. There is an emphasis as well toward producing lighter reds, which is why Argentine producers are turning to grapes such as Pinot Noir in the Uco Valley and Patagonia.
We’re best known for our red wines, but Argentina is also having a lot of success with whites such as as Chardonnay, Semillon and Chenin blanc. Also, there’s a push toward more organic and biodynamic wines. In just five years, the number of organic certifications awarded in Argentina has grown by 50%, reaching 170 vineyards and 60 wineries.
Finally, Argentina is looking to develop under-explored styles such as orange wines, which lend themselves well to aromatic varietals such as Torrontés and Malvasia. We want to move into more exotic territory.
How important is the Asian market for Argentine wines?
The Asian market is very important to Argentina. China is one of our key markets, but we also see huge potential for growth in South Korea, Singapore, and Japan.
Argentina has a number of characteristics that set its wines apart on the world stage, according to Sherry Pei. For starters, the areas suitable for wine growing cover a vast territory: from the Central Andes mountain range to the Atlantic Ocean, and from Salta in the north to Patagonia in the far south.
The country is also home to a large number of high-altitude vineyards, where cold nights give way to hot, sunny days. It’s no coincidence that an image of the sun features so prominently on the Argentine flag. All that sunshine (300+ days per year, in some places) combined with dry weather make for ideal growing conditions.
Argentina boasts some enviable soil conditions as well, with a low composition of organic material. And meltwater from mountain snows limits hydric stress, the Wines of Argentina representative pointed out.
What’s more, the country has a diversity of grape varieties, including Cabernet, Syrah and Bonarda, for red wines, and Chardonnay, Torrontes and Sauvignon Blanc, for fruity whites.
The country’s signature varietal, of course, is Malbec, and that, says Sherry Pei, is another big plus for Argentina. Malbec is a particularly versatile grape, perfect for easy-to-drink wines (with silky rounded sweet tannins) but also apt for premium, full-bodied wines with with complex notes and aromas.
