Best Argentinian Alcoholic Beverage Types
Malbec originally comes from southwest France, but recently it has become one of the most important grape varieties in Argentina, where it developed an entirely different flavor profile. Due to the unique geographic and climatic features, Argentinian Malbec usually displays fruity notes of cherries, strawberries, or plums that are complemented by soft and velvety tannins.
When aged in oak, the wine usually develops chocolate, vanilla, tobacco, or cocoa nuances. Argentinian Malbec is best paired with grilled or roasted beef, especially leaner cuts such as skirt steak, but it can also work well with pork or poultry.
THE BEST Malbec Argentina Wine Varieties
Amargo Obrero is a dark brown bitter characterized by its herbal, almost licorice flavor. It was initially created in 1887 as a response to the sweet drinks of the upper classes, and since then it has been known as the aperitif of the Argentine people and a working-class drink.
Although it can be enjoyed on its own, Amargo is typically used in mixed drinks, and while the standard is to couple it with tonic, other suggestions include grapefruit juice, coke, or sparkling water. The drink is bottled at 19.9% ABV.
Torrontés Riojano is a white Argentinian grape that is used in the production of the namesake varietal wine. These light-bodied wines are usually perfumed and aromatic, while they typically display a wide array of fruity and floral aromas which are complemented by well-balanced, bright acidity.
They are best enjoyed young and can match a variety of fish dishes, as well as veal or pork based courses. The grape is dominant in the northern Salta and La Rioja regions, and it is related to Torrontés Sanjuanino and Torrontés Mendocino varieties.
Although it originated in Savoie, where it is known as Douce Noir, this red grape variety has shown great potential in Argentina. The grape is dominantly planted in Mendoza wine region, and up until recently, it has been the most commonly planted grape in the country. Bonarda is used in blends, as well as high-quality varietals that are typically light-bodied and fruity, with moderate tannins and well-balanced acidity.
These pleasant and approachable wines usually display aromas of cherries, plums, and cloves, and can match various dishes, from tomato-based pasta dishes to hearty meat-based courses. Argentinian Bonarda should not be mistaken with the Italian Bonarda Piemontese.
Invented by an American Melville Sewell Bagley, this orange-based aperitif was created in Buenos Aires, and it was initially launched in 1864. Hesperidina is characterized by its aromas of fresh oranges and herbs, while its flavor is reminiscent of bitter oranges.
Although it can be enjoyed on its own, the drink is often mixed with tonic water and can also be used as a cocktail ingredient. Interestingly, Hesperidina was the first protected trademark in Argentina.
Traditionally prepared in Northwest Argentina and the Argentine Chaco region, aloja de chaucha is an alcoholic beverage that is made by fermenting the fruit of white or black carob (Prosopis alba or Prosopis nigra). A paste of crushed ripe carob beans (carob chauchas) is combined with water and it's then allowed to ferment in a dark place for several days or more than two weeks.
The fermentation process gives the beverage a pleasant flavor, an orange-like hue, and alcoholic content that increases with extended fermentation. This alcoholic beverage is typically enjoyed chilled, and it is traditionally consumed during the community ceremony known as the Fiesta of the Chiqui, taking place in the villages of the La Rioja and Catamarca provinces.
Best Argentinian Alcoholic Beverage Producers
Catena Zapata is a renowned Argentinian winery located in the Mendoza region, celebrated for pioneering high-altitude viticulture and producing world-class Malbec wines. Founded in 1902, this family-owned winery is led by the Catena family, who have played a crucial role in elevating Argentina's wine reputation globally.
Catena Zapata focuses on sustainable practices and meticulous vineyard management, especially in the Andean foothills, where they grow their grapes at various altitudes to enhance complexity and character.
AWARDS

James Suckling - 100 points
2024

Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2021

Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2017, 2016
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
BEST Hilbing Gin Spirits
AWARDS

USA Wine Ratings - Gold
2021, 2020
BEST Artel Inc. Wines
AWARDS

U.S. Open Beer Championship - Gold
2023

Great American Beer Festival - Gold
2022

World Beer Cup - Gold
2022
BEST Slice Beer Co. Beers
Viña Cobos is a renowned winery located in Mendoza, Argentina, established in 1998 by the esteemed winemaker Paul Hobbs. Since its inception, Viña Cobos has become internationally recognized for its expertise in producing luxury-class wines and is a world leader in Malbec quality.
The winery focuses on creating wines that naturally express the terroir from which they originate, emphasizing elegance, power, and balance. This is achieved through meticulous vineyard management, where craftsmanship and respect for the land are fundamental.
AWARDS

James Suckling - 99 points
2024

Vivino - 4.8
BEST Viña Cobos Wines
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2020

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2022, 2020
BEST Marqués de la Concordia Wines
AWARDS

USA Wine Ratings - Gold
2021
BEST Cuvelier Los Andes Wines
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
BEST MADOC Spirits
AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2024

Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2019
BEST Finca Flichman Wines
AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2024
BEST Viña Doña Paula Wines
Best Argentinian Alcoholic Beverages
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2024
AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2024
Bosque Nativo is the flagship product of the Bosque Gin brand, representing the essence and origin of their offering. This classic London dry gin is made from wild Patagonian juniper, handpicked by small producers from the communities of El Bolsón and Lago Puelo in Chubut Province, Argentina.
The botanicals and citrus present in Bosque Nativo aim to encapsulate the full flavor of native forests in a distillate that celebrates and calls for their preservation. Bosque Nativo has been awarded the title of the best contemporary gin in Argentina and is available in 500 ml bottles with 42% alcohol content.
AWARDS

London Spirits Competition - Gold
2024
Adrianna Vineyard White Bones Chardonnay 2022 is a premium white wine from Bodega Catena Zapata, one of Argentina's most esteemed wineries. This 100% Chardonnay is sourced from select rows within Block 1 of the Adrianna Vineyard, situated at nearly 5,000 feet elevation in the Gualtallary sub-district of the Tupungato region.
The vineyard's name, "White Bones," refers to the calcareous deposits, limestone, and fossilized animal bones found in the soil—remnants of an ancient river that once flowed through the area. This unique soil composition imparts distinctive floral aromatics and earthy minerality to the wine.
AWARDS

James Suckling - 100 points
2024
AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2022
AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2022
AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2022
AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2023


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