5 Facts To Understand Pinot Noir from Argentina
Pinot Noir is, no doubt, one of the most important grape varieties that exist worldwide. Check these 5 Facts to quickly understand how it performs in Argentina!
Pinot Noir classic color
Pinot Noir (also known as Pinot Negro) is originally from the Borgoña region in France, and it is planted in various places around the world, mainly in cold zones where it achieves its full potential. Some of these places include: Willamette in Oregon; Carneros; the Central Coast and the Russian River area of California; the South African region of Walker Bay; Tasmania, the Yatta Valley, and the Central Otago regions of Australia; and Matinborough and Marlborough in New Zeland.
What are the characteristics of wines elaborated from the Pinot Noir varietal?
No matter the region, this grape has particular features that distinguish it from the rest:
- Low levels of phenolic compounds, which translate into a low intensity color
- Low levels of tannins
- Medium body
- Fresh, red fruit aromas
Pinot Noir in Argentina
1. Cultivated Area
The province of Mendoza has the largest quantity of Pinot Noir in the country, covering an area of 1,508 ha (73.7%), followed by Neuquén with 233 ha (11.4%), Rio Negro with 133ha (6.5%) and the other remaining provinces with 171 ha (8.4%).
In the province of Mendoza, the largest surface of planted Pinot Noir can be found in the departments of Tupungato (39.1%) and Tunuyán (21.3%), followed by San Carlos, Luján de Cuyo and San Rafael. The three largest departments in the Uco Valley (Tupungato, Tunuyán y San Carlos) account for 71.3% of the Pinot Noir in this province.
2. A Promising Zone
One of the areas in Mendoza that has had the most recent growth for the Pinot Noir varietal is San Pablo, located in Tupungato, Uco Valley. This growth is due to the similarities between this area’s soils and those in France. Limestone and volcanic ash compounds predominate. It is also enhanced with the thermal amplitude and the altitude of the area.
3. Commercialization
According to the latest trends, the commercialization of varietal wines elaborated with Pinot Noir in Argentina has grown by 57.7% in the past 10 years.
Nonetheless, the sales of this varietal in the foreign market are also sloping downward, decreasing by up to 13.5% in the last 10 years.
4. Foreign Market
Argentina exports Pinot Noir to more than 20 countries. Those in the lead by quantity purchased are: USA (29.4%), Brazil, (18.8%), Denmark (7.6%), UK (6%) and Canada (4.7%)
5. It’s Not All Just Traditional Wine
Just like in many parts of the world, Argentina uses a percentage of its Pinot Noir production to elaborate sparkling wines. This is due to Pinto Noir’s good acidity levels, medium body, and firm structure; thus achieving a great final product.
Pinot Noir Recommended by VinoApp
Diego Rosso Pinot Noir, San Pablo, Valle de Uco, Argentina. BUY IT here!
Diego Rosso Wines Pinot Noir
92 Points ($38) – Click for full rating. Here we have an excellent example of the potential of Pinot Noir in Argentina. Attractive on the nose, there are notes of eucalyptus and mint. Cinnamon, anise, ripe fruit, fennel, caramel and mocha too. Sweet in its attack, it portrays a notable acidity. Bearer of powerful tannins and a medium body. Its finish is long, with a replica of the notes found on the nose.
