Wine, a revered beverage throughout the ages, carries with it a history that is rich, deep, and multifaceted and, when mingled with the world of cocktails, a whole new layer of creativity and culture is born. Wine cocktails are not just a recent trend fuelled by modern experimentation, but are rather deeply rooted in global traditions, with France and Spain often at the heart of such creations. Yet, beyond the mimosa, Kir Royale, and sangria, Argentina is developing as an unsung hero in the wine cocktail world, its distinctive grape varieties and vibrant social scenes transforming wine cocktails into unique expressions of its cultural identity. The history of wine cocktails can be traced back to the early days of winemaking itself, since, after all, wine was never confined to being enjoyed solely in its purest form.

In ancient times, mixing wine with various ingredients like honey, spices, and herbs was common as this practice was partially a necessity, since wines were often unstable. Enhancing them therefore with other flavours helped improve their palatability, giving way to early concoctions that were medicinal in nature, touted for their health benefits, that would become a staple in Roman feasts and Greek symposia. Fast-forward to more recent history, where we find France at the forefront of wine cocktail innovation with the introduction of the mimosa, a simple yet elegant blend of champagne and orange juice. Inspired by its predecessor, the Buck’s Fizz, which originated in London using slightly more champagne, the mimosa captured the imagination of the French with its lighter, more refined proportions, making its debut in the early 20th century. It quickly became a favourite at upscale brunches and daytime celebrations after which came the Kir, a blend of white wine (typically Bourgogne Aligoté) and crème de cassis. Named after Canon Félix Kir, the mayor of Dijon, it became a symbol of French hospitality and later evolved into the Kir Royale, where champagne takes the place of still wine.

In Spain, sangria became the emblematic wine cocktail with its name derived from “sangre,” meaning blood, which alludes to its characteristically deep red hue. Sangria began as a rustic punch, made by mixing red (or white) wine with fruit, sugar, and a touch of brandy or other spirits, and was traditionally served during harvest season or at festive gatherings. While France and Spain may have been the originators of the concept, Argentina has embraced wine cocktails with a fervour and flair all its own. As one of the world’s largest wine producers, and the global capital of Malbec, Argentina’s oenological landscape is dominated by bold reds and crisp whites that lend themselves beautifully to creative mixing, allowing for wine to be integrated into everyday life. In fact, wine cocktails in Argentina are not just confined to bars and restaurants, instead they are woven into the social fabric where it is usually enjoyed at asados (barbecues), family gatherings, and casual hangouts.

A classic example of an Argentine wine cocktail is the Tincho, named after its creator Aldo “Tincho” Caputo, which is made with Argentina’s beloved emblematic white Torrontés grape, chilled and served over ice, with a slice of lemon and a splash of soda water. The Tincho is the epitome of Argentina’s approach to wine cocktails: refreshing, unpretentious, and full of local character. The Clericó, which is often compared to Spain’s Sangria, is another beloved classic but with a distinctive Argentine twist. While Sangria is typically made with red wine, “Clericó” often uses white wine or sparkling wine as a base, mixed with an abundance of tropical fruits like oranges, apples, peaches, and sometimes bananas. Served chilled, it is a festive drink, particularly popular in the country’s northern regions, where the heat demands something cool and revitalising.

Of course, no discussion of Argentina’s wine culture would be complete without a nod to Malbec, the grape that has become synonymous with Argentine winemaking. Its deep colour, rich fruit flavours, and velvety texture make it a natural choice for wine cocktails that pack a punch. One increasingly popular cocktail that showcases Malbec is the Malbec Spritz, an Argentine take on the classic Italian Aperol Spritz which sees Malbec replace Prosecco, creating a darker, fruitier cocktail. The addition of sparkling water and a splash of Aperol or Campari lightens the drink, making it an excellent option for those who enjoy the complexity of Malbec but seek a more refreshing, low-alcohol alternative.

In today’s fifth and final instalment of “Southern Charm”, Thursday Food introduces South America’s newest wine cocktails from Argentina:

•Emilia Clarea Cocktail is a sparkling wine cocktail that has an alcoholic volume content of 7.2 per cent. Produced in Mendoza by Bodega Nieto Senetiner, this beverage contains both Semillón and Chenin grape varieties. Its colour is crystalline greenish yellow and it presents flavours of lemon, elderflower, vanilla and ginger.

•Emilia Sangria Cocktail comprises a mixture of Malbec and Bonarda grapes and has alcoholic volume content of 7.1 per cent. This sparkling cocktail expresses flavours of orange, botanicals and lemon juice while it exhibits a dark pink crystalline colour.

•Emilia Spritz Cocktail is made up of Pinot Noir and Malbec grapes grown in Mendoza by Bodega Nieto Senetiner. With an alcoholic volume content of 7.1 per cent, its flavour is slightly bitter with an orange taste and its colour is crystalline pink.

•Emilia Rosé Cocktail is another sparkling wine cocktail in this series by Bodega Nieto Senetiner that was made using Syrah and Bonarda grapes from its vineyards in Mendoza. The beverage, which has an alcoholic volume content of 7.1 per cent, is a crystalline pink colour with flavours of grapefruit, hibiscus and lime.

Argentina’s culinary scene continues to rise on the global stage, enabling it to showcase the very best of its viticultural offerings that are a testament to its innovative spirit, combined with its rich winemaking traditions. While the roots of wine cocktails may lie in the ancient wine cultures of Europe, Argentina has carved out its own niche, offering a fresh perspective on how wine can be enjoyed, promoting cocktails as diverse and dynamic as the country’s landscape. As the world continues to explore new ways of enjoying wine, Argentina is poised to lead the charge, not just as a wine producer but as a cultural tastemaker. Cheers to the wine cocktails of Argentina, where tradition meets innovation in every glass. Salud!