Argentina’s diverse terroirs have inspired a new relationship with Merlot and Tempranillo, two European-origin varietals that have found unique expressions in the Andean foothills. Originating in Bordeaux, Merlot is known for its delicate, fruit-forward profile with flavours of red fruits like plum and berry, and in warmer climates, deep notes of black fruits and spices. The versatility of this grape has allowed it to thrive in Argentina, especially in cooler, high-altitude regions such as Patagonia and Mendoza’s Uco Valley. Despite its relatively small footprint in Argentina, the Merlot grape has been cherished by winemakers seeking to craft lighter, approachable wines that balance fruitiness with a subtle, yet smooth structure.

In fact, Merlot’s ability to adapt has helped it find favour among Argentine vintners, who often blend it with Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to create unique Bordeaux-style blends. One of this grape’s distinguishing qualities in Argentina is its early harvest season, usually around early March, which gives it a fresh character and helps it avoid the hottest part of the season. Argentinian Merlot tends to showcase softer tannins and a lower acidity, which makes it a compelling pairing for local cuisine such as roasted meats, empanadas, and grilled vegetables. Despite its lower production levels compared to Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon, it has steadily gained popularity among winemakers in Patagonia, where the cool climate and rocky soils produce complex, full-bodied Merlots with refined tannins. As Argentina’s wine industry grows, there’s great potential for Merlot to expand its presence, particularly through single-varietal expressions that highlight its compatibility with Argentina’s terroir and winemaking style.

Tempranillo’s journey to Argentina dates back to the early 20th century, when it was first brought into the country by Spanish immigrants. Renowned for its adaptability, Tempranillo found a new home in this country, particularly in the sun-drenched vineyards of Mendoza, La Rioja, and San Juan. This grape, a staple in Spain’s renowned Rioja region, has historically been versatile in adapting to diverse climates, and in Argentina, has developed characteristics that are distinct from its Spanish counterparts. In Mendoza’s higher elevations, Tempranillo benefits from cooler nights, which preserve its acidity and highlight its structure. This results in Argentine Tempranillo wines that are simultaneously rich and balanced, with pronounced flavours of red cherry, plum, and earthy undertones.

This grape is also commonly used in blends, paired alongside Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon to create structured yet fruit-forward wines. Argentina’s version of the wine often leans toward a fuller-bodied style compared to its Spanish counterparts, with a deeper colour and softer tannins, a nod to the regional preference for ripe, bold flavours. In the regions of San Juan and La Rioja, Tempranillo wines take on a bolder profile as these areas are well known for their sunlit expanses and low rainfall, providing ideal conditions for growing a robust, flavourful Tempranillo. The grape’s versatility has allowed it to adapt well in Argentina, where it has become a local favourite in rustic, full-bodied expressions that pair well with traditional Argentine foods like asado, slow-cooked meats, and richly spiced dishes.

Annually during the month of November, vinophiles the world over commemorate International Merlot Day on November 7, 2024 as well as International Tempranillo Day, celebrated on the second Thursday of the month, which this year falls on November 14, 2024. Today, Thursday Food celebrates both grapes by introducing six of the best labels made in Argentina:

Toro Centenario Tempranillo, a 100 per cent varietal made by Bodega Toro Centenario in the Maipú region of Mendoza, is red in colour with well-marked violet flashes. It expresses fruity aromas on the nose with blackberries and currants standing out, mixed with spices such as nutmeg and smokiness from contact with wood. On the palate, it has a pleasant entry with round and sweet tannins, as well as being very balanced with a long finish on the palate.

Portillo Tempranillo by Bodega Salentein comprises 100 per cent Tempranillo grapes that are grown at the winery’s Uco Valley vineyards. Ruby red in colour, it expresses aromas of ripe red fruits, such as plum, cherry and blackberry. In the mouth, this wine is fresh and fruity, with sweet tannins and good concentration.

Familia Gascón Tempranillo, a 100 per cent varietal produced by Escorihuela Gascon Winery in Agrelo, Mendoza, is a bright ruby red wine with violet reflections. Its aromas are reminiscent of fresh black fruits, herbs and spices, complemented by hints of vanilla and toasted oak. On the palate, it is balanced with simple flavours and a medium body, having sweet tannins to give it a medium, pleasant and tasty finish.

Bianchi Particular Merlot is made from 86 per cent Merlot, 8 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon and 6 per cent Petit Verdot by Bodega Bianchi at Finca Doña Elsa located in San Rafael, Provincia de Mendoza. This wine has a medium-intensity garnet red colour with carmine highlights, which denotes an appropriate evolution for the vintage of this wine. Its intense and delicate aromas of red fruits are combined with spicy touches that are highlighted by the delicate presence of the wood, combining for an elegant scent on the nose. With a very good presence in the mouth, it enters smoothly and extends to the end, showing the silkiness of its aged tannins that, by recovering the fruity and wood aromas, harmoniously merge into a single expression of elegance.

Angélica Zapata Merlot Alta is another elegant and complex wine with a violet-red colour and ruby glints. It has a delicate nose and stands out with aromas reminiscent of red forest fruits and soft notes of spices such as black pepper and cloves, provided by the grapes from the La Pirámide vineyard, and aromas of ripe red and black fruits such as cassis and currants provided grapes grown at the Adrianna vineyard. The ageing in oak provides soft notes of spices and vanilla while on the palate, this 100 per cent Merlot by Mendoza’s Catena Zapata, has a sweet impact and is medium-bodied, very balanced with the acidity in addition to having very soft and round tannins that offer a long and pleasant finish.

Kaiken Ultra Merlot, which comprises 93 per cent Merlot and 7 per cent Cabernet Franc, is made by Kaiken Wines from grapes grown in the Vistalba area of Mendoza. This is a wine with an intense and bright ruby red colour, that exhibits aromas of cassis, red berry jam and spicy notes. It has great structure, silky tannins and a long finish.

Argentina’s adaptability, driven by innovative vintners and ideal terroirs, suggests that Merlot and Tempranillo will continue to flourish and diversify, creating new expressions that honour both their heritage and their new Andean home. The future may hold a more significant role for these grapes in Argentina’s diverse portfolio, offering wine lovers around the world a taste of how Argentina’s terroirs transform these European grapes into something distinctly Argentine. Salud!