In 2022, Argentine wines gained international recognition for their high quality once again, with many wineries launching new products. The process of boosting regional producers was accelerated with new establishments in non-traditional winemaking provinces such as Buenos Aires. All categories of wines were well-received in the global markets and while red wines reigned supreme, other varietals made their mark on the world stage last year. The country has steadily grown its rosé (rosado) wine segment year on year with this category trending upwards in the local market, according to the National Institute of Viticulture (INV). Not unlike what is happening globally, blush wines are greatly consumed and are enjoyed by a wide range of consumers for a multitude of occasions. Such is the popularity of the rosé that in these pages, this writer introduced The Pink List of must-have blush wines for Spring (2022) and more recently, Blushing Romance highlighting the best Rosados for Valentine’s Day.

In fact, the ever-growing cadre of blush wine devotees has seen global wine producers taking notice and ensuring rosés are not just the ‘wine of the moment’ but a lifestyle product as much as a wine. Using bottle designs and shapes as well as eye-catching labels, vintners have taken careful note of the rise of the rosé. Today Thursday Food shares Part 3 of the Argentine Wines Making the 2022 Hot List, spotlighting five of the country’s best rosados.

Quintaesencia Malbec Rosé 2022, a 100 per cent Malbec Rosé with an alcoholic volume of 12.6 per cent, it is produced by Bodega Norton with grapes sourced from their oldest vineyard in Agrelo, Luján De Cuyo. One of the great high-end rosés from Argentina that offer an extra layer of complexity, it stands in contrast to typical rosés that are usually characterised by pure red fruit on the nose and some flowers. This wine, however, includes herbal hints which give it an extra layer both on the nose and in the mouth, presenting an obviously different style of the rosado. It has a smoke-pink colour, offering aromas of strawberry and aromatic dried herbs, while in the mouth, it stands out for its freshness, elegance, and smooth, delicate feeling. The wine’s mid-palate expresses defined fruit and a refreshing acidity, somewhat biting, followed by a long finish.

Casa Boher Rosé 2022 is a non-traditional blend featuring 34 per cent Malbec from vineyards in Lujan De Cuyo that are blended with 33 per cent Merlot and 33 per cent Pinot Noir both from vineyards in Uco Valley. Produced by Bodega Rosell Boher, this wine has 13 per cent alcoholic volume and expresses intense and deep aromas. On the nose, this rosado offers lots of red fruit between crunchy and ripe, together with a floral touch that adds complexity. On the palate it is a wine that runs through the centre, precise, with an acidity that pushes it from end to end. The freshness gives it verve as well as a vibrant, elegant mouthfeel that leads to a persistent finish, making it delightfully tasty and gastronomic.

Pascual Toso Estate Rosé 2022 is a 100 per cent Malbec produced by Bodega Pascual Toso from vineyards located in the Barrancas area of Maipú, Mendoza. On the nose, it offers an intense aromatic collage of blackberries, raspberries, cherries and flowers. In the mouth, it is quite fresh, with hints of citrus as well as a fruity flavour that evokes berries, and a well-balanced acidity which makes it vibrant.

El Afinador Rosado de Cabernet Franc 2021 is produced by Bodega El Afinador from vineyards located in Calchaqui Valley, Salta. This rosado has a delicate colour, offering an atypical yet pleasing complexity, where fleeting aromas of spring in the valleys, like red fruit and touches of typicity are perceived, along with soft notes of asparagus. On the palate, this rosado is fresh, fruity and long, with a crunchy acidity.

Crux Roxé 2022 is a 100 per cent Syrah produced from vineyards located in Valle De Uco by Bodega Alfa Crux, as the first-ever rosé made by the winery. The Syrah grapes from which this wine is derived were grown on 20-year-old vines at an altitude of 1,100 metres above sea level. It has an onion skin colour, expressing fragrant aromas of ripe strawberries and roses. On the palate, its body is tense but good, offering a juicy acidity that repeats the strawberry flavour, with a certain sweetness of fruit. Having an alcoholic volume of 12.2 per cent, this high-end rosé is easily drinkable and gastronomically refreshing.

Next week, Thursday Food concludes this series with the final category of Argentine wines making the 2022 Hot List.