Malbec By The Numbers

I believe that we have already stablished how delicious Malbec is. Now let’s take a look at some statistics and figures to learn what it means to Argentina’s wine industry.

Argentina is the fifth largest wine producer in the world and Malbec accounts for 38.60% of red varieties cultivated in the country. That means there is a huge amount of Malbec wine produced in Argentina. Currently, it accounts for about  75% of the world’s Malbec wine.

Does 109.685,95 acres of Malbec sound like a lot? Well… I can only say that Argentina is a large country and I think there is still room for more!

As of today Malbec is grown in 16 provinces across the country. Most of it is grown in Mendoza in the Cuyo Region. This province has 85.06% of the total planted surface area, followed by San Juan (6.29%), Salta (3.15%), La Rioja (1.75%) and Neuquén (1.49%).

MENDOZA: MALBEC HEAVEN

By far Mendoza is the most important province in terms of viticulture and wine production of Malbec. Luján de Cuyo is the department with more acres of Malbec vines and accounts for 24% of the total, while Uco Valley covers 40% distributed across three departments: San Carlos (15.1%), Tunuyán (13.6%) and Tupungato (11.7%). The rest is divided between the Eastern and Southern regions.

RETAIL AND TRADE FACTS

Argentinians love to have a good bottle of wine to pair with the traditional asado (BBQ) or empanadas. Malbec is one of their favorite wine varieties. Therefore, it represents 37.8% of total sales in the local market.

Overseas Malbec makes up 65% of the wine imported from Argentina. Apparently, Argentinian consumers share their taste with the rest of wine lovers around the world. 

When it comes to food the versatile Malbec wine pairs nicely with a great variety of dishes. Perhaps that’s why Argentina exported 134,039,020 litres of Malbec to more than 120 nations in 2019. The U.S and UK are its largest markets.

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