Argentina’s Geographical Indications for wine
Geographical indications (GIs) show how terroir influences the character of a wine. Learn about Argentina’s wine classification system and some of its most popular GIs.
Understanding Geographical Indications
According to the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, “a GI is a legally defined vineyard area within a country. These areas can be very large and cover an entire region (e.g., Bordeaux) or they can be very small and be no more than a single vineyard”. That said, European GIs are different from GIs in the rest of the world.
Inside the European Union, GIs not only indicate where the grapes are grown but also imply additional regulations, specifying which grapes may be grown in a particular place and how the wines should be made.
Outside the EU, GIs typically only indicate the location where the grapes were grown. As a result, producers have the freedom to cultivate grape varieties that are most suitable for that region, without any restrictions on winemaking methods.
Argentina’s Geographical Indications for wines may seem a little confusing for consumers. Wine lovers may not know what to expect from a wine when only the words “GI Valle de Cafayate” are written on the label. However, when carefully crafted, wines from specific GIs can showcase the true identity of the region.
Argentina’s Wine Classification System
The wine classification system is regulated by Argentina’s National Institute of Viticulture and divided in three categories*. These are Indicación de Procedencia, Indicación Geográfica and DOC.
Indicación de Procedencia (Indication of Provenance) is the term used to identify a product originating from a geographical area that is smaller than the national territory. It can be applied to table or regional wines. The image below shows a wine label that features the IP Mendoza designation.
Indicación Geográfica (Geographical Indication) is the term used to identify a product originating from a specific region, village, or geographic area within the national territory that isn’t larger than a province or interprovincial surface area. This designation should only be applied when the product possesses qualities and characteristics influenced by distinct geographical factors. The image below illustrates how this winery incorporated the GI Paraje Altamira on a label.
Denominación de Origen Controlada (Controlled Designation of Origin) is the term used to identify a product originating from a region, village, or other geographic area within the national territory. Product qualities and characteristics are influenced by the unique geographic, environmental, and human factors of the place. The image below illustrates the use of DOC Luján de Cuyo on a label.
The Geographical Indication that changed it all
As of November 2020, the National Institute of Viticulture had certified 10 Indications of Provenance, 103 Geographic Indications, and 2 Controlled Designations of Origin.
Prior to 2013, a significant number of Geographical Indications were certified based on the political boundaries of the territories.
However, in 2013, Paraje Altamira became a Geographical Indication, marking a significant shift. Unlike previous GIs based on political boundaries, this was the first to be determined by research conducted by wineries, the Universidad de Cuyo, and other organizations. Their studies revealed specific geographic factors that impact the wines produced in this area. All new GIs now must follow the same criteria.
In addition, there are other popular sub-regions that have not yet been certified, but are well-known unofficial GIs. This is the case of Gualtallary in the Uco Valley.
DOC
Controlled Designation of Origin is similar to the European appellations because it doesn’t only specifies geographical boundaries, but also regulates winemaking techniques and the maximum yield allowed per hectare, among other things.
DOC Lujan de Cuyo and DOC San Rafael are the only two certified DOCs used for Malbec wines. It is relatively easy to find a wine labeled “DOC Lujan de Cuyo” now, as its consortium has recently expanded its membership and updated its regulations.
Argentina’s Most Popular Geographical Indications
Climate, soil type, altitude, and other unique environmental factors of a place influence the organoleptic properties of wine, revealing the terroir’s identity. This is why Geographical Indications are not created but certified.
Currently, the majority of producers choose to indicate the origin of their wines by adding the Geographical Indication on the label.
Most GIs are located in the main wine regions. See below a list of Argentina’s most popular GIs.
Northern Wine Region: Tinogasta, Belén, Santa María, and Pomán in Catamarca Province; Tafí in Tucumán; Cachi, San Carlos, Molinos and Cafayate/Valle de Cafayate in Salta Province; Quebrada de Humahuaca in Jujuy Province; Valles Calchaquíes is a GI that includes the provinces of Catamarca, Tucumán and Salta.
Cuyo Wine Region: Agrelo, Barrancas, Medrano, Las Compuertas, La Consulta, Los Chacayes, Lunlunta, Pampa El Cepillo, Paraje Altamira, San Pablo, Tupungato, Vista Flores, and Valle de Uco in Mendoza Province; Valle de Zonda, Valle del Tulum, Valle del Pedernal, Ullum, Calingasta, and Barreal in San Juan Province; Valle de Chañarmuyo and Famatina in La Rioja Province.
Patagonia and Atlantic Wine Region: Añelo, Confluencia in Neuquén Province; General Roca, Alto Valle del Río Negro, and Conesa in Río Negro Province; Trevelin, and Otronia in Chubut Province; Chapadmalal in Buenos Aires Province. Patagonia Argentina is a large GI that includes Río Negro, Neuquén and Chubut Province.
Final Notes
Although many producers are adding Geographical Indications to wine labels, along with the name of the broader region such as “Mendoza” or “Salta”, most of these sub-regions are still unknown to consumers who live outside Argentina.
Argentina’s wine industry continues to develop, and it may take a while for wine lovers worldwide to become familiar with the characteristics of wines from specific GIs or to recall their names. Nevertheless, I strongly believe that producers are heading in the right direction. Now is the perfect time to highlight the distinctive characteristics of Argentina’s wine regions.
I recommend trying at least one wine from a producer that states the GI on the label. I assure you, it will be worth it.
Sources.
WSET: Looking behind the label workbook for WSET Level 2 award in wines.
National Institute of Viticulture: Protección y gestión del Origen. Lista de IG y DOC protegidas y reconocidas por la República Argentina. Resolución C 8/03 – Régimen DOC.
Ministerio de Agricultura, ganadería y pesca argentina: Indicaciones Geográficas y Denominaciones de Origen.
*Each category definition is a translation of the INV official documents. ** Featured image: Finca La Celia
