What are South American “Native” Grapes? These days, everyone knows and loves Malbec from Argentina. In fact it is so widely identified with Argentina that it is easy to forget that it is not a “native grape” of South America but originally from France. Side by side, the two are very different, with the one from Argentina typically much more accessible and full of fruit as well as easier to find and affordable. Less well known but equally at home and flourishing in Argentina is Bonarda, originally from Savoy. A third grape that is making a name for itself in Argentina is Torrontes, a white wine grape with a convoluted history, but the one that actually is the most “native” as its heritage is the Criollas group of grape varieties which refers to American-born versions of the European grapevine. 

While Torrontes is typically enjoyed young, Continue reading →