BEUNOS AIRES: Argentine viniculture has grown strongly worldwide over the last decade as a consequence of the reconversion of vineyards to produce high quality grapes, improvements in the production process and the industry’s international promotion efforts.
This process took place not only in Mendoza and San Juan, the famous wine regions, but also in Salta, a traditional productive area known for its torrontes.
Salta’s wineries and vineyards grew in both quality and quantity above national average. The number of wineries increased from 15 in 2000 to 31 in 2010, and while the planted surface for vineyards increased from 13.6 percent in Argentina during the same period, in Salta it increased by 28 percent reaching 2296 hectares.
The Calchaqui Valleys in Salta are now diversifying from its traditional torrontes to malbec, cabernet sauvignon and tannat, with the particularity of obtaining fruitier notes.
Argentina’s current exports account for 1.5 million premium wines to 30 countries.
Although Salta only accounts for 1 percent of total production, it contributes to 15 percent of all exports.
Source: El Cronista
