As the eighth largest country on the planet, Argentina has a wealth of natural diversity featuring different climates, geographies and cultures that combine to produce an outstanding wine industry. While for the past two decades, Malbec — from all wines produced in Argentina — has been the flagship with which local vintners have seduced palates across the world, the largest producer of the southern hemisphere also offers an enticingly diverse range of other wines. We will sample three:

Pielihueso Primero Blanco Blend 2022, Uco Valley (Mendoza) — Blend: 50% Torrontés, 25% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Chardonnay. Agricultural engineer, Alejandro Bartolome, began his winemaking project at an unusual time in his life: after retirement. His dream was to open a small winery that allowed him to pay maximum attention to quality while also protecting the environment. In 2019, he began to experiment with white varieties, with a focus on preserving the purity of the grapes. Lifted and fresh with bright, citrus-y aromatics and a core of smooth pebbles and lush fruits. 12.8% ABV. $27.50/9

Cara Sur Tinto Bonarda 2019, San Juan — Cara Sur was formed in 2011 as a partnership between four friends inspired to revive ancestral vines and produce wines from traditional Argentine varietals. They produce wines from 80-year-old vines of Moscatel, Moscatel Negro, Bonarda Piedmontese, and Criolla Chica. The vines are Parral trained, a ceiling-trellised system that provides shade and maximizes airflow. The Cara Sur wines are made in a tiny winery and are produced in small quantities with minimal intervention. This hand-harvested wine is a blend of Bonarda and Barbera from a single vineyard in the Calingasta Valley. The wine predominantly shows notes of strawberry syrup, almond, and cocoa with secondary notes of walnuts, cranberry, and baking spices. The palate is rich with red fruits and strong tannins that lead to a full-bodied finish. 13.2% ABV. $32/10.50

Catena San Carlos Cabernet Franc 2021, San Carlos (Salta Province) — 100% Cabernet Franc. Family vintners for over 100 years, the Catenas are recognized for their pioneering role in high-altitude viticulture in Argentina. This Cabernet Franc is sourced from the family´s historic vineyards in San Carlos. Here, the sandy-loam soils and mountainous climate yield a wine with concentrated ripe red berries, a touch of eucalyptus and black pepper, robust tannins and smooth lengthy finish. The Cab Franc is purple in color with red ruby tones. The nose offers elegant aromas of spices, and fresh herbs such as thyme and rosemary, red berries, cassis and raspberries, with layers of cedar. The mouthfeel is full and rich with cassis, raspberry flavors and notes of black pepper and oregano. The finish is bright and fresh with finely grained tannins. 13.6% ABV. $27/9

See you Friday!