RELATIONSHIPS
Varietal map beyond Malbec: Comparative perspectives
Read geography, grape resources, and production processes separately.
Red
In addition to Malbec, Bonarda and Cabernet Franc.
White
Three types of Torrontés and high-altitude Chardonnay.
This is a schematic diagram summarizing the main text. It does not represent production areas or quality rankings. Sources and reference materials
FIELD NOTE 01
Expand the scope of red wine comparisons.
Taking Malbec as an axis, also look at Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Pinot Noir. Even for Malbec, acidity and tannin expression change with vineyard elevation, extraction, and aging vessel. The key is not to fix a country’s typical style as a single flavor.
FIELD NOTE 02
Bonarda: Same Name, Different Varieties
Argentina’s Bonarda is a variety recognized by the INV as identical to Corbeau / Douce Noire. Do not confuse it with the same-named Italian grape or wines called Bonarda based on Croatina. This is an exercise in not assuming the same grape simply by spelling.
FIELD NOTE 03
For whites, focus on both aroma and texture.
Distinguish the three Torrontés varieties—Riojano, Sanjuanino, Mendocino—focusing especially on Riojano. Fragrant aroma is not equivalent to sweetness. Learning about high-altitude Chardonnay will reveal more dimensions of whites than just aroma intensity.
Cannot be used. The Argentine variety is the same as Corbeau/Douce Noire, and should be distinguished from Italian varieties and wines with the same name.
PAUSE & REFLECT
Check your understanding.
Can Bonarda Argentina be regarded as the same grape as the Italian Bonarda?
Read the explanation ＋
Cannot be used. The Argentine variety is the same as Corbeau/Douce Noire, and should be distinguished from Italian varieties and wines with the same name.
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View saved notes →Courses related to this question
Torrontés Riojano: Name groups and vivid, dry whites →
Zuccardi: Even for the same label, grapes and methods change →
Catena Zapata: examining plots within the same high-altitude vineyard →
Sources and reference materials
These are the reference materials for the main text. For details of production regulations, consult the current documents. For individual wine specifications, refer to materials for the relevant vintage.
- INV: Identification of Bonarda Argentina, 2008 ↗
- INV: The three Torrontés varieties ↗
- Wines of Argentina: Styles of Torrontés ↗
- Catena Zapata：White Stones Chardonnay 2020 ↗