The National Institute of Viticulture (INV) has recently granted authorization for the vinification of the “Touriga Nacional” grape variety for reserve and grand reserve wines in areas officially recognized by the governing institute of wine production. This authorization follows the success of other high-quality wines, such as Reserve Malbec, which has been celebrated for its rich flavours and broad tannins. This development marks a significant milestone for the Argentine wine industry, which continues to evolve and embrace new grape varieties to enhance the diversity and quality of its wine offerings.
Resolution Details
This authorization was formalized through Resolution 20/2024, which was published on Tuesday in the Official Gazette. The resolution grants formal permission for the production of reserve and grand reserve wines using the Touriga Nacional variety, similar to the esteemed reserve Malbec. This variety has now been added to the official list of red wines, reflecting its recognized quality and suitability for high-end wine production.
Touriga Nacional, a grape variety originally from Portugal, is renowned for its rich, full-bodied wines with intense flavours and aromas. The inclusion of this variety in the Argentine wine portfolio is expected to bring new dimensions to the country’s red wines, offering wine enthusiasts a broader range of choices and experiences.
Approval Requirements
The production of reserve and grand reserve wines in Argentina is subject to stringent regulations and quality standards. For instance, reserve Malbec is known for its adherence to these high standards, ensuring its place among Argentina's premium wines. For a wine to be classified as a reserve or grand reserve or to bear a geographical indication, it must undergo a rigorous approval process that ensures only specific grape varieties of superior quality are used. This process is essential to maintain the high standards associated with these premium wine categories.
According to the INV, not all grape varieties can be used for reserve or grand reserve wines. Special approval of specific varieties is required based on extensive studies and evaluations. The INV conducts these studies over time in collaboration with international organizations to ensure thorough monitoring and validation of each variety’s quality and characteristics.
The Rigorous Study Process
Before a grape variety can be approved for use in reserve or grand reserve wines, it must undergo a comprehensive study. Reserve Malbec, for instance, has been subjected to similar rigorous evaluations to ensure its quality and suitability for high-end wine production. This process involves detailed analysis and evaluation of the grape’s characteristics, including its potential to produce high-quality wines. If the variety is not native to Argentina, the evaluation is conducted at an international level to ensure consistency and reliability in the quality assessment.
The goal of this rigorous study process is to verify that the grape varieties used for reserve and grand reserve wines are indeed of superior quality. This ensures that the wines produced under these classifications meet the high standards expected by consumers and connoisseurs alike. The inclusion of Touriga Nacional in this elite list underscores the INV's confidence in its potential to enhance the quality and taste of Argentine wines.
Authorized Grape Varieties for Reserve and Grand Reserve Red Wine
With the inclusion of Touriga Nacional, the list of authorized red grape varieties for vinification in Argentina’s reserve and grand reserve wines has expanded. The following red grape varieties are now authorized:
- Malbec: Known as Argentina’s flagship grape variety, Malbec produces wines with deep colour, rich fruit flavours, and smooth tannins. Reserve Malbec, in particular, is celebrated for its dramatic and intense qualities, making it a standout choice among Argentina's high-quality wines.
- Merlot: Merlot wines are soft and elegant, with taste notes of plum, blackberry, and chocolate.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: A classic variety that produces full-bodied wines with high tannins and flavours of blackcurrant, green bell pepper, and cedar.
- Syrah: Syrah wines are known for their bold, spicy profile, and showcase flavours of blackberry, black pepper, and smoky undertones.
- Pinot Noir: Pinot Noir wines can range from light to medium-bodied, and showcase red fruit flavours and floral aromas.
- Pinot Meunier: Often used in sparkling wine production, it contributes fruitiness and acidity to blends.
- Tannat: A robust grape that yields wines with high tannins, dark fruit flavours, and long aging potential.
- Lambrusco Maestri: This grape from Italy is known for producing fruity, sparkling red wines with good acidity.
- Barbera: Barbera wines have high acidity levels, and showcase flavours of red cherry, plum, and spice.
- Sangiovese: The primary grape in Chianti, known for its bright acidity, red fruit flavours, and earthy notes.
- Bonarda: Often overshadowed by Malbec, it produces deeply coloured wines with good acidity and dark fruit flavours.
- Tempranillo: A versatile grape that produces wines with flavours of cherry, plum, leather, and tobacco.
- Cinsaut: Known for its light, fruity wines with low tannins and good acidity.
- Carignan: Produces wines with high acidity, dark fruit flavours, and spicy notes.
- Petit Verdot: Typically used in blends, it adds deep colour, tannins, and floral aromas.
- Cabernet Franc: Known for its aromatic wines with flavours of red fruit, herbs, and pepper.
- Carmenere: Produces wines with deep colour, soft tannins, and flavours of blackberry, plum, and green pepper.
- Corvina Veronese: Used in Valpolicella wines, known for its bright acidity and cherry flavours.
- Rondinella: Often blended with Corvina, it adds structure and fruitiness to wines.
- Ancellota: Known for producing deeply coloured wines with intense fruit flavours.
- Croatina: Produces wines with good acidity, tannins, and dark fruit flavours.
- Lambrusco Grasparossa: Known for producing sparkling red wines with rich fruit flavours.
- Casavecchia: An ancient variety that produces robust wines with good aging potential.
- Grenache/Garnacha: Known for its versatility, producing wines with red fruit flavours and spicy notes.
- Tinta Cao: A Portuguese variety is known for its contribution to Port wines, adding complexity and structure.
- Touriga Nacional: Known for its rich, full-bodied wines with intense flavours and aromas of dark fruit, flowers, and spice.
Authorized Grape Varieties for Reserve and Grand Reserve White Wine
In addition to the red grape varieties, several white grape varieties have also been authorized for the production of reserve and grand reserve wines in Argentina. These varieties include:
- Chardonnay: A versatile grape that produces a range of styles, from crisp, unoaked Chardonnay wines to rich, buttery, oaked wines.
- Chenin Blanc: Known for its high acidity and ability to produce both dry and sweet Chenin Blanc wines with flavours of apple, pear, and honey.
- Sauvignon Blanc: Produces aromatic Sauvignon Blanc wines with high acidity and flavours of green apple, citrus, and grass.
- Semillon: Often blended with Sauvignon Blanc, it adds body and flavours of honey, citrus, and stone fruit.
- Sauvignonasse: Also known as Friulano, it produces wines with floral aromas and citrus, almond, and herb flavours.
- Riesling: Known for its high acidity and ability to produce both dry and sweet Riesling wines with flavours of lime, green apple, and petrol.
- Torrontés Riojano: Argentina's signature white grape. Torrontes wines stand out for their floral and citrus notes.
- Ugni Blanc: Often used in brandy production, it produces wines with high acidity and light fruit flavours.
- Moscato Bianco: Known for its aromatic, sweet wines with flavours of peach, apricot, and orange blossom.
- Pinot Blanc: Produces wines with good acidity and flavours of apple, pear, and citrus.
- Prosecco: Prosecco wines have light, fruity flavours and floral aromas.
- Viognier: Viognier wines are aromatic, with rich flavours of apricot, peach, and floral notes.
- Pedro Giménez: Often used in blending, it adds body and flavours of citrus and stone fruit.
- Petit Manseng: Known for its high acidity and ability to produce sweet, late-harvest wines with flavours of tropical fruit and honey.
- Muscat of Alexandria: Known for its sweet, aromatic wines with flavours of grape, orange blossom, and spice.
- Alvarinho: Produces aromatic wines with high acidity and flavours of citrus, peach, and floral notes.
- Grüner Veltliner: Grüner Veltliner wines are crisp and peppery, with flavours of lime, green apple, and herbs.
- Fiano: Produces rich, aromatic wines with flavours of honey, nuts, and tropical fruit.
- Verdelho: Known for its high acidity and ability to produce both dry and sweet wines with flavours of citrus, melon, and mineral notes.
Authorized Grapes for Reserve and Grand Reserve Rosé Wine
Finally, the approved grapes for the production of reserve wines and grand reserve wines are:
