In a minute, on average, nearly 472 bottles of Argentine wine are uncorked around the world, meaning 8 more bottles compared to last year.

Likewise, although the increase of costs Argentinian companies have to face, the greater competence registered in international markets -in a global crisis forcing European wineries to reduce prices -, the Argentine wine manages to keep capturing consumers around the world.

During the first five months of the year, the industry’s exports reached USD 380 million, a 19% boost in value, compared to the same period of 2010. Of this amount, more than USD 290 million derived from bottled wine sales, that is to say, products with higher added value.

More than half of this figure corresponds to the worldwide success of the Argentina’s superstar grape variety, Malbec.

“The future of Malbec in the US market remains excellent. Nothing lasts forever but until something else comes along to capture the public’s fancy, sales should roll right along”, explained Jay Miller, in charge of rating Argentine wines in The Wine Advocate, Robert Parker’s prestigious publication, to WineSur in an interview some days ago.

“The principal advantage is Argentina’s price to quality ratio at all price points. The other advantage is that it is the only region on the planet where Malbec does so well. Disadvantages, none I can think of”, added the wine expert.

Furthermore, Mario Giordano, manager of Wines of Argentina, stated that consumers’ “infatuation” with this variety around the world “has been well established and has just begun. It is not a fashion. All New World’s countries have started to make Malbec, something I consider positive. But the most important aspect is that the highly appreciated Malbec is the one from Argentina”.

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