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Argentina is one of the world's biggest wine producing countries by volume. Until the end of the 20th century, almost all Argentine wine was made for domestic consumption. Over the last twenty years, however, economic forces have spurred on the country's wine producers to raise the quality levels, and consolidate an international export market. The country's 'icon' grape variety, Malbec, has played a dominant role in winning worldwide acclaim for Argentina's wines.
As a result of the changing face of Argentina's wine industry, there are a number of developing wine regions, including Jujuy in the far north, and Neuquen in the far south, separated by over 1250 miles (2000 km). The official names and boundaries of wine regions is also changing year by year, as market forces and emerging regions change the shape of the Argentine wine map. In 1993, Lujan de Cuyo, in Mendoza, became Argentina's first officially recognised controlled appellation.
Argentina's geography includes high altitudes and semi-desert landscapes; in fact the majority of the country's vineyards are located around dry, mountainous areas. High altitude and low latitude lead to increased sunshine levels, and higher diurnal temperature variation - ideal for developing balanced sugars and acidity in grapes.
Thanks to its topography, Agrentina boasts some record-holding vineyards, in terms of altitude and latitude. Many of the country's vineyards share latitudes with the Egyptian desert and the southern tip of Baja California. A world-topping vineyard owned by Bodega Colomé now sits as high as 3000m (9900 ft), higher than the peak of Mount St. Helens at 2,550m (8365 ft).
In addition to its physical features, Argentina is also home to 'La Zonda': a warm, dry wind which sweeps down from the hillsides. While the damage done by the 25mph (40kph) wind can be substantial, it is also aids viticulture significantly, as it lessens the risk of vine disease, and brings warmth to high-altitude zones.
The most successful varieties in Argentina are Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Torrontes, which has come to be seen as the 'indigenous' white grape in Argentina.
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