Written by Leslie Rosa
Mendoza and Malbec go hand-in-hand, sure—but there’s so much more to discover in this high-altitude region of western Argentina. While Malbec earned international fame for its lush, fruit-forward reds, Mendoza’s wine landscape has always included a broad cast of grapes brought by immigrants from Italy, France, and Spain. Now, a new wave of winemakers is putting fresh energy into alternative varieties—some historic, some rare, some just unexpected—with exceptional results.
If you’re ready to go beyond Malbec, here are 7 delicious grape varieties to explore in Mendoza—each one shaped by the region’s dry climate, intense sunlight, and dramatic elevation.
1. Bonarda
Once Argentina’s most widely planted red grape, Bonarda (a.k.a. Douce Noir) is enjoying a serious revival. It ripens late, so Mendoza’s sunny eastern zones and warmer areas of the Uco Valley allow it to fully develop rich fruit while retaining acidity. Expect juicy dark cherry, plum, and floral notes, often with a soft, smooth texture. It’s versatile—great in unoaked styles or with subtle oak aging—and full of personality.
2. Torrontés
Argentina’s signature white grape variety, Torrontés, is a natural cross of Criolla Chica and Muscat of Alexandria. Intensely aromatic—think jasmine, orange blossom, and stone fruit—it often surprises with its dry, crisp palate. Mendoza’s versions are slightly less explosive than those from Salta, with more balance, minerality, and food-friendly acidity.
3. Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is thriving in the cooler, high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza like Gualtallary and Paraje Altamira. Here, it achieves ripe red fruit, herbal lift, floral aromas, and fine-grained tannins. The region’s long growing season lets the grape develop complexity without greenness, leading to some of Argentina’s most elegant reds.
4. Chardonnay
Mendoza’s high-elevation terroir has elevated Chardonnay to world-class status. Grown on limestone soils in the Uco Valley, the wines show tension, citrus, white peach, and a chalky, mineral finish. Styles range from clean and unoaked to complex, Burgundy-inspired bottlings aged in concrete or oak.
5. Syrah
Syrah has been quietly successful in Mendoza for years. In warmer areas, it shows dark fruit, spice, and smooth tannins. In cooler pockets of the Uco Valley, it takes on black pepper, cured meat, and violet—a fresher, Northern Rhône-like style that’s just now gaining recognition.
6. Sémillon
Sémillon was once a workhorse white grape in Argentina, but old vines remain and are now being cherished by top winemakers. Mendoza’s examples are textured and aromatic, with lemon zest, beeswax, chamomile, and a mineral core. Often aged in concrete or old barrels, they age beautifully and offer real depth.
7. Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc has a quiet but historic presence in Mendoza. In older vineyards around Luján de Cuyo and Maipú, it offers freshness, floral notes, pear, quince, and a hint of beeswax. Styles range from crisp and mineral to fuller-bodied with gentle oxidation—a promising grape for the future of Mendoza whites.
To conclude, Malbec may be Mendoza’s calling card, but the region’s true strength lies in its terroir. From high-altitude Cabernet Franc to ageworthy Chenin Blanc, aromatic Torrontés to revisited Criollo, Mendoza offers wine lovers an incredible variety of styles—all shaped by mountain air, sunlight, and the creativity of passionate producers.
