Organic wine has been growing in Argentina by leaps and bounds over the last two decades. Certified organic vineyard land grew something like 273% from 2005 to 2023. While wineries all over the world have been shifting to sustainable, earth friendly approaches, wineries in Argentina particularly have committed to sustainable viticulture out of respect for the environment and the desire to preserve it for future generations.
Bodega Argento is one of Argentina’s largest producers of certified organic wines. They also employ various sustainability practices, including various energy-saving efforts; various water treatment and reuse measures; use of recycled materials, and composting. The wines of its Estate Collection, 2022 Malbec-Cabernet Franc and 2022 Malbec, express impressive freshness and structure at the price ($15).
Art of Earth is an organization of 29 cooperatives and around 5,000 winegrowers, managing more than 60,000 acres of vineyard plantings located in the Mendoza and San Juan regions. Art of Earth wines ($12) are made from 100% certified organic grapes. The bright red fruit and smooth tannins of the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon and mouth-watering tropical fruit and crisp finish of the 2022 Chardonnay.
Bodegas Bianchi shows its commitment to the environment by incorporating biodiversity to maintain healthy vineyards as the foundation of the organic grapes. And includes complimentary water management and energy efficiency practices. The Bianchi Organic wines ($17), 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2022 Malbec are made in an easy drinking style showcasing juicy fruit.
Domaine Bousquet is a leading pioneer in organic winegrowing. Its vineyards have been certified organic since planting in virgin terrain began in 1997. Recently, it became the fourth wine estate and the first outside the U.S. to earn Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC)™ status. Its premium varietal series of entry-level wines ($13) are made from estate-grown and purchased 100% certified organic grapes from high-altitude vineyards and unoaked to let the fruit shine through and make exuberant, succulent wines like the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022 Malbec and 2023 Unoaked Chardonnay in my tasting.
Argentina’s neighbor on the west side of the Andes mountains, Chile also is on the forefront of wine’s sustainability movement. Chile’s wine industry created the wine world’s first-ever Sustainability Codes, ensuring that local wineries produce responsibly and protect the environment and the community.
Root: 1 was Chile’s first certified 100% sustainable winery. It also was the first in the country to adopt carbon offset measures and has developed and implemented five sustainability pillars: Clean Energy, Water Conservation, Waste Management, Minimal Intervention, and Community Connection. It’s line of estate bottled wines ($12) include a concentrated, structured 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon and a refreshing, citrusy 2022 Sauvignon Blanc.