Geographical indication for Balcarce

By Estudio Chaloupka

Argentina’s National Viticulture Institute (INV) approved the geographical indication (GI) for Balcarce, a partido and city in the Buenos Aires Province who has developed a big wine reputation in the last decade.

Balcarce, located about 51 km (32 miles) west of Mar del Plata with a population of approximately 44,06, was largely abandone for wine production but is now home to Puerta del Abra, one of the top wineries of the country since its creation in 2013.

After carrying out several studies of soil and climate to determine the grapes varieties to be grown, it was decided that the winery would be located in El Vallecito. The vineyard lies in a valley surrounded by a mountain range that belongs to the Tandilia System, on the way from Balcarce to Mar del Plata. The site, with 12 hectares planted, was chosen for its distinctive attributes: uncommon kind of soil that contains porous limestone plaques, a unique microclimate created by the mountains and the wind, and the proximity to the sea that grants singular features.

Chardonnay, Riesling, Albariño, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Bonarda and Tannat are the varieties grown in Balcarce, that because of the status of its wines promoted the GI declaration by the National Viticulture Institute.