When we talk about Argentina’s wines, Malbec usually steals the spotlight. But there’s a deeper story waiting to be told—one that starts below the surface. Unlike almost every other wine region in the world, Argentina has a secret weapon: old vines growing on their own roots.

As I started to meet wine producers in the Uco Valley and they began taking me to see their vineyards, I noticed something unique—many of these vines were 60–80 years old and on original rootstock. This wasn’t just a few isolated vineyards, like in many countries. I discovered a huge number of old vines producing grapes for all kinds of wines, from entry-level to super-premium.

For wine professionals like us, this isn’t just a fun fact. It is a unique selling point that offers something rare in today’s wine market: authenticity, history, and wines that truly stand apart.

Sommeliers Choice Awards brand and category ambassador Zane Holscher who represents Argentina

Why Own-Rooted Vines Matter

Let’s rewind to the 19th century when the phylloxera epidemic devastated Europe’s vineyards. The solution? Grafting European vines onto American rootstock, which is resistant to the pest. Problem solved—for most of the world.

But in Argentina, thanks to high altitudes, dry climates, and sandy soils, phylloxera never gained a foothold. That means many of Argentina’s vines are ungrafted and growing on their original European roots—a rarity in modern viticulture.

These own-rooted vines offer a direct connection to the soil. Without the influence of grafting, they express their terroir with incredible clarity. In a world where most vines are grafted, this purity is something you can taste—and, as importantly, market.

Old Vines That Deliver New Opportunities

As I mentioned, many of these own-rooted vines are 50, 75, or even 100 years old. Old vines naturally produce fewer grapes, but the tradeoff is worth it: smaller, more concentrated berries that create wines with depth, complexity, and balance without the need for a lot of intervention in the winery.

While Malbec gets most of the attention, these old vines are also producing stunning grapes from several European varieties such as Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, and more. Each grape carries the story of its roots, quite literally, and the result is wines that feel both timeless and distinctive.

How Argentina Stands Out Globally

Here’s where it gets interesting. Almost every major wine region in the world relies on grafted vines:

- Europe: After phylloxera’s rampage, nearly all vineyards switched to grafted vines. A few ungrafted plots remain, usually in sandy soils or isolated areas like Santorini.

- United States: Grafting is standard across the country, with very few own-rooted vines left, usually in sandy, phylloxera-free zones.

Argentina’s phylloxera-free status on such a large scale, combined with its old vines, sets it apart in a way that few regions can match.

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How to Use This Marketing

For wine professionals, this isn’t just a trivial fact; it’s a way to stand out in a saturated market. Here’s how:

1. Emphasize Purity

Own-rooted vines offer an unfiltered expression of terroir. When you talk about these wines, highlight that the grapes come directly from the soil, untouched by grafting.

2. Play Up the Heritage

Old vines resonate with consumers. Pair their age with their own rooted story, and you’ve got a narrative of resilience and history that’s hard to ignore.

3. Market the Rarity

The combination of own-rooted and old vines is incredibly rare. Position these wines as premium products that offer something most consumers have never tasted.

4. Lean Into Sustainability

Argentina’s natural resistance to phylloxera means fewer chemicals and interventions. This story appeals to eco-conscious consumers looking for wines with a lighter environmental footprint. Argentina’s dry climate means many vineyards can farm using organic methods much more easily than in parts of Europe.

In a wine market overflowing with buzzwords, Argentina’s ungrafted old vines offer a story that’s genuinely different. It’s about authenticity, history, and wines that don’t just taste good—they are absolutely unique.

If you are one of the lucky producers with these vines, you have something special. As you pour your clients a glass of your wine, you’re sharing more than what’s in the bottle. You’re sharing a story of roots that run deep, vines that have stood the test of time, and a taste of what makes Argentina one of the most exciting wine regions in the world.

Also read:
Argentina Unveiled: Discover Her Best-Kept Wine Secrets
Meet Your Argentina Wine Importer: Zane Holscher, Founder of VINUV

This article has been written by our Sommeliers Choice Awards brand and category ambassador Zane Holscher who represents Argentina.

Zane Holscher, co-founder of VINUV, is passionate about Argentina’s Uco Valley and its potential for producing high-quality wines. After retiring from a 21-year military career, Zane, alongside his wife Mindy, turned their love for wine into a full-fledged business by purchasing a vineyard in the Uco Valley. Their journey into winemaking quickly evolved into a larger vision: importing select wines from small, outstanding producers in Argentina to share with the U.S. market.

Zane acknowledges that importing wines from lesser-known regions like Argentina comes with its own set of challenges. However, he views these challenges as opportunities. Rising shipping costs, supply chain hurdles, and limited inventory have created difficulties, but they also present an opening for restaurants and retailers to explore more unique wine offerings at competitive price points. 

"Consumers today are always on the lookout for something new and different," Zane says. "By importing wines from the Uco Valley, we're able to offer a product that is distinctive, high-quality, and perfect for anyone looking to explore something off the beaten path."

Calling wineries from Argentina to enter before the January 30, 2025, early bird deadline.