Trade and markets

Argentina Malbec sets export record: 350 million litres shipped in 2025–26

2026-10-17 · Source: Wines of Argentina (WofA)

Key figures

Volume exported 350 million litres — 12% increase year-on-year

Value of exports USD 1.02 billion (first time over USD 1 billion)

Top export markets United States (28%), United Kingdom (14%), Brazil (11%), Canada (9%)

Key region Mendoza — 80% of all Argentinian wine exports

Average export price USD 2.91 per litre (premium segment up 8%)

Record exports and what drives them

Wines of Argentina (WofA) confirmed that the 2025–26 export year saw 350 million litres shipped internationally — a 12% volume increase year-on-year and the first time the sector passed USD 1 billion in total export value. Malbec from the Mendoza region accounts for the majority of both volume and value. The United States remains the dominant market by value; the United Kingdom is the largest market by volume per capita for Argentine wine.

The premium segment — bottles priced above USD 10 at retail — grew 8% faster than the overall volume, reflecting an industry-wide push to shift from commodity exports toward positioning Argentine wine as a quality category. The Uco Valley sub-region within Mendoza has been central to this narrative, with high-altitude single-vineyard Malbec from estates like Achaval Ferrer, Clos de los Siete and Zuccardi commanding USD 40–80 per bottle in export markets. For the grape variety's characteristics and how altitude shapes them, see the altitude and warming study and the cool and warm climate styles guide.

Competitive context

Argentina's growth comes in a competitive global market. Chilean Carménère and Cabernet Sauvignon compete directly for the same consumer bracket; New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and Australian Shiraz both established category leadership through a similar export trajectory. The Argentine industry has benefited from sustained currency weakness (the peso depreciates faster than export prices rise, reducing effective costs for foreign buyers) though this creates structural inflation and margin pressure domestically. A stable premium positioning remains the stated long-term goal of WofA.

Sources: Wines of Argentina (annual export report 2025–26), OIV (world wine trade data). Published: 2026-10-17. Corrections via the contact form.

Questions

About Argentina Malbec.

Why has Malbec become Argentina's signature grape?

Malbec originated in Cahors, France (where it is called Côt or Auxerrois), but largely fell out of favour in France after the catastrophic 1956 frost destroyed most vines. In Argentina, it was planted by French agronomist Michel Pouget in Mendoza from 1853 and thrived in the high-altitude, arid conditions. When Argentine wine opened to export markets in the 1990s, Malbec offered a distinctive identity — bold, plummy, soft-tannin reds at accessible prices — that resonated with consumers internationally. See the main grape varieties guide for how Malbec compares structurally to other major red varieties.

How does Mendoza's altitude affect Malbec's character?

Mendoza's vineyards range from 700 to over 1,500 metres above sea level. High altitude creates a distinctive diurnal range — warm sunny days and cold nights — that allows grapes to ripen sugars and flavour compounds fully while preserving natural acidity that would be lost in a purely hot lowland climate. UV radiation at altitude also thickens grape skins, increasing polyphenol and colour concentration. High-altitude Malbec (Luján de Cuyo, Uco Valley) shows darker fruit, firmer structure and more complexity than valley-floor wines. The relationship between altitude and temperature is covered in the altitude and warming study.

What is the difference between Mendoza and the Uco Valley for Malbec?

The Uco Valley is a sub-region of Mendoza at notably higher elevation (1,000–1,500 m vs 700–900 m for the wider Mendoza plain). Its cooler temperatures produce Malbec with greater freshness, more structured tannin, higher acidity and more mineral, savoury complexity — closer in profile to a cool-climate European style than the fruit-forward Mendoza mainstream. Uco Valley Malbec from communes like Tupungato, Tunuyán and San Carlos commands a significant price premium and is produced by Argentina's leading fine wine estates.

Is the USD 1 billion export milestone significant?

Yes — it marks Argentina's transition from a volume commodity exporter to a value exporter. The price per litre has risen steadily as the premium segment (over USD 10 per bottle) grows faster than the base market. This mirrors the trajectory of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and Australian Shiraz before it — both built initial volume sales and then shifted toward quality positioning. The concern in Argentina is currency volatility (the peso's weakness relative to the dollar can inflate dollar-denominated figures while the domestic economy is under pressure) and the competitive threat from Chile's own growing red wine exports.

Does Argentina produce other significant wine varieties besides Malbec?

Yes. Torrontés — a white variety unique to Argentina — produces aromatic, floral wines in the high-altitude regions of Salta (Cafayate). Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda (Douce Noire), Syrah and Pinot Noir are also grown extensively. In recent years, high-altitude producers in the Uco Valley have drawn attention with structured Cabernet Franc and textural Chardonnay. But Malbec represents approximately 40% of all Argentinian planted area and over 60% of export value — its dominance is unlikely to change in the near term.