MALBEC WORLD DAY 2019 - CELEBRATION IN NEW ZEALAND
On April 29, the Embassy celebrated World Malbec Day 2019 in the function venue “The Grand” in Wellington, with the help of Argentine wine importers EuroVintage and Winesale.
We organized a tasting of 14 different labels - not only Malbec but also white wines such as Pinot Gris and Chardonnay, among others - which was attended by sommeliers, chefs, restaurant representatives, importers, members of wine clubs, specialized writers and members of the Diplomatic Corps. In addition, typical Argentine food was offered such as meat, chorizo, empanadas and alfajores to taste while enjoying the wines.
It was a very lively night in which we were able to celebrate the flagship grape of Argentina, Malbec, promoting it among New Zealand's wine lovers.
Background
Malbec World Day is a global initiative that seeks to position Argentina’s Malbec as one of the most prominent in the world and celebrate the success of the national wine industry. Celebrated for the first time in April 2011, Malbec World Day has managed to position itself as a cultural event in the global promotion of wine and today is part of an international calendar of celebrations. For example, for last year´s edition more than 120 events took place in almost 100 cities in 60 countries, including Wellington, to pay tribute to the flagship grape of Argentina.
With 43.000 hectares planted, Malbec is the most widely cultivated variety in Argentina and the one that most accurately represents the local palate. With an increase in exports of almost 400% in just 11 years (2006-2017), today Argentina is synonymous with Malbec.
In 2018, Malbec exports from Argentina reached USD 481 million, with an average price of USD 41,70 per each 9 litres case. Our most important markets are the United States (38% of the total), United Kingdom (15%), Canada (8%), Brazil (6%) and Mexico (3%), but our Malbec can be found in wineries and restaurants all over the world, including here in New Zealand, of course.
According to NZ Stats, in 2018 Argentina sold wine to New Zealand for a total value of NZ$ 1,7 million, compared to NZ$ 1,45 million in 2017.
