Argentina has been producing wine for over 400 years. Most of the production was consumed domestically until the 1980s when political and economic factors prompted Argentina to enter the international wine market.  Argentine wines soon became very successful, due to the popularity of Malbec – a Bordeaux transplant that is now their signature red grape variety. The majority of Argentina’s vineyards are in the Mendoza region, on the eastern foothills of the Andes.  Other important grape varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda, and Argentina’s perfumed, signature white variety, Torrontes.