Previously, we shared our experiences of sampling some budget-friendly red and white wines from Argentina, typically found at local stores. It’s worth mentioning that Argentina also boasts a range of high-end premium wines capable of vying with the world’s finest.

The sequence of wine-producing regions in Argentina extends in an extraordinary length, covering more than 1,200 miles from Salta in the north all the way to Patagonia in the southern tip. These regions, nestled against the Andes Mountains, in their eroded peak soils, export exceptional wines. Contributing to the reach of their grape cultivation are significant diurnal temperature fluctuations and an arid climate which helps stave off pests and diseases.

In recent times, we had the opportunity to sample a range of high-ranking red and white wines. We were quite taken with them. Here’s what we thought.

Trapiche Gran Medalla Chardonnay Mendoza 2020 ($35-40). This chardonnay was very pleasing, offering notes of citrus and apple, finished with a touch of creaminess.

Vina Cobos Vinculum Chardonnay Mendoza 2019 ($55). This Chardonnay originates from the project of Paul Hobbs. The influence of California is notable in its beautiful tropical fruit notes, a hint of light toasty oak, and a splash of lemon, making it our favorite white wine.

Otronia No. 3 & No. 6 Chardonnay Patagonia 2019 ($90). This Chardonnay, grown in the cool climate of Patagonia, is characterized by mineral-driven apple and citrus notes.

Achaval Ferrer Quimera Mendoza 2019 ($40). This wine stood out, especially considering its price. It’s an excellent blend of 59% malbec combined with the four other classic red Bordeaux varietals. Its production process remained unfined and unfiltered. Yields for this wine were remarkably low — just 1.3 tons per acre, resulting in a hefty, intense wine that features mature plum and blackberry notes encased in soft tannins. This was our favorite from the red wine selection.

Alta Vista Single Vineyard Albaneve Campo De Los Andes Valle De Uco Malbec 2018 ($50). This pleasing wine, crafted with 100% Malbec grapes and aged in French oak, boasts dominant flavors of plum and cherry with a hint of vanilla.

Fabre Montmayou Grandvin Partida Limitada Red Wine Luhan De Cuyo 2019 ($54). Primarily featuring malbec with hints of cabernet sauvignon and merlot, this red wine has been aged in French oak and offers a smooth experience with notes of plum and vanilla. It is exceptionally easy to drink.

Otronia No. 1 Pinot Noir Patagonia 2019 ($90). This wine is cultivated in the cool-climate Patagonia region in southern Argentina. Estate bottled with organic grapes, this pinot noir leaves a strong impression on the palate, characterized by both ripe and sour cherries.

Susana Balbo Nosotros Single Vineyard Nomade Malbec Valle De Uco Mendoza 2018 ($125). Although the price may be daunting, this was our favorite of the reds. With the ability to rival some of the best that Napa Valley has to offer, this superior wine offers aromas and flavors of plum, cherry, and cedar that work together to create an incredibly enjoyable experience. The wine is aged in primarily new French oak for over a year, further contributing to its extraordinary quality.

When conversing about sparkling wines, most wine enthusiasts can list off a number of varieties such as champagne, cava, prosecco, and a selection of domestic offerings. However, the mention of Trentodoc is likely to be met with confusion.

Despite the limited availability in the U.S., a sparkling wine producer in the northeastern part of Italy has become known for its obscurity. This mountainous region was once under the Austro-Hungarian Empire before the First World War. Following the war, it came under the control of Italy.

The only types of sparkling wine produced here are white and rosé. Produced from the same grapes used in French champagne and utilizing the same production methods.

The result is a truly exceptional sparkling wine that in some cases can even be compared with its French counterpart. Trentodoc, which only has around 2,800 acres of grape-producing land for their sparkling wine, is consumed mostly in Italy, representing 80% of the total consumption.

In order to better understand this sparkling wine, we tasted three rosés from the region. We wished to determine whether this wine, which is difficult to source, should be sought after by consumers.

Our top picks were the 2016 Rotari Trentodoc Rosé ($25), a blend of 75% Pinot Noir and 15% Chardonnay. This sparkling wine featured a yeasty, bready aroma complemented by notes of strawberry and cherry. It’s a refreshingly vibrant and full-bodied wine.

Another favorite was the Ferrari Trentodoc Brut Rosé N/V ($35-40), comprised of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. Again, the enticing yeasty aroma was present, this time paired with creamy berry notes. A delightful sparkling wine that is a pleasure to drink.

We were also fond of the True Myth San Luis Obispo Coast Pinot Noir 2022 ($28). The Central Coast region recently became an AVA. This affordable and enjoyable wine delivers classic flavors of juicy strawberry and cherry with a touch of spice.

The San Salvatore Elea 2008 Campania 2018 ($20) also stood out. The majority of this Italian wine from Campania is stainless-steel fermented to maintain the freshness of the Greco grape. With the advantage of Mediterranean maritime influences, it conveys notes of stone fruit and olive interlaced with minerality.

Bodegas Alto Moncayo Garnacha 2020 ($50). From Campo de Borja, Spain, this all garnacha, derived from old vine grapes, astounded us with its depth. It boasts jam-packed strawberry and black cherry flavors, with plenty of spice and pepper adding thrill to the mix.

Cormorant Dry Creek Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2021 ($24). After a 12-year tenure at Fetzer, Charlie Gilmore launched his solo label in 2018. With organically grown grapes, he’s designed a balanced sauvignon blanc that’s high in purity and intensity, minus the mouth-constricting grassy and grapefruit tones. Notes of white peach, citrus, and ginger make this wine not only exclusive but tantalizing as well.

Chalmers Felicitas 2019 ($42). With fresh wines hitting the American market, Australia’s Victoria region is gradually becoming prominent. This sparkling wine, solely composed of the fiano grape, is incredibly extraordinary. The fresh and tasty concoction we found was unexpected, coming from a grape variety native to Italy. It features nice acidity and apple notes.

Tom Marquardt and Patrick Darr have been regularly sharing their wine knowledge through a syndicated column since 1985. Visit their blog at moreaboutwine.com. They can be contacted at marq1948@gmail.com.