Argentina ranks 5th in the world in terms of wine production and with 515,000 acres of vineyards, is unquestionably South America's largest producer.  Wine has been produced since 1557 when missionaries established the 1st vineyard near Santiago del Estero.  The large-scale production of everyday red wines is still based on the native Criolla grape.  Malbec is king of the European varieties in Argentina.  Some other grape varities are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Torrontes, Semillon.