As the barometer drops and the cold fronts swoop in, the red wine flows ― and there is no better time to promote fine wines.

Argentine Ambassador to Korea Carlos Alberto Arganaraz hosted a swath of Korea’s wine industry, including local sommeliers, restaurateurs, wine and food critics, hotel representatives and wine importers in swishing, sniffing and swigging fine Argentinean wines.

The lucky participants quaffed on a battery of red Malbecs by wineries that, while they are household names in Argentina, are not as well known here. Such familiar name as Riojas, Mendoza, Norton, Catena Zapata and Trapiche were tilted sideways for hours during the “Celebrate Argentina Seoul 2012” wine tasting event at Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul, Nov. 8.

Arganaraz hopes Malbecs, his country’s most representative varietal, will become as familiar to Korean palates as Chilean wines, by far the dominate wines here. The quality of Malbecs speaks for itself, he said, adding that Argentine Malbecs are already becoming more and more popular.

Argentine’s high altitude Mendoza Province produces what are rated by international wine experts as among the best wines anywhere. “(It’s) an ideal environment to develop a wine that has surprised and seduced the entire world,” said Andres Kemeny, director of Wines of Argentina, during a presentation on the characteristics of Malbecs.

Wines of Argentina combine the most important wineries in the South American country.

For those thirsty for a Malbec now, Mina Choi of Wine Review, Korea’s premiere wine magazine, suggested Malbecs from Norton, Trapiche or Catena Zapatta. Choi said Malbecs received high marks from wine critics at Wine Review’s “Korea Wine Challenge” in June. Trapiche Malbec Single Vineyard Las Piedras 2010 was awarded best red wine in the challenge.

“Argentina’s Malbecs are akin to New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blancs. They are well regarded internationally,” she said.

About 20 Argentine wineries brought over 100 wines to Korea in search of the right pairing of their wine with local importers and distributors.

Arganaraz said he hosted the event here so people can enjoy the Malbec wines which are sold in Korea and so importers can have an opportunity to get to know about Argentine wineries.

By Philip Iglauer (ephilip2011@heraldcorp.com)