Tracing the origin of Argentine Malbec wines by sensometrics

Terroir studies remain challenging from a sensory standpoint. This work presents a sensometrics-based approach to trace typicity in wines, using Argentine Malbec as a case study. We fingerprinted 81 wines from 29 parcels spanning contrasting environments (climate, elevation, soils), produced under standardized conditions across three vintages. Wines were evaluated via descriptive sensory analysis (DA) by trained panels, and descriptors were analyzed at multiple geographic scales (zones, departments, and Geographic Indications, GIs). Sensometric tools (MANOVA/ANOVA, PCA, MFA, clustering/heatmaps) characterized regional typicity and discrimination. A strong vintage effect was evident at departmental and GI levels, with aroma, taste, and mouthfeel varying annually. Nonetheless, several origin-linked descriptors were consistent across years, revealing Malbec typicity. The study provides proof of concept for disentangling terroir and vintage effects from a sensory perspective, offering evidence-based guidance for producers and consumers.