Which was the first region in Argentina to obtain a DOC designation?

The correct answer is Luján de Cuyo DOC because it was the first region in Argentina to receive the Denomination of Controlled Origin (DOC) designation. This recognition was granted to Luján de Cuyo in 1989, establishing it as a significant area within the Argentine wine industry. The designation serves to highlight the quality, distinctiveness, and reputation of wines produced in this specific region, which is particularly known for its Malbec wines.

Mendoza, while a major wine-producing region that encompasses Luján de Cuyo, did not receive DOC status first; instead, it is often identified as a broader wine region rather than a specific DOC itself. Valle de Uco and Neuquén are also important wine regions in Argentina, but they came into prominence and received various designations after Luján de Cuyo was established. Understanding the historical significance of the Luján de Cuyo DOC designation helps illustrate the development and recognition of Argentine wines on a global scale.