Mendoza is the most important wine-growing region of Argentina that produces 70% of the country's wines. The birthplace of the Argentinian viticulture, the first grapes were planted in Mendoza during the sixteenth century by the Jesuit missionaries.
Among the biggest wine region in the world, Mendoza is the largest wine region of Argentina with its 140 000 hectares of vines. The vines are located at the foot of the Andes, on high plateaux elevated between 800 and more than 1200 meters.
The province is arid because it is sheltered from rainfalls by the mountain range in the west and the pampa in its east side. The vine can grow thanks to the altitude and the water provided by the mountains but irrigation is still a necessity. The distinctive character of Mendoza wines comes from its strong sunshine and its high diurnal temperature variation.
The vineyards spreads in three distinctive wine-growing areas:
- the traditional viticultural heart around the city of Mendoza,
- the Uco Valley 70 kilometers south-west of Mendoza,
- Luyan de Cuyo and Maipu inside the upper valley of Mendoza.
Malbec Malbec Malbec!
The wine production in Mendoza is dominated by Malbec, a French variety that blooms beautifully under the powerful Argentinian sun. The Malbec wine from Argentina has spicy and woody notes, black fruit aromas and a dark violet color. With its elevated vineyards, Mendoza can produce elegant wines that offer a round palate, smooth tannins and a bright acidity.
The Argentinian producers make interesting high-quality wines with Cabernet Sauvignon.
Best producers in Mendoza
Achaval Ferrer, Altos Las Hormigas, Catena Zapata and Trapiche are among the best wine estates in Mendoza.
