Mendoza produces roughly two-thirds of Argentina's wine from vineyards planted at striking altitude, 600 to 1,100 meters, in the Andes foothills, where glacier-fed irrigation and alluvial soils create ideal growing conditions. Malbec is the region's calling card, though Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, and high-altitude Chardonnay are also important.
Grapes grown here
Sub-regions
Luján de Cuyo
Luján de Cuyo, in Mendoza's upper valley at around 1,000 meters elevation, was the world's first officially delineated wine appellation, recognized by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine in 1993. Its alluvial, sandy and stony soils are especially prized for Malbec, the grape most closely associated with the area's international reputation.
Uco Valley
The Uco Valley, southwest of Mendoza along the Tunuyán River, is considered one of Argentina's top wine areas thanks to its high elevation (900-1,200 meters), alluvial soils, and wide day-night temperature swings that concentrate color, aroma, and flavor. Malbec is the traditional flagship grape here, with Sémillon historically important among whites.