The land

Mendoza sits at the foothills of the Andes in western Argentina, at elevations of 700 to over 1,500 metres. The combination of high altitude, intense sunlight, large diurnal temperature swings, dry desert climate, and stony alluvial soils produces extraordinarily concentrated wines with surprising freshness. Almost all the water comes from snowmelt off the Andes, channeled through ancient irrigation systems. The region accounts for roughly 70% of Argentine wine production.

The sub-regions

Luján de Cuyo (the historical premium zone, around 1,000 metres elevation) — the home of many of the great Mendoza wineries. Uco Valley (further south and significantly higher — 1,200-1,500 metres in Tupungato, Vista Flores, Gualtallary) — where the most cutting-edge Argentine fine wine of the last decade has emerged. Maipú (lower elevation, older plantings, including some pre-phylloxera vines). Other smaller sub-zones: San Rafael, the Calchaquí Valley in nearby Salta (where vineyards sit at 2,000+ metres).

Style of the wines

Malbec (see /encyclopedia/grapes-encyclopedia/malbec-encyclopedia/) is the dominant grape and the regional signature — deep purple, blackberry, violet, sweet baking spice, with surprisingly bright acid for the warm climate. The high-altitude Uco Valley examples in particular show a structural elegance that lifts Argentine Malbec well above the everyday-value reputation. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc are also serious. Torrontés is the indigenous white, aromatic and floral. Chardonnay from the higher Uco Valley sites can be excellent.

Vintages to know

2021 — outstanding. 2019 — exceptional. 2017 — superb. 2013 — legendary.

Producers we know

Catena Zapata (the historical reference — Catena Zapata Estiba Reservada and the Adrianna Vineyard wines are at the top), Bodega Aleanna (Susana Balbo’s family project), Achaval-Ferrer, Salentein, Mendel, Cheval des Andes (the Cheval Blanc Argentine project), Susana Balbo Wines, Zuccardi (especially the Concreto and Uco Valley single-parcel wines), Bodega Noemía (de Patagonia, the Hans Vinding-Diers project), Vines of Mendoza.