Mendoza is Argentina’s largest wine producing area and is located in the western part of the country at the base of the Andes mountains. Not only does this region produce more wines than any other Argentine wine region, but it also has an international reputation that sets it apart from the rest. As a tourist destination, Mendoza has everything from upscale hotels and restaurants to small family-owned vineyards.
The region is divided into several smaller geographical areas each with its own unique set of characteristics that influence both quality and style. The main grape varieties grown here include Malbec (red) and Torrontés (white).
While many visitors are attracted by its proximity to ski resorts or simply as a gateway for exploring Chile further south, others come specifically to visit its wineries.
At the feet of the Andes
The province of Mendoza is located in the eastern foothills of the Andes mountain range, the second tallest and longest continental mountain range in the world. The Andes run north to south for nearly 7,000 km (4700 miles), forming a cordillera from Venezuela through Chile and Argentina all the way to Patagonia close to Cape Horn. It was formed by tectonic plates that crashed about 180 million years ago, forming a massive mountain system with more than 20 peaks over 7,000 meters (22,965 feet). Some of these peaks include Aconcagua (6,962m), Mercedarios (6,770m) or Tupungato (6,570m).
Mendoza lies at an average elevation of 750 meters above sea level. As you can see on this map , it stretches out along the Cordillera de los Andes that separates Argentina from Chile.
The region “Cuyo”
The official name of the province is Mendoza, but the region itself is usually called Cuyo. Let’s break down the details. The city of Mendoza is the largest in the region, which includes three other provinces: San Juan, San Luis and La Rioja. Cuyo’s capital city and namesake is located in a valley that spans over 1 million acres and lies at the base of Andes Mountains (the word “cuyo” means “what used to be ours”). This incredible natural landscape has also made it one of Argentina’s most important tourist destinations. A visit here brings more than just wine—though that alone would make for an amazing trip.
Mendoza accounts for almost 80 percent of Argentina’s wine production (most exported to Europe), and Cuyo produces about 70 percent — which means there are lots and lots of vineyards to visit!
Major grape varieties
The most important red variety is Malbec, while Torrontés is the main white. Both have been grown in Mendoza for over 150 years, and they are both very old varieties too. In fact, Malbec actually comes from France originally, where it’s known as Cot. But a grape called Malbec has been growing in Argentina since 1868—and now it makes up 80% of all vineyards here! That’s more than any other country in the world.
Torrontés also originated in Europe, with its roots tracing back to Spain some centuries ago. It’s named after the Torrontegui family who farmed grapes there before coming to Argentina in 1870s. The grape thrived here so well that it’s still one of Argentina’s most popular wines today—and there are three different types: Torrontés Riojano (more floral), Torrontes Sanjuanino (fruitier) and Torrontes Mendocino (spicier).
Different appellations
Wines from this region can be labeled with one of several appellations. The appellation (the most important factor in determining whether a wine is worth buying) is determined by the location in the province of Mendoza where the grapes were grown and processed. Spanish law requires that, in order to use an appellation on the label, at least 85 percent of a wine must come from the specified area.
The Mendoza province has several different subregions with individual microclimates and soils, each producing a variety of flavours, which can be divided into four categories:
- Luján de Cuyo
- Uco Valley
- San Rafael
- San Martín
- Maipú and Tupungato
Apart from its wines, Mendoza has many other tourist attractions. The province is very large and diverse due to the Andes. It boasts a great variety of activities which makes it an ideal destination for any type of traveler. The city of Mendoza and the Uco Valley are both wine-growing regions that attract tourists all year round._
Argentina’s major wine growing regions
Argentina has four major wine growing regions: Mendoza, Salta, San Juan and Catamarca. Mendoza is the largest and most important and produces around 70% of Argentina’s wines. Salta produces Malbec from vines planted in 1870 at an altitude of 1,800 metres (5,900 feet), which makes it one of the highest vineyards in the world. Other key regions are San Juan, Rio Negro and Neuquen which are located to the south west of Buenos Aires.