Mendoza

Mendoza has become one of the most famous and highly-acclaimed wine regions in the world and is virtually synonymous with Malbec wines. Mendoza now produces more than 60 percent of all of Argentina’s wine and accounts for an even greater share of the nation’s exports of wine. The Mendoza wine region is known for its high altitude and low humidity, with the average vineyard located at least 2,000 feet (600 meters) above sea level.

The combination of the high altitude and low humidity has been a real boon for the nation’s winemakers since it means each grape harvest has less risk of grape diseases such as insects, mold and fungi. Moreover, in recent years, there has been rapid experimentation with high altitude Mendoza wines capable of growing at even higher elevations.

In fact, the two regions of Mendoza that produce the most highly-rated Malbecs – Lujan de Cuyo and Uco Valley – are both located in the foothills of the Andes mountains, at elevations ranging from 2,800 to 5,000 feet above sea level.

Overall, there are more than 1,500 wineries in Mendoza. Historically, grape varietals such as Cereza and Criolla Grande were the most popular in the region, and still, account for approximately 25 percent of all wine acreage. However, Malbec and other red varietals – especially Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo – now account for more than half of all wine produced in Mendoza.

In recent years, Mendoza has attracted critical acclaim not only for its high-quality wines but also for its transformation into a leading hot spot for wine and luxury travel.

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