Mendoza

Overview

Home to most of Argentina’s internationally renowned wineries, Mendoza represents more than 80% of all of Argentina’s wine production and 70% of its vineyard acreage.

Located in the west of the country on the lower slopes of the Andes, vineyard altitude ranges from 1,500 – 5,500 feet above sea-level. A continental climate, hail can be a major problem, with hail nets used in some areas.

Some major subregions in Mendoza are Maipú, Luján de Cuyo and at higher elevations the Uco Valley and Tupungato.

More than half of the acreage under vine are red varietals, mostly Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Primary whites are Chardonnay and Torrontes, with some Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier. A significant amount of high-yielding pink-skinned grape Criolla Grande is also planted in Mendoza, but generally sold to the local market as affordable wine.