Cuyo – click to enlarge

The Cuyo wine region is nestled in the foothills of the Andes Mountains and is Argentina’s most significant wine-producing area. The region is characterised by its arid, mountainous terrain, with vineyards primarily situated on the eastern slopes of the Andes.

The region benefits from a desert climate with significant diurnal temperature variations, which help preserve acidity and enhance flavour development in the grapes. Irrigation is essential, primarily sourced from snowmelt in the Andes, and soils range from alluvial to rocky, providing diverse conditions for viticulture.

Viticulture here dates back to the 16th century, when it was introduced by Spanish colonisers. The region became the first area of permanent interior settlement in Argentina, with Mendoza emerging as a vital hub for wine production. Over the centuries, Cuyo has evolved into a world-class wine region, blending traditional practices with modern innovations.

It encompasses the regions of Mendoza, San Juan, and La Rioja, with Mendoza being the largest, accounting for approximately 80% of the country’s total wine production. Each region is further divided into subregions, each offering unique terroirs and microclimates that contribute to the diverse and rich tapestry of wines.

Mendoza

Luján de Cuyo is located at the foot of the Andes and is known for its high-altitude vineyards. It is often referred to as the “First Denomination of Origin” in Argentina. The area is renowned for producing premium Malbec wines.

Maipú is one of the oldest wine-producing areas in Mendoza and showcases a variety of wines, including Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay. The region’s proximity to the city of Mendoza makes it a popular destination for wine tourism.

Uco Valley is situated at higher elevations and is known for its cooler climate, ideal for producing elegant wines with higher acidity. The region is gaining international acclaim for its Malbec, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc.

San Rafael is located south of Mendoza city. It is known for its robust reds, particularly Malbec and Bonarda, as well as its white wines, such as Chardonnay.

Zona Este is a subregion characterised by its warmer climate, which makes it suitable for producing full-bodied red wines. The area is also known for producing table grapes.

Zona Sur is situated in the southern part of Mendoza. This subregion benefits from cooler temperatures, allowing for the production of wines with balanced acidity and fresh fruit flavours.

San Juan

San Juan is the second-largest wine-producing province in Argentina, accounting for approximately 17% of the country’s wine production. The province is known for its diverse microclimates and innovative winemaking techniques:

Valle de Pedernal is a high-altitude valley that is gaining recognition for its cool climate, which is ideal for producing wines with vibrant acidity and complex flavours. The area is particularly noted for its Syrah and Bonarda.

Valle de Tulum is located in the central part of San Juan. This valley is renowned for its warm climate, which is ideal for producing full-bodied red wines, including Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Valle de Calingasta is situated in the western part of the province. This valley is characterised by its rugged terrain and is known for producing small quantities of high-quality wines.

La Rioja

La Rioja is the smallest wine-producing province in Argentina, but it is rich in history and tradition. The province is renowned for its unique terroirs and the cultivation of indigenous grape varieties, particularly Torrontés and Malbec.

Famatina Valley is located in the western part of La Rioja. This valley is renowned for its high-altitude vineyards, which are well-suited for producing wines with fresh acidity and mineral notes.

Chilecito is situated in the central part of the province, known for its warm climate and is suitable for producing full-bodied red wines.

Sanagasta is located in the eastern part of La Rioja and is known for its fertile soils, which are suitable for producing a variety of wine styles.

Malbec is by far the flagship of Argentina and Mendoza in particular. The Cuyo region accounts for over 90% of the country’s Malbec, and Mendoza alone has 25% of the region planted with Malbec vines. The resulting wines are known for their deep colour, rich fruit flavours, and velvety texture, often with notes of dark fruit and spice. As the Cuyo region is renowned for its diverse terroirs and high-altitude vineyards, this significantly influences the characteristics of its varieties. In the Uco Valley, at elevations up to 1,500 meters, Malbec exhibits vibrant acidity and pronounced floral aromas. The cooler climate preserves freshness and enhances the expression of red fruit flavours. In contrast, warmer regions like Luján de Cuyo yield Malbecs with fuller body and ripe fruit characteristics.

Bonarda is Argentina’s second most planted red variety, and it thrives in the warm zones of Eastern Mendoza, particularly around 700 meters above sea level. Here, the wines are deeply coloured with aromas of black cherry, blueberry, and plum, evolving into notes of violets, spice, and chocolate. In higher-altitude areas, such as the Calchaquí Valleys, the cooler temperatures enhance acidity and aromatic complexity, resulting in more structured wines with nuanced floral notes.

Cabernet Sauvignon is another significant red variety in Argentina, especially in Mendoza’s Maipú and Luján de Cuyo sub-regions. It produces full-bodied wines with intense flavours and good structure, benefiting from the region’s warm, dry climate. In Luján de Cuyo, at elevations around 900 meters, Cabernet Sauvignon develops deep colour and rich tannins, with flavours of black currant and hints of green pepper. In the cooler Uco Valley, the grape’s acidity is more pronounced, and the wines often display herbal and mineral notes, adding complexity.

Syrah is prominent in San Juan and offers bold flavours with spicy and smoky notes, often with a full-bodied profile. In San Juan’s hot and dry climate, Syrah develops concentrated flavours of black pepper, liquorice, and dark berries. The high temperatures contribute to the grape’s bold character. In cooler areas, such as the Uco Valley, Syrah maintains its spiciness while adding layers of complexity and balance.

Torrontés is Argentina’s signature white grape variety, with significant cultivation in Mendoza. It produces aromatic wines with floral and citrus notes, offering a crisp and refreshing taste. In the cooler regions of Mendoza, Torrontés exhibits pronounced floral aromas and bright acidity, resulting in wines that are aromatic and crisp. In warmer areas, the grape’s aromatic profile is more subdued, and the wines may display rounder textures and richer flavours.

Source:  wines of Argentina,