The North – click to enlarge

The North wine region of Argentina encompasses the provinces of Salta, Jujuy, Catamarca and Tucumán. It is a land of extremes, home to some of the world’s highest vineyards, which range from 1,500 to over 3,300 meters above sea level. These high elevations provide intense sunlight during the day and cool temperatures at night, creating ideal conditions for growing grapes with concentrated flavours, deep colours, and vibrant acidity.

The region is arid and desert-like, characterised by very little rainfall, intense solar radiation, and significant thermal amplitude. These conditions yield low volumes but produce very high-quality grapes. Soils are typically sandy or rocky, providing good drainage. The scarcity of pests at such altitudes means that chemical intervention is minimal, supporting sustainable and even organic practices.

Viticulture in Northern Argentina dates back to the early 17th century, brought by Spanish missionaries. While Salta has long led in wine reputation, recent decades have seen a resurgence and expansion in Catamarca, Tucumán, and especially Jujuy. Investment, improved winemaking techniques, and a focus on quality over volume have helped the region gain international recognition.

Salta
The Calchaquí Valleys in Salta are the crown jewel of the North. Vineyards in Cafayate and its surrounding areas are situated at altitudes ranging from 1,700 to over 3,000 meters. Torrontés Riojano, Argentina’s signature white grape, thrives here, producing aromatic, floral wines. Reds like Malbec, Tannat, and Cabernet Sauvignon are also key players. The area is known for its colonial charm, wine cellars, and proximity to the red rock formations of Quebrada de las Conchas.

Jujuy
The Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is now home to Argentina’s highest vineyards, exceeding 3,200 meters. This frontier region produces bold, structured wines and is rapidly gaining attention for its innovation and extreme terroir.

Catamarca
Often overlooked, Catamarca is an up-and-coming region with vineyards around Tinogasta, Fiambalá, and Santa María. The altitude and dry climate produce expressive wines, particularly those made from Syrah, Bonarda, and Cabernet Franc. Fiambalá is also the gateway to hot springs and mountain trails.

Tucumán
This province has focused wine activity around Tafí del Valle, a lush area surrounded by mountains. The vineyards here, situated between 1,600 and 2,300 meters above sea level, produce intense Malbec, Torrontés, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The scenic beauty of the valley makes it a growing destination for wine tourism.

Malbec is Argentina’s flagship red grape, and produces deeply colored wines with rich flavors of dark fruits, floral notes, and balanced acidity. In the North, particularly in Salta, high-altitude vineyards (1,700–3,000+ meters) contribute to Malbec’s intense color, pronounced aromas, and vibrant acidity. The cooler nights help preserve freshness, while strong sun exposure enhances ripe black fruit flavors and tannin structure.

Malbec accounts for 2,038 hectares in the North, representing 32.5% of the region’s total vineyard area and 4.40% of Argentina’s total Malbec plantings.

Torrontés Riojano is a uniquely Argentine white grape and is known for its highly aromatic profile, featuring notes of jasmine, citrus, and stone fruit. The high elevations of Salta, especially around Cafayate, enhance its signature aromas while preserving acidity, resulting in fresh, vibrant white wines with floral lift and a crisp, dry finish.

Torrontés Riojano covers 1,254hectares in the North, making up 20% of the region’s vineyards and 17% of Argentina’s total plantings of this variety.

Cereza, a pink-skinned, high-yielding variety is used for light reds and rosés, and produces fresh, fruit-forward wines that are simple, bright, and often consumed young. In the North, Cereza is planted in lower-altitude, warmer areas, particularly in Catamarca and Tucumán, yielding easy-drinking wines with red fruit notes and soft tannins.

Cereza occupies 1,019 hectares in the North, accounting for 16% of the region’s vineyards and 4% of Argentina’s total Cereza plantings.

Cabernet Sauvignon is globally renowned red variety and the North produces structured wines with firm tannins and notes of blackcurrant, pepper, and herbal nuances. The sunny, dry climate with cool nights in the North allows Cabernet Sauvignon to develop bold flavors while maintaining balance through acidity and structure.

Cabernet Sauvignon spans 802 hectares in the North, representing 12.75% of the region’s vineyards and 5.81% of Argentina’s total plantings of this variety.

Syrah thrives in the North’s intense sun and dry air, producing full-bodied, deeply colored wines with black fruit, licorice, and sometimes smoky or meaty notes. High elevation cools down the nights, adding elegance and lifting Syrah’s natural spice, resulting in particularly intense and structured wines in Salta and Catamarca.

Syrah covers 254 hectares in the North, making up 4% of the region’s vineyards and 2.20% of Argentina’s total Syrah plantings.

These varietals showcase the North region’s unique terroir, characterized by high altitudes, arid climate, and significant temperature variations between day and night, all contributing to the distinctive qualities of the wines produced.

Source:  wines of Argentina,