Uco Valley
Uco Valley (Spanish: Valle de Uco, [ˈu.ko ˈβa.ʝe]) is a wine-producing subregion of Mendoza, Argentina. It lies to the south-west of the city of Mendoza, at the foothills of the Andes, and has become one of the most renowned areas of South America for high-altitude viticulture.[1]
Geography and climate
The Uco Valley is situated between 900 and 1,500 metres above sea level, making it one of the highest vine-growing areas in Mendoza.[2] Its location near the Andes provides cool night-time temperatures that contrast with the warm, sunny days, producing a significant diurnal range. These conditions help to preserve acidity and aromatic intensity in grapes while ensuring gradual ripening. Rainfall is limited, averaging 250–300 mm annually, which makes irrigation from Andean meltwater essential. Frost and hail are persistent viticultural risks, though altitude provides a degree of protection from extreme summer heat.[3]
Soils and terroir
Soils in the Uco Valley are primarily alluvial, deposited by rivers descending from the Andes. These soils are typically poor in organic matter, well-drained, and interspersed with gravel and larger stones.[4] Limestone patches, particularly in areas such as Gualtallary, have attracted attention for their influence on the mineral expression of wines. The heterogeneity of soil profiles, ranging from sandy-loam to calcareous, contributes to a diversity of wine styles across the valley.[5] Terroir studies conducted in the region emphasise the interaction of altitude, soil depth, and water retention in shaping grape character.[6]
Viticulture and grape varieties
The flagship grape of the Uco Valley is Malbec, which is considered to achieve some of its most refined expressions in this high-altitude environment.[7] Wines typically display deep colour, firm tannins, and pronounced floral and black-fruit aromatics. Alongside Malbec, Cabernet Franc has emerged as a successful variety, valued for its freshness and herbal complexity. Chardonnay is cultivated at the cooler upper slopes, producing white wines with notable acidity and citrus character. Other varieties such as Torrontés and Merlot are also planted but occupy smaller proportions of vineyard area.[8]
Vineyard management at these elevations requires adaptations to sunlight intensity, which is higher due to thinner atmosphere. Canopy practices and row orientation are carefully adjusted to balance sun exposure and reduce the risk of sunburn on berries.[9]
Wine styles and characteristics
Wines from the Uco Valley are distinguished from other Mendoza subregions by their balance of ripeness and freshness. Reds, particularly Malbec, show a combination of concentration and aromatic lift, often with violet, blackberry, and mineral notes.[10] Cabernet Franc adds herbal and spicy dimensions, while Chardonnay demonstrates purity and finesse. The marked acidity and fine tannin structure of Uco Valley wines contribute to their ageing potential, making them sought after in both domestic and export markets.[11]
Economic and cultural significance
The Uco Valley has become a focal point of Argentina’s wine exports and a centre for experimentation with terroir-driven labelling. International investment has flowed into the region, and leading estates have developed research programmes on soil mapping and micro-vinifications. This has enhanced its reputation among critics and reinforced Argentina’s profile as a producer of fine wine beyond volume-driven production.[12] The valley is also a cultural hub, with wine tourism linked to gastronomy and the landscape of the Andes.
See also
References
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., 2019, p. 276. ISBN 978-1784724030.
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, 2015 (entry: Mendoza; Uco Valley). ISBN 978-0198705383.
- ↑ Pszczolkowski, El Malbec y los vinos de Mendoza, 2012, pp. 94–97. ISBN 978-9561412369.
- ↑ Lagarde & Dourojeanni, Los Andes y el vino, 2010, pp. 121–124. ISBN 978-9500732272.
- ↑ Zuccardi Valle de Uco, "Soil profiles", https://www.zuccardiwines.com
- ↑ OIV, "Viticulture at altitude—technical considerations", https://www.oiv.int
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., 2019, p. 278.
- ↑ Instituto Nacional de Vitivinicultura (INV), "Estadísticas y regiones vitivinícolas", https://www.argentina.gob.ar/inv
- ↑ Jackson, Wine Science, 2020, pp. 345–347. ISBN 978-0128161180.
- ↑ Pszczolkowski, El Malbec y los vinos de Mendoza, 2012, pp. 101–104.
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, 2015.
- ↑ Wines of Argentina, "Valle de Uco", https://www.winesofargentina.org