Mendoza
Mendoza is the largest and most significant wine-producing region in Argentina, located on the eastern side of the Andes mountains. The region accounts for around two-thirds of Argentina’s vineyard plantings and is internationally renowned for its association with Malbec wines.[1]
Background
Viticulture in Mendoza dates back to the 16th century, when Spanish colonists introduced the first grapevines.[2] The development of irrigation systems, using meltwater from the Andes, allowed vineyards to expand across otherwise arid landscapes.[3] In the 19th century, European immigrants, particularly from Italy and Spain, further transformed the region’s vineyards and contributed to the establishment of modern winemaking traditions.
Characteristics
Mendoza lies at altitudes ranging from 600 to over 1,500 metres above sea level, creating wide diurnal temperature variations that favour balanced ripening of grapes.[4] The climate is continental and dry, with annual rainfall averaging less than 250 mm, making irrigation essential. Soils are largely alluvial, with sandy and gravelly textures that offer good drainage.
The region is divided into several key sub-regions:
- Luján de Cuyo, known for high-quality Malbecs
- Maipú, one of the oldest vineyard areas
- Uco Valley, distinguished by higher-altitude vineyards and increasing international recognition for premium wines[5]
While Malbec dominates, other varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Torrontés.
Use in winemaking
Mendoza has become the cornerstone of Argentina’s wine identity abroad, particularly through the promotion of Malbec as a flagship varietal.[6] The region supports both large-scale wineries, which produce wines for global distribution, and smaller estates, which focus on terroir-driven bottlings. Exports from Mendoza have played a central role in raising Argentina’s profile in international markets.
See also
References
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., Mitchell Beazley, 2019.
- ↑ Unwin, Wine and the Vine: An Historical Geography of Viticulture and the Wine Trade, Routledge, 1991.
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015.
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., Mitchell Beazley, 2019.
- ↑ Pszczolkowski, El Malbec y los vinos de Mendoza, Ediciones Universidad Católica de Chile, 2012.
- ↑ Wines of Argentina, “Mendoza”, winesofargentina.org.