Andes
Andes (/ˈændiːz/; Spanish: Andes) is the longest continental mountain range in the world and a defining feature of viticulture in South America. Stretching over 7,000 kilometres along the western edge of the continent, the Andes provide the altitude, climate moderation, and water resources that underpin modern wine production in countries such as Chile and Argentina.[1]
Background
The Andes form a natural barrier between the Pacific coast and the inland plains. Their geological formation created a wide range of soils, from alluvial deposits to volcanic substrates, that contribute to diverse terroirs.[2] Snowmelt from the peaks supplies essential irrigation in otherwise arid winegrowing zones, particularly in regions such as Mendoza in Argentina and the Maipo Valley in Chile.[3]
Viticultural Characteristics
High-altitude vineyards are a defining feature of Andean viticulture. Vines are planted at elevations ranging from 600 to more than 3,000 metres above sea level, as seen in Argentina’s Salta region.[4] Altitude moderates daytime heat while ensuring cool nights, producing marked diurnal temperature variation that slows ripening and preserves acidity. The thin atmosphere also increases ultraviolet radiation, leading to thicker grape skins and wines with deep colour and firm tannins.[5]
Regional Impact on Winemaking
The Andes influence nearly all major South American wine regions. In Argentina, Mendoza lies in the foothills and is the country’s largest and most important wine-producing area, known for Malbec.[6] Further north, Salta’s extreme altitudes yield concentrated wines with notable aromatic intensity. In Chile, valleys such as Maipo, Colchagua, and Casablanca derive their climate from the cooling effect of mountain air and Pacific breezes channelled by the Andes.[7]
Contemporary Significance
Today, the Andes serve not only as a physical backdrop but as a central element of South American wine identity. High-altitude viticulture is often emphasised in international marketing as a marker of quality and distinctiveness.[8] The reliance on snowmelt irrigation has also placed sustainability and climate change at the forefront of vineyard management. As temperatures rise and water availability shifts, the Andes continue to shape both opportunities and challenges for producers.
See also
References
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., 2019.
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015.
- ↑ Lagarde & Dourojeanni, Los Andes y el vino: Historia y viticultura en altura, Editorial Sudamericana, 2010 (Spanish).
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., 2019.
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015.
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., 2019.
- ↑ Wines of Argentina, winesofargentina.org (Spanish).
- ↑ Lagarde & Dourojeanni, Los Andes y el vino: Historia y viticultura en altura, Editorial Sudamericana, 2010 (Spanish).