Mendoza, Argentina

The land of Malbec and the heart of Argentina’s wine country. Mendoza is the largest and most important wine region accounting for 75% of Argentina’s vineyards with a focus on red wines. Mendoza has three main wine sub-regions: Lujan de Cuyo, Uco Valley, and Maipu, with more than 1,500 wineries spread throughout. These three sub-regions are situated in the foothills of the Andres mountains providing ample sunshine, snowmelt for irrigation, and have the highest elevation. The high elevation generally results in wine with high acidity giving them a nice freshness and ability to age. Other Mendoza sub-regions including Santa Rosa and San Rafael are also producing terrific value wines. Common grape varieties beyond Malbec include Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, and Torrontes (an aromatic white varietal).