Mendoza
Mendoza
One of the agricultural heartlands of Argentina, the province of Mendoza is just over the size of England and produces a wide variety of produce for domestic and international consumption. It also boasts two-thirds of Argentina's vineyard area. Sitting in the shadow of the Andes, the climate is sunny and dry, and the region receives little rainfall. With an average vineyard height of 1000 metres, altitude is a key factor in Mendoza grape production, as it reduces humidity and the thin air helps the sunlight penetrate and ripen the grapes. Malbec is the undisputed king of Mendoza, producing incredibly expressive wines with deep colour and a dark fruit character, along with a signature violet note. Mendoza holds 80 percent of Argentina's plantings of Malbec and the wines range from fruit-driven everyday styles through to complex, age-worthy wines. Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Torrontes and Sauvignon Blanc are also extensively planted across the region.