Cafayate
Cafayate
Located in the Salta region of north-west Argentina Cafayate is one of the best-known wine regions of Argentina. With vineyard heights averaging 1700 metres, the area is home to some of the highest winemaking areas on earth and the hot, dry climate is tempered by the cold nights associated with mountainous regions. Nestled amongst the surrounding Calchaqui Valley, the altitude, breath-taking landscapes and unique terroir make for a unique region, famous for crisp, aromatic Torrontes and spicy, dense Malbec wines. The altitude and thinner air increase solar radiation, and grapes grow thicker skins to help protect against damage from ultraviolet rays, which adds flavour, and in the case of red varieties, tannin. Soils in Cafayate are mainly alluvial, sandy loam on a moisture-retentive clay base, but also contain some pulverised mica, which some producers say acts like a series of tiny mirrors reflecting sunlight back onto the grapes. Though the region has very little rainfall, pure water comes from snowmelt in the Andes.