Region · Mendoza, Argentina
Mendoza
men-DOH-sah
Altitude is the climate
What should I drink from here?
Argentina's wine capital, in the rain shadow of the Andes. Malbec is the headline; altitude is the plot.
- blackberry
- violet
- cocoa
- plum
- graphite
Luján de Cuyo is the historic heart; the Uco Valley (Tupungato, Tunuyán, San Carlos) is higher, cooler, and the current prestige address. Irrigation from Andes snowmelt makes viticulture possible in a desert.
Cabernet Franc is the insider red. Torrontés from further north (Salta) is the insider white. Bonarda is the volume grape with a new serious face.
Grilled beef, empanadas, and hard cheese.
At the table
Service
59–63 °F (15–17 °C).
Places
Go see Mendoza.
Malbec under snow peaks. Luján de Cuyo for the classic; Uco Valley if you want altitude and a longer drive.
Tasting rooms and itinerary
