Mendoza

Mendoza

Mendoza is the heart of Argentina's wine country, a high-altitude desert oasis nestled against the Andes Mountains. It is globally synonymous with Malbec, producing powerful, fruit-forward red wines that have defined the nation's vinous identity. The region's combination of intense sunlight, cool mountain nights, and pure Andean irrigation water creates wines of remarkable concentration, structure, and character.

Food Pairings with Mendoza Wines

Malbec: The classic pairing is grilled steak (asado), but it also works with beef empanadas, lamb, and hard cheeses.
Cabernet Sauvignon: Excellent with hearty stews, braised short ribs, and dishes with black pepper.
Chardonnay: Pair with grilled chicken, creamy pasta dishes, or trout.
Torrontés: A great match for spicy Asian cuisine, ceviche, or salads.

Geography & Climate

Mendoza is a high-altitude desert plateau, with vineyards planted at elevations ranging from 800 to 1,500 meters (2,600 to 5,000 feet) above sea level. This altitude is the key to its success. The intense daytime sun allows grapes to ripen fully, developing deep color and flavor, while cold mountain nights preserve acidity, providing balance and freshness. The climate is dry and continental, with low rainfall, making irrigation from pure Andean snowmelt essential. This controlled water supply helps producers manage vine vigor and grape concentration.

History of Mendoza

Winemaking in Mendoza dates back to the 16th century, introduced by Spanish colonists who needed wine for Catholic Mass. For centuries, production was focused on quantity over quality, serving a large domestic market.

The modern era began in the late 20th century, when a wave of investment and international consultation recognized Mendoza’s potential for world-class wines. Winemakers began planting at higher altitudes and focusing on lower yields, which, combined with French oak aging, transformed Argentine Malbec from a rustic

Subregions and Appellations

The first officially recognized appellation (DOC) in Argentina, known for its old-vine Malbec and powerful, classic red wines.

The highest-altitude region, celebrated for its limestone soils and producing elegant, mineral-driven Malbecs and Chardonnays with incredible freshness. Key subzones include Gualtallary and Paraje Altamira.

One of the oldest growing areas, home to historic wineries and known for ripe, full-bodied reds.

Signature Wine Styles

Red

Malbec is the undisputed king, known for its plush texture and notes of plum, black cherry, violets, and sweet tannins. Styles range from juicy and fruit-forward to complex and age-worthy. Cabernet Sauvignon and Bonarda also produce excellent, full-bodied reds.

White

Chardonnay from cooler, high-altitude sites shows bright acidity and notes of apple, pear, and citrus, often with a touch of oak. Torrontés, while more famous in Salta, offers aromatic, floral white wines here as well.

Notable Producers

Catena Zapata

Pioneers of high-altitude viticulture and research; widely credited with putting Argentine wine on the world map.

Bodega Cobos

Paul Hobbs's project, producing powerful, ultra-premium Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Zuccardi Valle de Uco

A modern architectural marvel focused on expressing the specific terroirs of the Uco Valley through concrete-aged wines.

Bodega Aleanna (El Enemigo)

A cult producer known for intense, complex, and age-worthy wines that push boundaries.

Fun Facts about Mendoza

Mendoza produces over 75% of all wine made in Argentina.
The region averages more than 300 days of sunshine a year.
Due to the dry climate, organic viticulture is widely practiced.
The traditional method of irrigation uses a complex system of channels first built by the Incas.
The "Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia" (National Grape Harvest Festival) is one of the world's biggest wine celebrations, held annually since 1936.

Quick Facts

Key Grape Varieties

Red Varieties

White Varieties