Sub-regions of Mendoza

Río Mendoza's higher region

Authors proposed this name since it adapts to define the vitivinicultural region bathed by the Río Mendoza. It is located in a pedemonte area and its heights vary from 3,478ft to 2,133ft. Its particular weather and soil characteristics are propitious for growing fine varieties of grapes that produce high quality wines. It is located at 33 degrees south latitude in Mendoza. Its annual media temperature is about 15ºC. Due to its proximity to the city of Mendoza, the region suffers the impact of urbanization. This is the most important region in terms of fine wines production. Vistalba, Las Compuertas or Perdriel are the coldest designations, because they are produced at considerable heights. Since temperatures rise at lower heights, there are many different "Terroirs" not far from each other (13 miles or less). The weather conditions are propitious for grapes to form color and tannins that enable wines to be aged for longer periods. The vineyard area extends for over 74,000 acres and there are almost 360 cellars. The region's principal stock is the Malbec variety and there are vineyards that are more than 40 years old, which constitutes a unique viticulture patrimony. There are also other varieties, such as Tocai Friulano, which is a delicately sour and velvet wine; and Riesling Renano, which contains a great tartaric acidity. In the last few years, the Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc varieties have been started to be produced.

Uco valley

It is located southwest from the city of Mendoza at between 33 to 34 degrees south latitude. Its annual media temperature is about 14.2ºC and its heights above mean sea level vary from 3,937ft in Viejo Tupungato to 2,953ft in the city of Tunuyan.
It is located southwest from the city of Mendoza at between 33 to 34 degrees south latitude. Its annual media temperature is about 14.2ºC and its heights above mean sea level vary from 3,937ft in Viejo Tupungato to 2,953ft in the city of Tunuyan. At present, there are over 19,770 acres planted with vine. The wines have elevated levels of acidity; and, in many cases, producers turn to malolactic fermentation. This region is characterized by its aptness to crop high quality grapes propitious to produce not only red and white wines but also long-aged wines. From the point of view of vinicultural inversions, it is currently the most important region in Argentine. Semillon and Malbec are the traditional stocks of the region; but the Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties have been introduced in the last few years. Its region's Syrah is vastly renowned.

Valle de Uco Geographical and Agroechological Characterization.

Geographical location:
The Valle de Uco region is situated in San Carlos, Tunuyan and Tupungato counties. It is located about 59 miles SW of Mendoza city; right below the Andes' buttress.
Notable Landforms:
It extends along a narrow and long gorge where many rivers go through. Its vegetation features a coat of Carob Trees (Prosopis flexuosa), a bush coat of Jarilla (Larrea divaricata) and, finally, an herbal coat.
The grand plain of Las Huayquerías' crossing.

More Mendoza regions: Sur Mendocino (south Mendoza). Este Mendozino (east Mendoza). Norte Mendozino (North Mendoza )