Wine Region

Luján de Cuyo is a wine-producing sub-region of Argentina's largest viticultural area, Mendoza. Unsurprisingly, Malbec is the region's most-important grape variety, producing bold, intensely flavored red wines. Excellent wines are also produced here from Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Torrontés. Located in a valley just south of Mendoza City itself, the Luján de Cuyo region is home to some of the most famous names in Argentinean wine. These include Catena Zapata, Bodega Septima and Cheval des Andes.

The small town of Luján de Cuyo is on the northern banks of the Mendoza River. From here the viticultural area of the same name stretches south for roughly 30 kilometers (20 miles) between the Andes Mountains in the west and the Lunlunta hills in the east. The region was the first in Argentina to be officially recognized as an appellation in 1993, and includes the wine-producing zones of Vistalba, Las Compuertas, Perdriel, Agrelo and Ugarteche. Maipu lies directly east of Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley is to the south.

The region's position on the edge of the imposing Andes mountain chain has an enormous effect on the terroir. The hot, dry climate is moderated by the high altitude of the region, averaging about 1000m (3300ft) above sea level. At this altitude, the vineyards are subject to more-intense solar radiation during the day than lower-lying areas. This is balanced by evening temperatures that are considerably lower, cooled by alpine winds from the Andes. This diurnal temperature variation slows ripening overnight, and extends the growing season. The grapes develop full phenolic ripeness without losing their acidity.

Luján de Cuyo is in the rain shadow of the Andes and thus experiences a dry, almost desert-like climate. The Mendoza River makes viticulture possible here: the pure Andean meltwater that it brings to the valley provides an abundant source of water for irrigation.

Flood irrigation is the traditional method in Luján de Cuyo. Howver more and more vignerons are turning to drip irrigation for greater control over the growth of the vines. The soils are also heavily influenced by the proximity of the Andes Mountains. Alluvial soils have been deposited in the area by rivers over thousands of years. These rocky, sandy soils have little organic matter due to their origin high in the mountains, and their low fertility makes them perfect for viticulture because it stresses the vines. Stressed vines will produce less vegetation and smaller berries, which develop more concentrated flavors.