Page 214 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Argentina

212  ar gentina region b y region

The Wines of Mendoza

the province of Mendoza is the locus of argentina’s
wine industry and produces more than 80 percent of
the country’s wine. in colonial times, Mendoza’s first vines
arrived from neighboring Chile and spread along the
andean front range. From the late 19th cen tury, european –
especially italian – immigration spur red production for
argentina’s growing urban market, in what is now the
world’s sixth-biggest wine pro ducer. From the 1970s,
argentina began to pro duce fine wines for export. Since
then, burgeoning foreign investment has accelerated the
process. Dozens of bodegas are open for tours, tasting, and Neatly arranged wooden casks at Bodega
dining. Several wineries have their own guesthouses as well. La Rural
The Grape Growing Process
The production of Mendoza’s wine is aided by the area’s
altitude and climate, which is temperate and semi­arid, offer­
ing plenty of sunlight and little rainfall. However, the height
of the Andes can cause climatic features, such as the wither­
ing Zonda wind, to be more destructive than on the plains.
High altitudes receive increased ultraviolet light, improving grape
color by enhancing tannins and pigments; the altitude also con cen­
trates grape sugars, making the wine complex and intense.

Irrigation takes place through an elaborate system of dams
and canals that are fed by the region’s many rivers, including Vineyards remain healthy and free from
Río Mendoza. These rivers carry the melting snows of the fungal diseases due to the high altitudes that
Andes mountain range. ensure good air circulation.

Good Producers
and Vintages
Hail nets are common
• Luigi Bosca – Luigi Bosca Malbec over Mendoza vine­
Reserva 2007, Luigi Bosca Syrah yards. Due to the heat
Reserva 2005 and high altitude,
• Bodega Terrazas de los Andes – electrical storms are
Malbec 2007 frequent in summer
• Bodegas Caro – Amancaya and can bring destruc­
Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon tive hail at any time.
2005 Many growers reduce
• Bodega Catena Zapata – their risk with
Malbec 2008 scattered vineyards,
• Rutini – Rutini Cabernet Malbec but some take the
2011 additional, but labor­
• Alta Vista – Alta Vista Malbec intensive, pre caution
Mendoza Premium 2004 of protective netting
for their grapes.

AR_212_AD321_1148_WineFea.indd 212 15/08/2014 11:02
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Feature template “UK” LAYER
(SourceReport v1.3)
Date 18th October 2012
Size 125mm x 217mm