San Juan
In terms of production, San Juan is Argentina's second-largest wine region (after Mendoza), with about half of its agricultural land devoted to vineyards. Key areas include the Tulum Valley, the Zonda Valley and the high-quality Pedernal Valley.
San Juan region is predominantly semi-desert (with just 10cm of average rainfall per year) and its viticulture is dependent on irrigation from the San Juan and Jachal rivers as well as meltwater flowing down from the Andes mountain range to the west. San Juan also has no more than 30 days of cloud covered days per year and nights are cold while days are hot. This range in temperature is ideal for the cultivation of grapes high in polyphenols and wines with intense flavour and fruit.
San Juan's vineyards are located at a relatively high average altitude, with the lowest at around 610 MASL and the highest at 1200 MASL and cover some 45,000 hectares
Wine Overview
San Juan is home to a broad range of grapes but its Syrah deserves special mention and is attracting increasing attention worldwide.
Additionally, the region produces sherry-style wines and provides most of the base for Argentina's brandy and vermouth.
Predominant Varieties
Syrah
Malbec
Cabernet Sauvignon
Bonarda
Charonnay
Torrontes
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Also in Regions
Patagonia
The southernmost region in Argentina comprising the provinces of Río Negro, Neuquén and La Pampa. Around 4,550 ha of vineyards are cultivated here, accounting for approximately 2 percent of Argentina's total planted area.
Mendoza
Without doubt the most important province in Argentinian wine production, accounting for around 75 percent of the total vineyards in Argentina. The highest peaks of the Andes are found in Mendoza, with Aconcagua sitting at around 6960 MASL. The presence of the Andes, which acts as a barrier to the humid winds of the Pacific, help shape the climate, generating ideal conditions for the cultivation of vines.
La Rioja
La Rioja is a seven hour drive north of Mendoza, passing through San Juan on the way. La Rioja produces quality wines, especially in the Famatina valley between the Velasco mountains and the Famatina hills. Here the vines grow at 1000 – 1400 MASL and the altitude brings freshness and balance to the wines, driven by the huge diurnal temperature range.