Clime and Terroir
The “terroir” is where the vine grows and therefore helps define the characteristics of the wine produced. The vine is grows well in warm and dry zones while it also needs low temperatures in order to produce its best crop. Warm temperatures cause the grapes to mature quickly and with low acidity, which is necessary for the production of a balanced wine and later for its conservation. On the other hand, low temperatures achieve the opposite effects producing wines of low alcoholic levels and high acidity.
An excellent wine needs the best of both situations. This is why within the greatest wine regions of the world, like Mendoza (33º South latitude), the most prestigious vineyards are located in the fresher places. This can be achieved by planting vineyards in areas from 900m above sea level. The development is at between 1,050m and 1,270m above sea level. This area has thermal amplitude of 15º which is perfect for achieving this balanced effect.
Another important factor is the soil: very fertile, deep soil can cause overly vigorous growth that is not beneficial in wine production. If the soil is too poor it will also jeopardize the quality of the wine. Here the topsoil is loamy sandy and sandy with gravel underneath. This creates a good balance with no more than 70 centimetres of cultivatable earth and stone. This type of soil naturally regulates the speed at which the vines grow and ensure that the grapes produced will be of a high quality.
This is a region where all the grape varieties can flourish, especially the Argentine Malbec.
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