Mendoza is the most important centre of the country, concentrating 70 per cent of the production of grapes and wines from Argentina, with more than 141,000 hectares and the largest number of wineries in the country. The poor soils, a remarkable thermal amplitude, low rainfall rates and good amount of sunshine to the grapes are the factors that characterize its terroirs.
In Mendoza, there are five very distinct areas that correspond to the different oasis.
The North includes the areas of lesser height above sea level, irrigated by the Mendoza River. It includes the department of Lavalle and part of the departments of Maipú, Guaymallén, Las Heras and San Martín. The altitude ranges between 700 and 600 metres above sea level. In general, the land is a low slope and deep.
The region is characterized by the production of white wines. Among the most common varieties are the Chenin Blanc, Pedro Ximenez, Ugni Blanc and Torrontés. As for red wines, the strains that stand out are Malbec, Bonarda, and Barbera, with a remarked variety character and due to the abundant sunshine, achieve highly concentrated colours and great tannins structure.
