Mendoza
Argentina's largest and most important wine region, producing over 70% of the country's wine. Renowned for Malbec from high-altitude vineyards in the Andes foothills.
Permitted Varieties
Key Regulatory Constraints
- DOC labeling: specific requirements by sub-region
- Elevation range: 500-1,500+ meters
- No federally mandated production limits
- Sub-regions: Luján de Cuyo, Valle de Uco, Maipú
Mendoza
Technical Summary
- Classification: IG (Indicación Geográfica) with specific DOC sub-regions
- Geographic scope: Mendoza Province, western Argentina
- Production: ~70% of Argentine wine production
- Primary variety: Malbec (~40% of plantings)
- Elevation: 500-1,500+ meters (among world’s highest)
- Key feature: High-altitude viticulture at base of Andes
Regulatory Constraints (Verified)
Geographic Structure
| Level | Examples |
|---|---|
| Province | Mendoza |
| Department | Luján de Cuyo, Maipú, San Carlos, Tupungato |
| Sub-region | Valle de Uco, Primera Zona |
| DOC (specific) | Luján de Cuyo DOC, San Rafael DOC |
DOC Luján de Cuyo Requirements
- Varieties: Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, others
- Minimum alcohol: 11.5% vol
- Geographic restriction: Luján de Cuyo department
- Source: INV DOC regulations
General IG Requirements
- Origin labeling: Must specify geographic origin
- Varietal labeling: Minimum 85% of named variety
- Source: INV regulations
Elevation Sub-Regions
| Sub-region | Elevation | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Mendoza | 500-700m | Warmer; volume production |
| Maipú | 700-1,000m | Historic; balanced |
| Luján de Cuyo | 900-1,100m | Premium; classic Malbec |
| Valle de Uco | 1,000-1,500m+ | Cool; high-altitude; elegant |
- Source: Wine industry documentation
Enological Implications
Evidence-Backed Implications
High-altitude viticulture:
- UV intensity increases phenolic development
- Large diurnal temperature variation (up to 20°C)
- Extended growing season from cool nights
- Thicker skins; deeper color; structured tannins
Malbec expression:
- Argentina’s flagship variety (originally from Cahors, France)
- High-altitude sites produce more elegant, fresh styles
- Lower altitude: riper, fuller styles
Irrigation dependency:
- Desert climate; annual rainfall <200mm in many areas
- Meltwater irrigation essential
- Flood irrigation traditional; drip irrigation increasing
Operational Observations
Valle de Uco emergence:
- Highest elevation sub-region
- Premium positioning
- Cooler climate allowing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Altitude labeling trend:
- Producers increasingly state vineyard elevation
- Marketing differentiation
- Consumer recognition of altitude-quality link
Frequent Compliance Risks
DOC Compliance
- Risk: DOC wines not meeting specific requirements
- Impact: Cannot use DOC designation
- Mitigation: Verify INV DOC specifications
Origin Documentation
- Risk: Geographic claims without verification
- Impact: Mislabeling
- Mitigation: Vineyard registration; INV documentation
Varietal Percentage
- Risk: Less than 85% of named variety
- Impact: Cannot use varietal label
- Mitigation: Blending records
Relevant Grape Varieties
- Malbec — primary variety (file pending)
- Cabernet Sauvignon — secondary red
- Bonarda — significant plantings (file pending)
- Chardonnay — leading white
References
-
INV (Instituto Nacional de Vitivinicultura)
- Argentine wine regulatory body
- URL: https://www.argentina.gob.ar/inv
-
Wines of Argentina
- Promotional organization
- URL: https://www.winesofargentina.com/
Last Updated: January 6, 2026