Mendoza in the far west of Argentina is the country's most important wine region. Vineyard altitude averages 1000 metres, and the climate is considered close to ideal for red wine production, and now increasingly white.
A semi-desert climate, run-off water from the Andes and contrasting day and night temperatures result in deeply coloured, scented and structured red wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon and tempranillo in addition to Malbec and Bonarda. Chardonnay, Torrontes and Sauvignon are the main white grapes cultivated, though quality wines from Viognier and Chenin Blanc are also appearing.