Calchaqui Valleys is the most prolific wine region in Northern Argentina. It is also one of the highest anywhere in the world, with Vineyard altitudes ranging from 1500 to 3100 meters.
As with other parts of the Country, Malbec is the key variety, supported by Cabernet Sauvignon and Torrontés. Merlot, Tannat, Cereza, Syrah, Bonarda and Moscatel (usually Muscat of Alexandria) are also grown.
The valleys still only account for around two percent of the national output, but the wines are well regarded for their concentration and balancing Acidity. The region therefore punches above its weight in terms of winning awards.
The region is over 270 kilometers in Length, running north to South in a series of Deep valleys along the spine of the Andes. It is home to over 4,200 hectares of vineyards and more than 300 grape growers and producers, though no wineries are found here.
The zone spans state lines across Tucumán (accounting for just over 100ha of the total), Catamarca (over 700ha) and Salta (around 3400ha). The subregion of Cafayate Lies within the latter.
Average vineyard Size is much larger in Salta, at around 12ha. That average is just 2ha in Catamarca and Tucumán.
Tannat is a red grape variety from Béarn which belongs to the cotoïdes family. Present in several vineyards of France, it occupies nearly 3,000 ha. Its leaves are reddish with tan patches. Its bunches are either of normal size or larger. Its berries have a thin skin and are rounded. Its foliage has a swarthy appearance. This variety must be pruned long because it is vigorous. It likes sandy and gravelly soils. Tannat is often exposed to leafhoppers and mites. It is also somewhat susceptible to grey rot. It has 11 approved clones, including 474, 717 and 794. Once mature, this variety produces acidic, fruity, tannic, acidic and full-bodied wines. Various aromas emerge, notably tobacco, cinnamon and exotic wood. Tannat is rarely used alone. It is combined with iron-servadou to obtain a fruitier taste or with cabernet sauvignon to be more rounded.
wines from the region of Calchaqui Valley go well with generally quite well with dishes of spicy food, vegetarian or aperitif such as recipes of panga curry, quiche lorraine or mozzarella sticks.
On the nose in the region of Calchaqui Valley often reveals types of flavors of pineapple, grapefruit or tropical and sometimes also flavors of citrus, apples or peach. In the mouth in the region of Calchaqui Valley is a powerful.
