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.
Most certainly of Argentine origin, very well known in this country, particularly in the Rioja and Salta regions. It is said to be the result of a cross between the Muscat d'Alexandrie and the Listan Prieto Noir, also known as Criolla Chica. We can note its resemblance with the torrontés sanjuanino, most certainly by the fact that it is also resulting from the same crossing. In Spain (Galicia), a grape variety bears the name of torrontés, it is most certainly the fernao Pires. Torrontés riojano is also present in Chile, but in France it is practically unknown.
wines from the region of Calchaqui Valley go well with generally quite well with dishes of pork, rich fish (salmon, tuna etc) or spicy food such as recipes of tartiflette, pan-fried potatoes with smoked salmon and rosemary or algerian couscous.
On the nose in the region of Calchaqui Valley often reveals types of flavors of tree fruit, citrus fruit or tropical fruit and sometimes also flavors of red fruit. In the mouth in the region of Calchaqui Valley is a powerful with a nice freshness.
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