PORTFOLIO
UCO VALLEY
Uco Valley is highly recognized for its higher-altitude location at the foot of the Andes Mountains; the valley's La Consulta, Tupungato and Tunuyan sub-regions sit at altitudes from 2,800 ft (850m) and 3,600 ft (1,100m) respectively. Located at latitude of 33 degrees south, the area's elevated vineyards benefit from high daytime temperatures, which drop very cool at night. The altitude brings clarity of light, water and air, and moderates the high temperatures associated with lower latitudes. This allows the grapes to produce balanced sugars and acidity while achieving phenolic ripeness. In addition to its high quality Red wine, some of Mendoza's finest white wines come from Uco Valley vineyards, as the relatively cool climate allows the requisite slower ripening period. The valley follows the northerly course of the Tunuyan River as it flows down from its source high up in the Andean peaks. The terrain in the area is largely alluvial - a clay and rock base with a stony, sandy surface - ideal for viticulture as it allows for good drainage, and forces the vines to grow deep, strong roots. This is crucial to the area as dry continental climate brings little rain, so flood irrigation techniques are widely used.
LUJAN DE CUYO
Just to the south of Mendoza city, along the Mendoza River, lies Lujan de Cuyo, a town now entirely surrounded by vineyards and wineries. As they are situated so close to the river, the majority of these vineyards have alluvial soil types (i.e. sandy, stony surfaces based on clay substrata). A significant benefit of being located close to a glacial river is a lower level of salinity in the water, and a lack of impurities compared with other river types. In 1993, Lujan De Cuyo became Argentina's first official appellation; the result has been a steady increase in both the quantity and quality of its wines. The region had enjoyed its own DOC status for four years prior to this recognition by the OIV (International Organisation of Vine and Wine). Situated in the upper Mendoza valley, many Lujan de Cuyo vineyards sit at altitudes of around 3,280ft (1,000m).
AGRELO
Agrelo is a small sub-region of Mendoza in Argentina, based around a township of the same name, 20 miles (30km) to the south of Mendoza city and a stone's throw to the west of the prestigious Lujan de Cuyo appellation. The average altitude of Agrelo vineyards is around 3,300ft (1,000m) above sea level just at the foot of the Andes. Agrelo's alluvial soil types are positioned on the west banks of the Mendoza River, as it winds its way down into the lower-lying land to the east. The glacial flows at this altitude lacks the impurities compared to rivers at lower altitudes, providing higher quality of irrigation for the vines and the grapes.
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