Patagonia Adventure 2018

Mendoza - Valle de Uco

Valle de Uco is a viticultural region southwest of Mendoza, in Argentina. Situated along the Tunuyán River, the Uco Valley is widely considered one of the top wine regions in Mendoza, and all of Argentina. The annual average temperature is 14 °C (57 °F) and altitudes range from 900–1,200 metres (3,000–3,900 ft) above sea level.[1]
Stacks Image 5
The combination of high elevation, alluvial soils, irrigation sourced from the Andes Mountains, a long growing season with over 250 sunny days a year, little rain and vast temperature differences between day and night are all conducive to growing quality wine grapes. These climate and geography elements come together to provide excellent fruit ripening and concentration, developing colors, aromas, flavors and textures resulting in wines that are deep in color, intense in aromas and rich in flavors. The Uco Valley figures prominently in the Argentina Wine Route for tourist visitors.[2]
Stacks Image 9
Traditionally, the varietals grown in this area are Sémillon and Malbec; together with Bonarda and Barbera in a smaller amount.[3]

Douce noir is a red Italian wine grape that has historically been grown in the Savoie wine region (which shifted from Italian to French control in 1860), but today is more widely planted in Argentina. It is also known as Bonarda, Corbeau and Charbono. California Charbono has been grown in the Napa Valley for a long time and is produced by Inglenook and Parducci. In the Santa Cruz area, Bonny Doon winery produces some Charbono wine.