Region Guide
Mendoza
Reviewed by Morgan Dannels, Head Sommelier · Last updated May 14, 2026
Sip Tip
Mendoza sits at the foot of the Andes at elevations between 600 and 1,500 meters above sea level, and that altitude means intense UV radiation, which thickens grape skins and leads to wines with notably deep color and firm tannins.
Mendoza dominates Argentine winemaking, producing most of the country's wine. Vineyards occupy arid terrain, with the Andes blocking moisture from the west and the Pampas cutting off weather from the east. Altitude is the defining variable: sites range from the hot, irrigated flatlands of Eastern Mendoza up to the Uco Valley's Tupungato district, where some parcels exceed 1,500 metres. Malbec appears at every elevation, but the style shifts dramatically: warmer, lower sites yield riper, rounder wines, while cooler elevations produce lighter, more perfumed styles.
The region divides into five zones. Eastern and Northern Mendoza supply the bulk of entry-level production. Central Mendoza, home to Luján de Cuyo and Maipú, holds the country's longest history of quality winemaking. Luján de Cuyo sits at 900–1,100m in the Andean foothills; its aged vines produce Malbec with supple tannins and warm baking-spice notes. Maipú lies east of Luján de Cuyo at lower elevation, where Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon perform particularly strongly. The Uco Valley in the southwest marks the cool, high-altitude frontier: Chardonnay, Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Tempranillo all flourish here, and the coldest sites can support Pinot Noir. San Rafael in the south sits at lower elevation, but its southern position keeps it among the coolest corners of the province; it holds the country's most notable Chenin Blanc plantings.
What grapes is Mendoza known for?
Malbec dominates every tier. From warmer valley-floor sites, it tends toward bigger body and riper fruit. At 900–1,100m in Luján de Cuyo, old vines deliver soft, round wines with sweet-spice character. Climb above 1,100m into the Uco Valley and the wines turn lighter, often showing floral aromatics. Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah perform particularly well in Maipú. Chardonnay, Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Tempranillo all flourish in the Uco Valley, with the coolest sites also supporting Pinot Noir. San Rafael holds Argentina's most notable concentration of Chenin Blanc. The eastern, lower sections of Maipú still harbour older plantings of Bonarda and Tempranillo.
What wine should you buy from Mendoza?
Entry-level Malbec sourced from Eastern Mendoza ($12–$20) offers ripe, generous fruit for by-the-glass pours. Move into Luján de Cuyo Malbec ($25–$60) produced from established vineyards, with producers like Catena, Achaval-Ferrer, and Norton Reserva showcasing supple tannins and warm spice. Uco Valley and Tupungato Malbec ($30–$80) come from the highest vineyards, delivering lifted aromatics and brighter acidity. Names to know: Adrianna Vineyard (Catena Zapata), Cheval des Andes, Salentein, Zuccardi, and the Michel Rolland project Clos de los Siete. Maipú Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon ($25–$50) deserve more consideration as options beyond the standard Malbec. Tupungato Chardonnay ($25–$45) remains one of Argentina's most overlooked white wines.
What food pairs with Mendoza wine?
Mendoza Malbec pairs naturally with grilled beef, empanadas, and anything finished with chimichurri. The lighter, more aromatic bottles from higher elevations suit game birds, duck breast, and lamb.
- •Charred steak with herbaceous chimichurri sauce
- •savoury beef empanadas
- •Duck or lamb with higher-elevation Malbec
Sommelier's Take
Mendoza punches above its weight on value, and understanding the altitude tiers helps you match the right bottle to the right occasion. The Uco Valley's white wines, especially Chardonnay, remain under the radar and deserve more attention.