The Alto Agrelo location, in the Lujan de Cuyo Department of the Province of Mendoza, at the foothills of the Andes, is the ideal region in which to produce world-class wines. The gifts of nature and the knowledge of man have joined in harmony to create the best wine region in Argentina.
It reminds one of a beautiful postcard with imposing mountains, blue skies, intense sun and a dry and fresh climate. The arid, sandy soils are sometimes blessed by alluvial baths which are brought down the mountain by the Mendoza River. The area known as Alto Agrelo, 1,000 meters above sea level, sees crops of pumpkin, corn and beans, cultivated successfully alongside the grape vines.
Alto Agrelo has been transformed in to a wine orchard thanks to a combination of unique microclimate and rustic, hardworking and experienced local hands. It is now the major production area in Argentina for a variety of grapes - Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Torrontes. However it is mostly in Lujan de Cuyo, in Alto Agrelo, where the best Malbec in the world is grown. The Malbec grape is originally from France, but reached the New World in the middle of the XIX century. Today it is the primary varietal flag of Mendoza, Argentina’s most famous wine-producing region.
Alto Agrelo’s microclimate is continental – mild and dry with scarce rains in the autumn and heavy rains in summer. A characteristic of the region is the remarkable daily temperature range, with warm days and cold nights which give the grapes with a particular richness of aromas, flavours and colours. The sandy soil retains minerals deposited by the rivers, springs and ice offering good drainage, mineral richness and poor organic material - qualities which are especially suitable for grape-growing.
In Alto Agrelo, known as the ‘Land of Malbec’, thousands of vineyards and wineries have established themselves here, differing in size and origin, both local and foreign, constituting not only a wine production centre, but also a booming wine tourism industry. This region attracts thousands of tourists annually to discover what is known as the “Ruta del Vino” (Wine Circuit) which combines visiting vineyards and wine cellars, staying at luxury winery hotels, participating in wine tastings and learning to distinguish some of the finest wines man has ever made, while getting familiar with the rituals and traditions of first class winemaking.