Calchaqui

The Calchaquí Valleys (Valles Calchaquíes) is the top-producing wine region in northern Argentina, spanning state lines across Catamarca, Tucumán and Salta (where it passes through the well-known sub-region of Cafayate). Extending over 270km and running north to south between mountain chains along the spine of the Andes, this series of deep valleys has had vines nestled in its crevices for over 400 years — since the middle of the 17th century — and is home to over 4,200 hectares of vines and over 300 growers and producers. 

It is in fact within the Calchaquí Valleys, in Cafayate in Salta, where you’ll find Argentina’s oldest recorded living vineyard — a Torrontés vineyard planted in 1862. And while there are many old vineyards to discover in the Calchaquí Valleys, this is also one of the fastest-growing wine regions in South America. 

 

Discovering the mineral-rich hills and high altitudes of Calchaquí Valleys

Within the Calchaquí Valleys you are surrounded by colourful mountains and mineral-rich hillsides in either direction. The brightly coloured hillsides with their psychedelic hues of pink, purple, green and yellow are a tourist attraction in their own right, but also make quite a striking background for vineyard visits.

In the same way that the pinstriped hills alternate between different coloured mineral deposits, the soils of the Calchaquí Valleys are just as varied. Pockets of pebbles, rocks and limestone can be discovered in many vineyards, accompanied by well-draining sandy-loam soils.

Combine this poor soil with the incredibly dry weather and the enormous thermal amplitude, and you have a wine region that naturally produces low yields of healthy and concentrated grapes. The Calchaquí Valleys may only represent 2% of the country’s vineyards, but they claim a disproportionate share of Argentina’s wine awards due to the natural concentration, character and refreshing acidity of the wines.