Fecovita winery in Mendoza is one of the largest producers in the world, made up of over 5000 vineyard growers (with 25,000 hectares of vineyards between them!). The group actually has several wineries around Argentina, and comprises 29 co-operatives. Within the stable of brands are the popular labels of Bodega Los Helechos in the Uco Valley, Estancia Mendoza, Texto Subito and – one of Argentina’s longest running brands – Toro.
Casarena winery in Mendoza has replanted an old Malbec vineyard in their new Naoki vineyard, in a rather interesting terroir! Winemaker Martina Galeano talks about the terroir of Luján de Cuyo, as well as the particularities of their ‘elephant cemetary’ vineyard and the fascinating story of rescuing some older vines. She also explains in this interview why Lujan is a great wine region not only for Malbec but also Cabernet Sauvignon.
Get to grips with the wine regions of San Rafael and General Alvear in our ultimate guide to these lesser-known wine regions in southern Mendoza.
As you travel the 230 kilometres from the capital of Mendoza to the small city of San Rafael, you’ll pass by the beautiful Atuel Canyon. The Canyon is, in fact, one of the main draws to the region with its river rapids, sand dunes and mountains offering plenty of opportunities for adrenaline junkies and nature lovers to explore. As well as providing a buffet of water sports, the Atuel and Diamante rivers are essential irrigation lifelines in this arid wine region, which is situated in a rain shadow cast by the Andes mountains.
Despite being located further south than the Uco Valley, its lower altitude means San Rafael tends to be typically warmer. This fact, along with the predominantly sandy soils, means it is best for everyday easy-drinking wines.
Cheval des Andes is the result of a collaboration between two iconic wineries in France and in Argentina:
In 1998, Pierre Lurton, general manager at Cheval Blanc, was asked to find the best site for the winery. He studied the different terroirs of Las Compuertas with Roberta de la Mota and decided to combine Cheval Blanc’s experience with Malbec’s most pure expression. Cheval des Andes has inherited
