 The Calchaquí Valleys are famous for their landscapes,
their colours, their breezes, their blue skies and their
old villages. Over the last few years, they have also
become famous for their vineyards, wineries and
wines.Wine-making is one of the oldest activities in the world, with more than seven thousand years of history. In Argentina the business is over four centuries old and today, the country is one of the world’s main producers (with France, Italy, Spain and the USA). In Salta, wine production was introduced by the Jesuits in the Calchaqui Valles, and especialli in Cafayate, in the 18th century. Torrontés is the native stock, a white wine of intense scent and fruity flavour. It was imported from Spain three centuries ago and has reached a standard of excellent quality in Salta, thus becoming the most popular white variety in the country. Nowadays, vineyards cover over 1,800 hectares in Cafayate, San Carlos, Angastaco and Molinos. Moreover, red wines take up to 55% of the vineyards area. Some of the red varities grown in the Calchaquí Valleys are Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Tannat, Bonarda, Syrah, Barbera and Tempranillo. 95% of this area is destined to the production of fine wines. Fine-wine production in Salta has greatly developed, acquiring international reputation and winning several prizes. Not only are more hectares intended to the production of wine, but new stocks have been introduced, as well as the use of modern technologies, which have replaced manual presses and algarrobo barrels. However, the passion for making of the wines has remained the same.  Special characteristics of Salteñan winesThe excellent quality and characteristic taste of Salteñan wines result from the combination of unique weather and soil conditions, technological development, and the dedication of producers and connoiseurs. One of the most important factors is the altitude of the vineyards. The Calchaquí Valleys are situated at 1600 metres above sea level, with some areas like Tacuil and Molinos reaching 2600 metres. This accounts for temperature amplitude, solar intensity and air dryness and purity. All these elements combine and help produce wines of strong personality and excellent quality, with distinctive scent, colours and taste. |
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