Defining the Wines of South AmericaTruly exceptional wines tell us something about the soil, water and climate that give them life. Nowhere is the impact of landscape on wine more pronounced than along the flanks of the Andes in Chile and Argentina.
The Cordillera de los Andes is the highest mountain chain on earth outside the Himalayas. Mt. Aconcagua, at 23,000 feet (7,000 meters), is the highest peak in the range, and overlooks the Mendoza wine valleys of Argentina and the wine valley of Aconcagua in Chile.
The Andes extend 5,000 miles (8,000 kilometers) from the tip of Tierra del Fuego near the Antarctic up to the Equator and beyond, forming the geological backbone of the continent. The mountains are young in geologic time, and give rise periodically to volcanoes and earthquakes. The productive vineyards of Chile and Argentina would simply be untenable without the Andes. They rank as one of the most awesome soil factories in the world, shedding rock and earth onto the farm lands below. High Andean peaks bear snow all year, providing ample irrigation water that farmers distribute to thirsty vines as needed.
Though they share a mountain range, the wine-rich Central Valley of Chile and Mendoza in Argentina feature growing conditions that are worlds apart. The Andes shelter the east-sloping vineyards of Mendoza from Pacific weather, leaving temperatures more severe and rainfall scarce. Only irrigation allows viticultural oases to produce premium wine grapes. Glacial chill descends from the peaks to ensure cool nights and keep grape acids high despite hot days.
To the west, the Andes retain maritime influences in Chile. There, the Pacific moderates temperatures and the mountains halt much of the rain before it crosses over to Argentina. The climate is Mediterranean-cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Like California, conditions are ideal for growing grapes.
Physically, visually, even spiritually, the impact of the Andes on viticulture in South America is monumental.
If you wants to know more about Chile, Argentina and their wines writes me, pleasant we will give you bigger information and if you wants to come to know...congratulation, request us a personalized visit program, we will send it to the brevity.
The Cordillera de los Andes is the highest mountain chain on earth outside the Himalayas. Mt. Aconcagua, at 23,000 feet (7,000 meters), is the highest peak in the range, and overlooks the Mendoza wine valleys of Argentina and the wine valley of Aconcagua in Chile.
The Andes extend 5,000 miles (8,000 kilometers) from the tip of Tierra del Fuego near the Antarctic up to the Equator and beyond, forming the geological backbone of the continent. The mountains are young in geologic time, and give rise periodically to volcanoes and earthquakes. The productive vineyards of Chile and Argentina would simply be untenable without the Andes. They rank as one of the most awesome soil factories in the world, shedding rock and earth onto the farm lands below. High Andean peaks bear snow all year, providing ample irrigation water that farmers distribute to thirsty vines as needed.
Though they share a mountain range, the wine-rich Central Valley of Chile and Mendoza in Argentina feature growing conditions that are worlds apart. The Andes shelter the east-sloping vineyards of Mendoza from Pacific weather, leaving temperatures more severe and rainfall scarce. Only irrigation allows viticultural oases to produce premium wine grapes. Glacial chill descends from the peaks to ensure cool nights and keep grape acids high despite hot days.
To the west, the Andes retain maritime influences in Chile. There, the Pacific moderates temperatures and the mountains halt much of the rain before it crosses over to Argentina. The climate is Mediterranean-cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Like California, conditions are ideal for growing grapes.
Physically, visually, even spiritually, the impact of the Andes on viticulture in South America is monumental.
If you wants to know more about Chile, Argentina and their wines writes me, pleasant we will give you bigger information and if you wants to come to know...congratulation, request us a personalized visit program, we will send it to the brevity.
For detail info: Across Chile
