Large desolate areas in the south of the region, flanked by low, forested mountains and a cycle of paradisiacal lakes in the west and the Atlantic coast in the east enliven Patagonia. The cultivated area reaches 3,783.60 hectares, which represents about 2% of the total area planted in Argentina.
Wine production in the northern region is based on the basins and banks of the main rivers that have a great influence on the terroir, and includes several oases in the southwest of the province of La Pampa, east of Neuquén and north of the Río Negro until the river flows into the Argentine Sea. In recent years, restless producers have moved the wine border south, beyond the 45° latitude in Chubut, and east with new projects in Buenos Aires.
The large thermal amplitude resulting from the combination of latitude and low altitude and the many hours of sunshine is added to the scarce rainfall and strong winds that influence the harvests and contribute to the health of the grapes. The climatic conditions also favour the concentration of colour in the red varieties by developing a thicker skin.
In Neuquén, wine production is concentrated in the southeast of the region, in the Limay and Neuquén river basins. At the end of the 1990s, the emergence of San Patricio del Chañar as a wine production centre contributed to the diversification of the province’s wines.
Although the area under cultivation is at a low altitude of between 270 and 415 metres, the temperature drops due to the latitude, which has a compensatory effect. The climate is hot, with very cold nights and severe drought, with abundant sunshine and constant winds. All these factors contribute to obtaining grapes with excellent health conditions.
His wines, in all varieties, have a remarkable concentration of colour, a high degree of fruit in the aromas, great body and structure. Among the most cultivated varieties are Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Río Negro is cultivated in a series of valleys in the basin of the Colorado and Negro rivers, which cross the province from west to east. The vineyards reach a height of 370 metres in the high valleys to the west of the territory, and their height decreases to 4 metres as the rivers flow towards the Altantic.
The low altitude of the area is combined with the higher latitude, which has a balancing effect on the temperature. In the west the climate is predominantly continental and dry, with low rainfall and low relative humidity. Winters are cold, while summers are hot and dry, which gives the region a remarkable luminosity and a large thermal amplitude. The winds blowing from the southern mountain range increase the aridity of the environment and allow for excellent health of the vineyards. To the east, in the town of San Javier, the lower valley of the Río Negro forms a plain with a gentle slope towards the sea and heights ranging from 4 to 16 metres, with temperatures moderated by the sea effect (Atlantic viticulture).
The wines are characterised by an excellent balance between alcohol and acidity, the result of slow grape ripening. The white wines obtained from Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon are interesting, with a personal flavour, with mineral notes that are difficult to find in other areas. Among the reds, the Malbec, Merlot and Pinot Noir stand out, with good colour intensity and much typicity.
Information source: winesofargentina.org
