Mendoza’s universal success built around plush, fruity, fragrant Malbec is expanded by the wines coming from the Uco Valley, which represent the latest frontier in ultra-high altitude, cool-climate viticulture. Nestled against the foothills of the Andes, the Uco Valley is vast, spanning three departments and covering an area 45 miles/72 kilometers long from north to south and 15 miles/24 kilometers wide, roughly equivalent to the planted area of Sonoma County in California. Soils here vary widely, though shallow sandy loam is typical in the Tupungato department, and limestone can be found in the Gualtallary district which is highly sought after for white wine production. Tunuyán is typified by rockier ground with very thin topsoil that seems to favor bright acidity and tart fruit notes in its wines. Heavier soils are found in San Carlos, resulting in plush textures and dark fruit flavors in the wines from this department.
Although considered part of the Mendoza region, the Uco Valley can be recognized in its own right on several counts. Not only is the vine-growing area quite distinct; the region is also home to several of Argentina's top producers. Attracted by the excellent climate and soil, newcomers such as the Bordeaux-based names Lurton, Dassault, Rothschild and Rolland have raised the region's profile. The vineyards of Vista Flores have produced some particularly successful wines.
Please have a look at the video I did on the Malbec from Uco Valley, even though I wasn't a big fan of this producer, I love wines from Uco Valley, and think they make some awesome Malbec!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtokMMMg94O/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
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