A look at the viticulture of Argentina

With a total of 511,512 acres of vineyards, the winegrowing region of Argentina is located on the Western edge of the country, at the foot of the Andes mountain range. It extends 1,500 miles in length, from 42º S to 22º S.

The altitudes in this region range from 1,500 feet to nearly 10,000 feet above sea level.

Located in arid regions, annual precipitation varies from 6” to 16”, which makes irrigation an integral facet of viticulture.

Salta The New Pearl of Argentina

Salta is located in the Northeastern region of Argentina, at 26º S.

It is one of the oldest regions for producing wines and dates back to the age of the Spanish conquistadors.

Salta has the highest altitude vineyards in the world, the highest with an elevation nearly 10,000 feet above sea level.

With each harvest Salta gains more attention as the newly rediscovered “pearl” of Argentina.

Valle Calchaqui The Heart of Salta

The Calchaqui Valley is the principal wine producing region of Salta and surrounds the city of Cafayate.

The region has sunny days which allows excellent maturation and concentration.

The high altitude vineyards benefit from the cool Andean nights to achieve balance and elegance.

The high thermal amplitude and powerful sunlight produce intense flavors and aromas.

San Isidro – The Soul of Cafayate

San Isidro is a high valley ensconced at the foot of Mount San Isidro, near Cafayete.

The very poor and stressed soils are ideal for viticulture of high quality.

An elevation of 5,600 feet leads to temperatures drastically lower than those on the valley floor, allowing slow and even maturation.

Mount San Isidro blocks the hot afternoon sun and keeps the fruit from being burned.

San Isidro Valley – photo by Carlos Calise

Altos de San Isidro :An Unique Region

Altos de San Isidro is 60 acres of vineyards planted in 1970 by Héctor “Chacho” Herrero, the son of don Melchor Herrero and Francisca Cerezo, two Spanish immigrants.

The vineyard was originally planted with Torrontes and Barbera.

In the early 1990’s, Chacho’s son, Héctor, took charge of the vineyards; he planted Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon using a VSP trellis system, and incorporated state-of-the art drip irrigation.

Héctor Herrero – Photo by Carlos Calise

Bodega Herrero – Cerezo

The esscence of San Isidro

In 2006, Héctor and his wife Rosana founded the family winery Herrero Cerezo, taking the name from the grandparents who immigrated to Argentina from the Ribera del Duero in 1912.

Héctor carries out extensive and numerous experiments using micro-vinification to exploit the potential of his family vineyard.

In 2009, Héctor and José Luis Mounier produced and bottled their own Malbec, Barbera and Torrontes from the highly valued Altos de San Isidro property.

Architect - Maria Inés Laconi

José Luis Mounier :A true friend and helper

José Luis Mounier is a long time neighbor to the Herrero family. His Finca las Nubes, “The Clouds Farm”, is located nearby to Altos de San Isidro.

Although originally from Mendoza, José Luis has produced wine in Salta for more than 25 years.

He is currently considered by many as the top winemaker in Salta and has brought his knowledge and experience to Altos de San Isidro to help achieve the best wines possible from this special vineyard.

Alejandro Sejanovich : The viticultural piece

Alejandro Sejanovich was the Vitcultural Director at Bodega Catena Zapata for 16 years. He was a pioneer in high altitude vineyard planting in Mendoza and directed advanced research of the Malbec clones.

Alejandro has managed vineyards all over Argentina, from Salta in the North to Patagonia in the South.

As one of the principal players in viticulture in Argentina, Alejandro focuses on the vineyard of Altos de San Isidro in the unique region of Salta

Jeff Mausbach :Preaching the Gospel

Jeff Mausbach spent the last 13 years as the Wine Education Director at Catena Zapata. He has traveled the world talking about the unique character of Argentinean wines.

Jeff has vast experience in the World market, from the United States to England, Canada and Japan.

As a sales and marketing expert on Argentina, Jeff carries the message of the singular character of the Altos de San Isidro region to international wine markets.

The wines of Altos de San Isidro

Altos de San Isidro Reserve Malbec

From a 10 acre lot planted in 1992, yielding 7 tons per hectare, 3 tons per acre.

Refrigerated for 4 days and later fermented at 26º C to obtain an intense aroma.

Aged in French oak for 12 months, 50% new.

Altos de San Isidro Reserve Barbera

From a 20 acre lot planted in 1970, yielding 5 tons per acre.

Refrigerated for 2 days and fermented at 28º C to obtain a soft and silky texture.

Aged in French oak for 10 months, 30% new.

Altos de San Isidro Torrontés

From a 25 acre lot planted in 1970, yielding 10 tons per acre.

Cold maceration for 8 hours then cold fermented at 22º C to obtain intense aromas and a clean and fresh mouth feel.

No malolactic fermentation. No oak.

¡Muchas gracias!