Argentina’s Soaring Heights in Winemaking
When thinking of vineyards at lofty elevations, one might recall the steep slopes of the Valais in Switzerland, the terraced vineyards of Tenerife, or the breathtaking view from the 380-meter-high Calmond vineyard on the Moselle, which, with its staggering 65-degree incline, is world-famous as Europe’s steepest vineyard. However, Argentina is redefining the concept of “high-altitude wine” with the Salta region, taking it to an entirely new level.
The Highest Vineyards in the World
While European wine regions like Tenerife boast vineyards at around 1,800 meters, followed by the Aosta Valley (Italy) at approximately 1,200 meters, the Valais (Switzerland) and Epirus (Greece) at about 1,100 meters each, Sicily (Italy) at roughly 900 meters, Jochtal (Germany) at around 860 meters, Levante (Spain) and the Eisack Valley (Italy) at 800 meters each, and Styria (Austria) at approximately 650 meters, Salta in Argentina reaches dizzying altitudes. Here, in the country’s northwest, vines are cultivated at up to 3,111 meters above sea level, particularly in Bodega Colomé. These extreme conditions give the wines a distinctive character and make the region truly unique.
A Journey to Salta
Traveling to Salta is not for the impatient. After a long-haul flight to Buenos Aires, a multi-hour journey to Cafayate, the heart of the wine region, follows. But the effort is well worth it: the landscape is characterized by desert-like stretches, towering cacti, and striking rock formations. Vineyards here start at around 1,700 meters in elevation—considered the “lower” sites.
The Wines of Salta
Despite covering only about 2,000 hectares—less than one percent of Argentina’s total wine production—Salta has plenty to offer. The white grape variety Torrontés Riojano, not to be confused with Spain’s Torrontés, thrives here under ideal conditions, yielding aromatic, exotically fragrant wines. Meanwhile, red wines from Malbec, Syrah, and Tannat impress with their deep color and concentration. The high-altitude terroir ensures lively acidity and precise fruit aromas, captivating both wine lovers and critics alike.
Development and Future Outlook
Just a few years ago, wines from Salta often lacked finesse and balance. However, with improved viticultural knowledge and modern winemaking techniques, quality has skyrocketed since the early 21st century. Today, winemakers are harnessing the full potential of their grape varieties in combination with Salta’s exceptional terroir. If this development continues, Salta could soon become one of the world’s most exciting wine regions.
Salta vividly demonstrates that altitude and wine quality go hand in hand. The region blends tradition with innovation, producing wines that leave a lasting impression. A visit here is not just a must for wine enthusiasts but for anyone seeking something extraordinary.
Six Signature Wines from Salta
The Salta wine region in northwest Argentina is renowned for its high-altitude vineyards and unique terroir, which impart distinctive characteristics to its wines. Here are six exemplary wines that capture the essence of Salta:
Tukma Torrontés Tardío 2021 (Dessert Wine)
Grape Variety: 100% Torrontés Riojano
Tasting Notes: A shimmering golden hue graces this late-harvested Torrontés. The aroma bursts with orange blossom, ripe apricot, and honeydew melon, complemented by delicate nutmeg notes. On the palate, a perfect balance of natural sweetness and refreshing acidity creates a thrilling tension. The finish is long and elegant, with lingering flavors of candied citrus.
Terroir & Unique Features: Grown in the high-altitude Calchaquí Valleys near Angastaco, where cool nights enhance aromatic complexity and slow sugar accumulation—key to this exceptional dessert wine.
Domingo Molina Tannat 2015 (Red Wine)
Grape Variety: 95% Tannat, 5% Malbec
Tasting Notes: A powerful, inky-dark Tannat with violet reflections. Aromas of blackberry, plum jam, and dried figs dominate, accented by spicy notes of black pepper, tobacco, and dark chocolate. The palate reveals a pronounced tannic structure, seamlessly balanced by juicy fruit and fine acidity. A bold wine with a long, spicy finish.
Terroir & Unique Features: The extreme elevation imparts remarkable freshness and structure. The arid climate ensures low yields and high concentration in the grapes, resulting in this intense aromatic profile.
Tukma Gran Corte 2017 (Blend: Malbec, Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon)
Grape Varieties: 65% Malbec, 20% Tannat, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting Notes: A deep ruby red with an almost black core hints at this blend’s power. Aromas of cassis, cherry, and black currant intertwine with toasty vanilla, mocha, and sweet tobacco. On the palate, the wine showcases opulent density, with silky tannins providing an elegant structure. The finish is long and aromatic, with fine spice notes and mineral depth.
Terroir & Unique Features: This blend embodies the best of high-altitude winemaking—Malbec adds richness and fruit, Tannat contributes tannic backbone, and Cabernet Sauvignon lends elegance. The intense solar radiation enhances color extraction.
Finca Las Nubes El Malbec 2020 (Red Wine)
Grape Variety: 100% Malbec
Tasting Notes: A vibrant purple hue with violet reflections signals the youthful freshness of this Malbec. The bouquet features ripe wild berries, violets, and a hint of mint. On the palate, it offers juicy fruit, lively acidity, and smooth tannins. The finish lingers with touches of black pepper and dark chocolate, accompanied by a subtle mineral note.
Terroir & Unique Features: At over 2,000 meters, the altitude ensures a perfect balance of freshness and ripeness, giving this Malbec remarkable elegance despite its power.
Tukma Cabernet Sauvignon (Red Wine)
Grape Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting Notes:
A deep ruby red with garnet reflections. On the nose, this Cabernet Sauvignon reveals aromas of blackcurrant, dried herbs, and subtle oak spice. The palate is structured and powerful, yet displays an elegant balance of ripe fruit, refreshing acidity, and firm yet silky tannins. The finish is long and complex, with lingering hints of cedarwood and dark cocoa.
Terroir & Distinctiveness:
The dramatic diurnal temperature shifts in Cafayate enhance aromatic development and contribute to the refined elegance of this wine.
Las Nubes Torrontés 2021 (White Wine)
Grape Variety: 100% Torrontés Riojano
Tasting Notes:
A bright straw yellow with greenish highlights. Intensely floral on the nose, with notes of orange blossom, lychee, and white peach. On the palate, it is fresh and vibrant, with a crisp acidity that perfectly balances the wine’s expressive fruit character. The finish is long and defined by delicate citrus nuances.
Terroir & Distinctiveness:
At high altitudes in Salta, Torrontés reaches its peak aromatic expression. The cool nights preserve freshness, while the intense sunlight promotes the development of complex aromas.
Summary
These six wines exemplify the extraordinary terroir of Salta, shaped by dramatic temperature fluctuations, intense sunlight, and nutrient-poor soils. The high-altitude conditions lend the wines unparalleled freshness, complexity, and concentration, setting them apart from other Argentine wines. Torrontés Riojano and Malbec, in particular, showcase a typicity that garners global recognition.
Prices and Availability of the Tasted Wines
Tukma Torrontés Tardío 2021 (Torrontés, Dessert Wine)
Price: €19.90 for 0.5 liters
Available at: andenweine.de
Tukma Gran Corte 2017 (Blend: Malbec, Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon)
Price: €41.00 for 0.75 liters
Available at: andenweine.de
Tukma Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Price: Not available (k.A.) for 0.75 liters
Available at: tukma.com
Domingo Molina Tannat 2015 (95% Tannat, 5% Malbec)
Price: €29.90 for 0.75 liters
Available at: andenweine.de
Finca Las Nubes El Tannat 2020 (Tannat)
Price: €15.00 for 0.75 liters
Available at: andenweine.de
Finca Las Nubes El Torrontés 2021 (Torrontés)
Price: €15.00 for 0.75 liters
Available at: andenweine.de
With the exception of the Tukma Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 vintage, all wines are currently available. It is recommended to check directly with Tukma for the availability of this particular vintage.
Expert Opinions on Salta Wines
Jancis Robinson, FT Wine Correspondent:
“I am a great fan of high-altitude wines. The fruit seems to possess a particular purity—perhaps due to the cooler nights and the quality of ultraviolet light.”
Magdalena Pesce, CEO of Wines of Argentina:
“Salta wines stand out for their unique terroir. The extreme altitude provides balanced acidity, intensified aromas, and concentrated flavors.”
Alejandro Pepa, Winemaker at El Esteco:
“The Cafayate Valley has incredible growth potential. Our Cabernet Sauvignon wines are among the finest expressions of the terroir.”
Patricia Courtois, Culinary Consultant:
“The region offers unique culinary experiences that pair perfectly with the local wines. For example, llama liver—dark and almost black—is absolutely delicious and reminiscent of foie gras.”
Arnaldo Etchart, Winemaker at Bodega Yacochuya:
“If we were in Europe or the USA, we’d have a Ferrari parked in front of the winery, not a Volkswagen Amarok.”
Conclusion
Whether it’s the fascinating aromatic intensity, the exceptional altitude, or the seamless harmony with the local cuisine—Salta’s wines captivate both critics and connoisseurs. While enologists and winemakers highlight the region’s immense potential, journalists praise the wines’ unmistakable freshness and structure. Salta is not just a wine region; it’s a statement for the future of high-altitude winemaking.
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Photo Credit (Titel): © Adobe Stock/Danica Chang
Photo Credit (Text): © Arthur Wirtzfeld
