This valley, formed by high mountain peaks and foothills that turn into small fertile valleys, is settled by the majority of the population. Rain is rare, and there is frost daily throughout the winter. The landscape is ideal and supports multiple types of activities: adventure, touristic, religion, cultural, outdoors, and of course, it’s part of the Caminos del Vino (Wine Routes)!!!
The Andes mountains mark the western side and amongst them hide the most stunning scenery. Next to the beginnings of the Tunuyán River, lie mountains of more than 6,000 meters, the only ones of their kind this far south. The Tupungato Volcano prevails in the valley. A little farther South, the Maipo Volcano reflects in the Diamante Lake, the epitomy of beauty.
Consisting of the departments of San Carlos, Tunuyán, and Tupungato, Uco Valley is located southwest of Mendoza City, with a latitude of 33-34 S. The average temperature is 14.2 degrees Celsius. The elevation is between 900 meters above sea level in Tunuyán and 1200 meters above sea level of the older town, Tupungato. These high altitudes create increased diurnal shifts (colder nights, warmer days).
Uco Valley is known for having the highest concentration of high altitude vineyards in the world. The soils are permeable and drain easily. All of the region is protected from strong winds. The predominant winds are smooth and refreshing, in the SW direction. The valley currently has around 8,000 hectares of vineyards supplies with water from the rivers and streams, with the Tunuyán River being the most important (despite irregular flow), along with its tributaries, Grande and Guiñazú Creeks. Others include Las Tunas y Guajardinó Rivers, as well as Yaucha, and Aguanda Creeks which form the San Carlos Creek. Some of the more well-known wineries in this region include Atamisque, Salentein, Clos de los Siete y O. Fournier.
This region is particularly well-suited for creating white wines with acidity and red wines with tannins and color. The traditional varietals grown here include Merlot, Malbec, Semillon, and Chardonnay, the whites frequently being used to make sparkling wines. Recently, we find more Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon being grown in the region. The acidity of the wines here is generally elevated and in many cases favors malolactic fermentation to round out the mouth-feel and giving the wines more complex aromas. Currently, Uco Valley is the most important region in regards to wine investments.
Andeluna
Atamisque
Clos de los 7
La Azul
Salentein
