Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/751131
SALTA is the home to the highest elevation vineyard plantings in South America. ZONDA is the hot wind that blows off the moun- tains in spring and early summer. VITIS VINIFERA landed in 1557 when the Spanish arrived and planted the first vineyards in the Mendoza region. The dramatic backdrop of the Andes mimics the magic of a region relying more on its aspect and proximity to the mountains to capture its terroir than the scantily fertile alluvial sand over clay soils. The rainshadow of the Andes encourages aridity while the seasonal snow melt provides plenty of water for timely irrigation. The high elevation embraces long hours of sunshine while cooling the grapes nightly to retain the balancing acidity and alcohol levels. Many vines are on their own rootstock thanks to the sandy soils that saved them from phylloxera, and many vines are decades old—both of these qualities cultivate concentrated wines of complexity. ARGENTINA 9 ARGENTINA