“A wine lover’s paradise” is the phrase most used by those who have been fortunate enough to visit the charming and undiscovered “treasure of a village” called Cafayate, located in the Northwestern province of Salta, Argentina.
Church on the town square in Cafayate © Rudi Goldman
Salta is one of Argentina’s oldest and picturesque colonial provinces, characterized by its intricate and well preserved architecture, a perpetuating ancient culture, painted Andean deserts and snowy peaks.
Lying in the heart of this premium wine growing region, Cafayate is situated in the foothills of the Andes and can be found nestled between the Calatasta and Aconquija mountain ranges in the beautiful Calchaqui Valley.
The Wine in the Vines video celebrates the 2012 harvest with an exclusive wine tasting and lunch with the property owners at La Estancia de Cafayate, the international community located in Cafayate. With an awe-inspiring 360 degree view of the Andean Mountains, the 550-hectare (1360 acre) development supports a rich lifestyle for its community of families and friends. La Estancia de Cafayate is developed around 72 hectares (180 acres) of both newly planted and mature vineyards, contributing grapes used to produce some of the finest wines from Cafayate.
Scenic mountain view from La Estancia de Cafayate © Rudi Goldman
The Cafayate region is increasingly gaining recognition and is best known for its outstanding Torrontés, which has contributed to making this area famous, along side its sleepy villages, interesting architecture and amazing desert and mountain landscapes.
To say that the region is ideal for producing great wines is an understatement. The soils and climate of the region are very similar to Argentina’s most famous wine producing region of Mendoza, but its unique mesoclimate and high elevation of the vineyards produce grapes of higher levels of total acidity, contributing to the wines balance and depth. Located at an altitude of 1660 meters (5,446 feet), the Cafayate region experiences a climate which traps rain producing cloud cover in the mountains and leaves the valley dry and sunny, with an average annual temperature of 18 degrees C (64 F).
Tasting Torrontés © Rudi Goldman
An intricate irrigation system, originally developed by the Incas and later improved by Spanish settlers in the 16th century, brings the fresh mountain water to the reservoirs used by the vineyards. In addition to older methods, relatively expense drip irrigation techniques are increasingly being used by vineyards to facilitate yield control and increase potential grape quality.
Harvesting Torrontés
Grape varietals grown at La Estancia:
66% Malbec • 14% Torrontés • 11% Cabernet Sauvignon • 9% Other
Wine Route near Cafayate © Rudi Goldman
In addition to the exquisite Torrontés wines produced in Cafayate, Malbec continues to rein as one of the most popular red wines from Argentina. 60% of all wine production in Argentina are reds. The high temperatures in the Calchaqui Valley contribute to soft, ripe tannins and high alcohol levels. Cafayate Malbecs boast a deep red color, intense fruity flavors and a velvety texture.
I wish to thank the attendees of the Wine in the Vines event at La Estancia de Cafayate for their participation in this video. In addition, a special thank you to Diane Romero, Marketing Director at La Estancia de Cafayate Wine & Golf for organizing such a delightful afternoon in the vineyards. Looking forward to next year!
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