The constant sunshine in Mendoza invites tourists from all over the world and Argentina into wine country. The view of the Andes, along with the small chance of rainfall, makes this region an ideal spot for vacation as well as tasting the essence of Argentina.
The beauty of fall in Mendoza can be experienced in both April and May. With low crowds and the hues of trees, this can be a wonderful time for a holiday. The bodegas are alive with wine-making as well as the harvesting the various varietals of grapes. Other times of the year offer observation of the many activities surrounding a vineyard. Throughout June, July, August (winter) the vines are cut back to guarantee future growth. The following months, September and October, are a time of preparation, when the grounds are tidied and vines are groomed. The medley of sprouts is decided November while nurturing of the vines continues throughout the next few months.
Source: Mendoza Holidays (www.mendozaholidays.com)
jueves, 6 de enero de 2011
Mendoza Overview
Mendoza is the center of Argentina’s wine industry and accounts for approximately 70% of the country’s total output. Nearly all the major wineries are concentrated in this province. Its signature grape is the Malbec. The climate and terroir in Mendoza are the ideal setting for the full expression of this grape variety. The beauty of Mendoza's downtown is phenomenal. What is most peculiar is its network of water canals that have transformed what was an arid region into an awesome spectacle of blossoming trees that completely surround the city.
The Andes Mountain Range offers endless attractions to tourists, where the Aconcagua Mountain (North and South America’s highest peak - 6,959 meters above sea level) is the star. Taking care about every single detail, Mendoza Holidays will create the journey of your dreams.
Source: Mendoza Holidays (www.mendozaholidays.com)
The Andes Mountain Range offers endless attractions to tourists, where the Aconcagua Mountain (North and South America’s highest peak - 6,959 meters above sea level) is the star. Taking care about every single detail, Mendoza Holidays will create the journey of your dreams.
Source: Mendoza Holidays (www.mendozaholidays.com)
The Story of Mendoza's Wine
The Story of Mendoza's Wine
Blessed by rich sunlight and a panorama of snow-filled mountains, Mendoza dominates Argentina's winemaking industry, and it's one of the most successful wine regions on earth. Surrounding the beautiful city of Mendoza, just to the east of the towering Andes, the province accounts for more than 70% of the nation's wine production, and it's the world's sixth-largest producer of grapes.
The Spanish began cultivating Mendoza's wild American vines in the 16th century as well as grapes they'd brought with them from the Old Continent, and wine production soon dominated the region's economy. They were able to harvest this semiarid land -- which receives little natural rainfall -- by using a vast irrigation system originally developed by the Incas and extended by the Huarpes, indigenous people from the region. A series of artificial irrigation ditches and canals divert water from the Mendoza, Diamante, Tunuyán, and Atuel rivers, which fill as snow melts in the Andes to nourish the land.
The development of Mendoza's wine industry ebbed and flowed. Wine production stalled in the late 18th century as Spain restricted grape growing to prevent competition with its colonies. The industry was renewed following national independence, as European experts introduced French grapevine stocks and wineries to the region. However, the earthquake of 1861 destroyed most of the existing wineries, and it was not until the opening of a railroad in 1884 that wine production resumed on a significant scale. The railway brought with it many of the founding families of today's wineries, who carried new winemaking techniques and varietals from Italy, France, and Spain. A series of economic crises plagued the industry in the first half of the 19th century, and Mendoza's wines seldom made it farther than the common Argentine table. Some of the wines were so low in quality that soda water was needed to help wash them down, a tradition that continues in some places today, though not because the wine is of poor quality.
In the past decade, wine from Mendoza has reached well beyond the common table to the international stage. Argentina's National Wine Growing Institute has regulated the country's wine industry and spearheaded quality improvements, with increased focus on the international market. New production techniques, state-of-the-art machinery, foreign investment and expertise, advanced irrigation processes, and better grape varieties have combined to bring Mendoza international acclaim. The region's dry, sandy soil; low humidity; and rich sun combine to create wines of high alcohol content and rich fruity character, the most important of which is Malbec, characterized by a powerful fruit bouquet with sweet, dense tannins. Mendocine vineyards grow many other varietals, including cabernet sauvignon, tempranillo, bonarda, Syrah, Barbera, chardonnay, and sauvignon blanc.
Source: Mendoza Holidays
Blessed by rich sunlight and a panorama of snow-filled mountains, Mendoza dominates Argentina's winemaking industry, and it's one of the most successful wine regions on earth. Surrounding the beautiful city of Mendoza, just to the east of the towering Andes, the province accounts for more than 70% of the nation's wine production, and it's the world's sixth-largest producer of grapes.
The Spanish began cultivating Mendoza's wild American vines in the 16th century as well as grapes they'd brought with them from the Old Continent, and wine production soon dominated the region's economy. They were able to harvest this semiarid land -- which receives little natural rainfall -- by using a vast irrigation system originally developed by the Incas and extended by the Huarpes, indigenous people from the region. A series of artificial irrigation ditches and canals divert water from the Mendoza, Diamante, Tunuyán, and Atuel rivers, which fill as snow melts in the Andes to nourish the land.
The development of Mendoza's wine industry ebbed and flowed. Wine production stalled in the late 18th century as Spain restricted grape growing to prevent competition with its colonies. The industry was renewed following national independence, as European experts introduced French grapevine stocks and wineries to the region. However, the earthquake of 1861 destroyed most of the existing wineries, and it was not until the opening of a railroad in 1884 that wine production resumed on a significant scale. The railway brought with it many of the founding families of today's wineries, who carried new winemaking techniques and varietals from Italy, France, and Spain. A series of economic crises plagued the industry in the first half of the 19th century, and Mendoza's wines seldom made it farther than the common Argentine table. Some of the wines were so low in quality that soda water was needed to help wash them down, a tradition that continues in some places today, though not because the wine is of poor quality.
In the past decade, wine from Mendoza has reached well beyond the common table to the international stage. Argentina's National Wine Growing Institute has regulated the country's wine industry and spearheaded quality improvements, with increased focus on the international market. New production techniques, state-of-the-art machinery, foreign investment and expertise, advanced irrigation processes, and better grape varieties have combined to bring Mendoza international acclaim. The region's dry, sandy soil; low humidity; and rich sun combine to create wines of high alcohol content and rich fruity character, the most important of which is Malbec, characterized by a powerful fruit bouquet with sweet, dense tannins. Mendocine vineyards grow many other varietals, including cabernet sauvignon, tempranillo, bonarda, Syrah, Barbera, chardonnay, and sauvignon blanc.
Source: Mendoza Holidays
Suscribirse a:
Entradas (Atom)
