| The reasons why this region is so coveted are
its thermal amplitude and high solar radiation levels. The combination of
these factors results in slow and balanced ripening cycles. Thus, both
white and red varieties give forth their primary varietal bouquets.
Particularly, in the case of the red varieties, the tannins and color
become fixed in the grape’s skin, thus giving the wines intensity and
structure.
This region includes the departments of Tunuyán, Tupungato and San
Carlos. It is located in the West-Center of Mendoza, between 33° 5' and
the 35° south latitude. The mean yearly temperature is 14.2° C. This
region is characterized by the capacity of production of a high quality
raw material to obtain either white or red wines, and the good acidity
that the grapes get, allow the wines of Uco Valley to be suitable for a
prolonged aging.
The best wines are produced from grape varieties that have short
ripening cycles, especially Chardonnay, Semillon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir.
This also applies, in some cases, to Malbec and Tempranillo. The climatic
characteristics of the region facilitate the production of wines which are
markedly acidic. This characteristic makes them ideal bases for sparkling
wines, particularly with the varieties typically used for such purpose.
This region includes the districts of Villa Bastía, San José, Ancón, El
Peral, Tupungato, La Arboleda, El Zampal, Agua Amarga and Gualtallary
(Tupungato Department), El Algarrobal, Villa Seca, Las Rosas, Vista
Flores, Los Sauces and Ciudad (department of Tunuyán), La Consulta,
Eugenio Bustos, Tres Esquinas, San Carlos, El Cepillo, Chilecito and Las
Pareditas (Department of San Carlos).
Apart from the viniculture, other economic activities are developed,
such as the fruit growing –especially nuts, pears, apples and peaches-,
the horticulture, the ranching and the cultivation of poplars, elms and
other forest species. Besides, mining and oil industries development from
the Uco Valley are well known. |
