To mark Argentina’s Agricultural Engineer Day on August 6th, D.O.C. Luján de Cuyo hosted a special seminar for local journalists at Bodega Vinorum – Altieri Wines, offering an in-depth look at the territory behind the country’s historic Denomination of Origin.
The event highlighted the extensive research being undertaken by the D.O.C. to better understand and communicate the unique characteristics of Luján de Cuyo’s vineyards, reinforcing the connection between place, viticulture and wine identity.
The seminar opened with an institutional presentation by renowned agronomist and winemaker Roberto de la Mota, president of the D.O.C. Luján de Cuyo Council. De la Mota reviewed the history and founding principles of the denomination, highlighting its role as the first Denomination of Origin established in the Americas and its ongoing mission to protect, promote and communicate the distinctive identity of Luján de Cuyo Malbec.
Agronomist Cristian Linares then presented the geographical and geological foundations of the region, explaining the origin, boundaries, districts and geomorphological units that shape the territory. He also shared progress on the D.O.C.’s ambitious soil characterisation project, underway since 2022, which includes the excavation and analysis of more than 2,200 soil pits to identify and map the diverse soil profiles found throughout the region.
The focus then shifted to climate with a presentation by agronomist Martín Kaiser, who examined how Luján de Cuyo’s continental climate, topography, rainfall patterns and temperature conditions influence vine development and contribute to the production of wines of exceptional quality.
A guided tasting led by agronomist Pablo Cúneo allowed participants to experience these territorial differences firsthand. Through a selection of district wines, Cúneo explored the aromatic, structural and sensory characteristics associated with different areas of the D.O.C., illustrating how each district contributes its own expression while remaining recognisably part of the Luján de Cuyo identity.
The seminar concluded with a presentation by agronomist Angelina Altieri, who introduced the D.O.C. wines currently available on the market and explained the denomination’s official classification system for Regional and District wines. The initiative aims to help consumers better understand the origin and provenance of each wine and the increasingly detailed geographic distinctions within the appellation.
Beyond presenting technical research, the seminar demonstrated the D.O.C.’s commitment to deepening knowledge of its territory and communicating the factors that make Luján de Cuyo one of Argentina’s most distinctive wine regions. Through ongoing studies of soils, geomorphology, climate and district typicity, the denomination continues to strengthen the understanding of terroir as the foundation of its wines.
Recognition by the Municipality of Luján de Cuyo
As part of the event, the Municipality of Luján de Cuyo presented Roberto de la Mota and María Buj with a distinction as Distinguished Citizens of Luján de Cuyo. The recognition, approved within the framework of International Malbec Day, celebrates their significant contributions to the development of viticulture, tourism and the cultural identity of the region. While De la Mota was honoured for his leadership in elevating the prestige of Luján de Cuyo’s wine industry and for his long-standing commitment to the D.O.C. Luján de Cuyo, Buj was recognised for her contributions to wine tourism and local development, as well as for promoting initiatives that strengthen the region’s wine identity, including support for projects that highlight women’s leadership within the wine sector. According to Council representatives, both have played an important role in positioning Luján de Cuyo as a benchmark for wine, tourism and culture at both national and international levels.
About D.O.C. Luján de Cuyo
Founded in 1990, D.O.C. Luján de Cuyo became the first Denomination of Origin established in the Americas. The organisation is based on the voluntary association of winegrowers and wineries committed to protecting the unique environmental and viticultural characteristics of the Luján de Cuyo region.
Today, the denomination focuses on Malbec produced in the districts of Perdriel, Agrelo, Las Compuertas, Mayor Drummond, Vistalba, Río Mendoza and Cordillera de los Andes, located between 800 and 1,100 metres above sea level. The region covers approximately 4,847 km² and experiences a semi-arid climate with annual rainfall of around 250 mm.
D.O.C. Luján de Cuyo currently distinguishes between Regional Wines and District Wines. District wines are subject to stricter requirements designed to express a more precise sense of terroir. While Regional Wines are limited to yields of 70 hl/ha and require a minimum of 18 months between harvest and release, including at least six months in oak, District Wines must not exceed 56 hl/ha and require a minimum of 24 months before release, including at least 12 months of oak ageing.
Participating wineries include Lagarde, Luigi Bosca, Nieto Senetiner, Norton, Bressia, Mendel, Vinorum – Altieri Wines, Terrazas de los Andes, Vistalba, Otero Ramos, Renacer, Weinert, Finca Bandini, Durigutti, Doña Paula, Lamadrid, Casarena, Trivento, Matervini, De Ángeles Viña 1924, Clos de Chacras, Achával Ferrer and Viana.
For more information, visit: https://doc-lujandecuyo.com.ar/
Or e-mail: consejo@doc-lujandecuyo.com.ar
Text and photos: D.O.C. Luján de Cuyo