General Information: The vineyards in Salta, in the extreme north of Argentina, sit at lower latitudes and higher altitudes than almost any in the world. These two factors balance each other out, producing an excellent climate for quality viticulture.

Climate:The region's mountainous landscape creates a rain shadow, free from cloud cover and precipitation, and irrigates the land below with melt water from the snowy peaks. This mesoclimate also benefits from a wide diurnal temperature variation, which allows grapes to develop phenolic ripeness while retaining good acidity. Summer daytime temperatures in Salta reach 100F (38C), and drop as low as 55F (12C) at night.

Soil:the region has a similar alluvial soil profile to Mendoza, 500 miles (800 km) to the south; sandy topsoil over a clay base.

Grapes:Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, and Tannat are the grapes most prominent in Salta's red wines. Chardonnay and Torrontes make the most respected of the region's white wines.