Salta

Salta offers an especially clear contrast between latitude and altitude. Although it lies far north of Mendoza, its high vineyards experience cool nights and considerable mountain exposure. Cafayate is the main wine town, while Cachi and Molinos mark other parts of the broader Calchaquí valley landscape.

Torrontés is the signature white to recognise: floral aroma does not necessarily mean the wine is sweet. Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tannat provide the principal red alternatives. Check the district and producer when choosing a bottle, because the province covers vineyards at different elevations rather than one uniform growing environment.