La Rioja (Argentine)

At more than 1,100 meters above sea level, the vineyards of Argentina's La Rioja province extend over some 8,000 hectares, producing grapes with high sugar levels and low acidity. Among the grapes grown here is Torrontès, an aromatic white variety that is a distant cousin of Muscat.

Rioja accounts for around 3.5% of Argentina's vineyards, far behind the San Juan and Mendoza regions.

This area enjoys high levels of sunshine and a wide diurnal temperature range. Surrounded by mountain ranges, La Rioja is subject to long periods of drought. As a result, drip irrigation is predominant in the region, to regulate water supply and avoid excessive water stress.