A look at the viticulture
of Argentina
With a total of 511,512 acres of vineyards, the
winegrowing region of Argentina is located on the
Western edge of the country, at the foot of the Andes
mountain range. It extends 1,500 miles in length, from
42º S to 22º S.
The altitudes in this region range from 1,500 feet to nearly
10,000 feet above sea level.
Located in arid regions, annual precipitation varies from 6”
to 16”, which makes irrigation an integral facet of
viticulture.
Salta
The New Pearl of Argentina
Salta is located in the Northeastern region of
Argentina, at 26º S.
It is one of the oldest regions for producing wines and
dates back to the age of the Spanish conquistadors.
Salta has the highest altitude vineyards in the world,
the highest with an elevation nearly 10,000 feet above
sea level.
With each harvest Salta gains more attention as the
newly rediscovered “pearl” of Argentina.
Valle Calchaqui
The Heart of Salta
The Calchaqui Valley is the principal wine producing
region of Salta and surrounds the city of Cafayate.
The region has sunny days which allows excellent
maturation and concentration.
The high altitude vineyards benefit from the cool
Andean nights to achieve balance and elegance.
The high thermal amplitude and powerful sunlight
produce intense flavors and aromas.
San Isidro – The Soul of Cafayate
San Isidro is a high valley ensconced at the foot of
Mount San Isidro, near Cafayete.
The very poor and stressed soils are ideal for viticulture
of high quality.
An elevation of 5,600 feet leads to temperatures
drastically lower than those on the valley floor,
allowing slow and even maturation.
Mount San Isidro blocks the hot afternoon sun and
keeps the fruit from being burned.
San Isidro Valley – photo by Carlos Calise
Altos de San Isidro :
An Unique Region
Altos de San Isidro is 60 acres of vineyards planted in
1970 by Héctor “Chacho” Herrero, the son of don
Melchor Herrero and Francisca Cerezo, two Spanish
immigrants.
The vineyard was originally planted with Torrontes and
Barbera.
In the early 1990’s, Chacho’s son, Héctor, took charge
of the vineyards; he planted Malbec and Cabernet
Sauvignon using a VSP trellis system, and incorporated
state-of-the art drip irrigation.
Héctor Herrero – Photo by Carlos Calise
Bodega
Herrero – Cerezo
The esscence of San Isidro
Architect - Maria Inés Laconi
In 2006, Héctor and his wife Rosana founded the family winery Herrero Cerezo, taking
the name from the grandparents who immigrated to Argentina from the Ribera del
Duero in 1912.
Héctor carries out extensive and numerous experiments using micro-vinification to
exploit the potential of his family vineyard.
In 2009, Héctor and José Luis Mounier produced and bottled their own Malbec, Barbera
and Torrontes from the highly valued Altos de San Isidro property.
José Luis Mounier :
A true friend and helper
José Luis Mounier is a long time neighbor to the
Herrero family. His Finca las Nubes, “The Clouds Farm”,
is located nearby to Altos de San Isidro.
Although originally from Mendoza, José Luis has
produced wine in Salta for more than 25 years.
He is currently considered by many as the top
winemaker in Salta and has brought his knowledge and
experience to Altos de San Isidro to help achieve the
best wines possible from this special vineyard.
Alejandro Sejanovich :
The viticultural piece
Alejandro Sejanovich was the Vitcultural Director at
Bodega Catena Zapata for 16 years. He was a pioneer
in high altitude vineyard planting in Mendoza and
directed advanced research of the Malbec clones.
Alejandro has managed vineyards all over Argentina,
from Salta in the North to Patagonia in the South.
As one of the principal players in viticulture in
Argentina, Alejandro focuses on the vineyard of Altos
de San Isidro in the unique region of Salta
Jeff Mausbach :
Preaching the Gospel
Jeff Mausbach spent the last 13 years as the Wine Education
Director at Catena Zapata. He has traveled the world talking
about the unique character of Argentinean wines.
Jeff has vast experience in the World market, from the United
States to England, Canada and Japan.
As a sales and marketing expert on Argentina, Jeff carries the
message of the singular character of the Altos de San Isidro
region to international wine markets.
The wines of Altos de San Isidro
Altos de San Isidro Reserve Malbec
From a 10 acre lot planted in 1992, yielding 7 tons per
hectare, 3 tons per acre.
Refrigerated for 4 days and later fermented at 26º C to
obtain an intense aroma.
Aged in French oak for 12 months, 50% new.
Altos de San Isidro Reserve Barbera
From a 20 acre lot planted in 1970, yielding 5 tons per
acre.
Refrigerated for 2 days and fermented at 28º C to
obtain a soft and silky texture.
Aged in French oak for 10 months, 30% new.
Altos de San Isidro Torrontés
From a 25 acre lot planted in 1970, yielding 10 tons
per acre.
Cold maceration for 8 hours then cold fermented at
22º C to obtain intense aromas and a clean and
fresh mouth feel.
No malolactic fermentation. No oak.
¡Muchas gracias!