Querétaro

Overview

Querétaro is the southernmost wine-producing region in the Northern Hemisphere, with vineyards sitting at around 1,900 to 2,000 meters above sea level. This extreme viticulture, as locals call it, relies on altitude to balance the region's low latitude and hot days.

The region is Mexico's leading producer of sparkling wine, made in the traditional method from grapes such as Macabeo, Xarel-lo, Parellada, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Red varieties including Malbec, Tempranillo, Merlot, and Syrah also thrive on calcareous and clay-loam soils.

Key Varietals

• MacabeoA traditional Spanish white grape used for crisp base wines and elegant sparkling cuvées.
• Xarel-loA Catalan white variety that gives sparkling wines structure, citrus, and herbal character.
• MalbecA red variety that produces plush, dark-fruit wines with velvety tannins in the high altitude.
• ChardonnayA versatile white used for both still and sparkling wines, with citrus and stone-fruit notes.