Overview
San Juan is Argentina's second largest wine-producing province, located north of Mendoza in an even hotter and drier corner of the country. The region's intense sunlight and low rainfall produce grapes with exceptional ripeness and concentration.
Syrah and Bonarda are particularly successful here, along with Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. San Juan is also famous for producing Argentina's finest fortified wines, including sweet Moscatel and Pedro Ximénez styles that have been enjoyed for generations.
Key Varietals
- SyrahA standout red in San Juan, producing powerful, spicy wines with dark fruit and smoky notes.
- BonardaA juicy, fruit-forward red that handles the region's heat with ease.
- MalbecA ripe, concentrated expression of Malbec with plush tannins and chocolatey depth.
- Pedro XiménezA white grape used for rich, fortified dessert wines in the San Juan tradition.
Region snapshot
Climate
Hot Continental Desert
Rainfall
~100mm annually, irrigated
Soil Types
Alluvial soils, sand, gravel
