A 300km round trip from Salta took us to Cafayate. The tour took us to many stops along the way with some spectacular views. Much of the terrain had the look of Nevada. However, Cafayate is the centre of a high altitude wine region. It is quite a sleepy town and somewhat off the beaten track when compared to Mendoza. The town itself is quite small and will take a couple of hours (assuming one of those hours is having lunch). We had a tour of a vineyard which was quite interesting (for anyone fluent in Spanish) . We were lucky and our brilliant driver translated. He’s the one in the photo who climbed into a wine barrel through a hole so small I didn’t think possible.
Here’s what ChatGPT says about the local plonk….
Cafayate, a small town in Argentina’s northwest Salta province, is renowned for producing some of the country’s most distinctive and high-quality wines. Nestled in the Calchaquí Valley at an altitude of around 1,700 meters (5,600 feet), Cafayate’s unique terroir and climate contribute to the production of exceptional wines, particularly Torrontés, a white varietal that thrives in this region.
Torrontés: The Signature Grape
- Torrontés is the star of Cafayate and Argentina’s most famous white grape variety. Cafayate is considered the best region in the world for producing Torrontés due to its high altitude, dry climate, and cool nights, which preserve the grape’s acidity and aromatic qualities.
- Taste profile: Torrontés is known for its intense floral and fruity aromas, often likened to jasmine, orange blossom, and tropical fruits like peach and lychee. Despite the sweet, aromatic nose, it is typically a dry wine with crisp acidity, making it refreshing and balanced.
- Food pairing: Torrontés pairs well with spicy foods, seafood, and light salads due to its bright, zesty character.
While Malbec is more famously associated with the Mendoza region, Cafayate also produces excellent Malbec wines. Due to the high altitude, Cafayate Malbecs tend to be more elegant and aromatic than their Mendoza counterparts, with fresher acidity and complex flavor profiles.
- Altitude: Cafayate’s vineyards are among the highest in the world, and the extreme altitude significantly affects the wines. The high elevation leads to intense sunlight during the day and cooler nights, which help the grapes retain acidity while developing rich, concentrated flavors. This contrast is key to the vibrant acidity and complexity of the wines.
- Soil: The region’s soils are primarily sandy and rocky, which provides excellent drainage and encourages deep root systems in the vines. These soils, combined with the arid climate, force the vines to work harder, producing lower yields of more concentrated grapes.
- Climate: The dry, desert-like conditions with minimal rainfall and low humidity help reduce the risk of diseases and allow for organic farming practices. The region enjoys more than 300 sunny days a year, allowing grapes to fully ripen and develop robust flavors.
Cafayate is not only known for its wines but also for its wine tourism. The region is home to several wineries (bodegas) that offer tastings and tours. Some of the most famous wineries include:
Cafayate is a hidden gem in Argentina’s wine world, especially for those looking to explore beyond the more famous Mendoza region. Its signature Torrontés white wine stands out globally, while its reds, particularly Malbec and Tannat, benefit from the high-altitude terroir, offering freshness and complexity. Cafayate is a must-visit for wine lovers looking to experience Argentina’s diversity in winemaking.
