Maipu Wine Region Guide
Maipu, Mendoza: Experience the Pinnacle of Power and Elegance in Argentine Wines
EXPLORE ALL OUR MENDOZA WINE REGION GUIDE
Last updated: October 5, 2024
Introduction
Mendoza has long been the engine of Argentina’s fine wine industry – an epicenter of super-suave Malbec and energetic Bordeaux blends. Yet this expansive collection of vineyards, situated west of Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires, is not a monolith. Today, both growers and consumers are embracing Mendoza’s diversity, with its key subregions coming to the fore. Chief among these is Maipu, a thriving enclave located south of Mendoza city.
Leading producers such as Zuccardi, Rutini, and Trapiche have all invested in these gravel-rich terroirs, mindful of the area’s enormous potential for powerful red wines. It continues to surpass expectations as winemakers refine their understanding of Maipu’s unique soils and mesoclimate. Once ignored by the trade, Maipu is now synonymous with exceptional quality across the board.
Winemaking and regional classifications
According to Sebastián Zuccardi,
“Minimal intervention’ winemaking and sustainability are all the rage in the vineyards of Mendoza today. One of the key trends that is influencing winemaking is the move towards fermentation and aging in concrete, with no wood whatsoever (or using large foudres or very old barrels) in order to produce wines that are authentic and reflect their origins.”
He describes this paradigm as “thinking about the vineyard and the place where the grapes are grown.”
This cultural shift is to be applauded. Many of South America’s top labels have traditionally sought maximum impact with ripeness, concentration, and oak levels. These potent reds, reminiscent of Napa Cab, can be impressive and routinely garner high scores from US critics.
Yet, the wines could be even better with a little more restraint and less wood impact. This philosophy is more in tune with the zeitgeist, as (certain) consumers reject high alcohol and brute force in favor of lighter wines.
Of course, Maipu is no Burgundy. The area’s warm climate, combined with intense solar radiation, is undeniably conducive to producing full-bodied wines of considerable alcohol; red varieties are more suited to Maipu’s terroir than white grapes, despite the growing number of well-made Chardonnays. In truth, even the best Malbec is often inferior to the top examples produced in the Uco Valley. Maipu-grown Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, however, can be outstanding.
The Excellence of Maipu’s Cabernet Varieties
These two varieties reach an apogee in the gravelly soils of Maipu; Cabernet Sauvignon is intense and forceful, bursting with flavors of cassis and blueberries. So, too, is the best Cabernet Franc a revelation: silky smooth and incredibly complex, it invokes the cru classé wines of Saint Emilion.
As Zuccardi underlines, some of the top cuvées are vinified and matured in neutral vessels; however, a percentage of new oak can flatter the variety and enhance its structure. Kalós 59N Cabernet Franc, for example, uses the Burgundian cold soak method prior to fermentation, gently extracting color and tannin at low temperatures for about 20 days.
Vinification will then occur at under 77°F to maintain freshness before the wine is aged in a mixture of American and French oak for up to 12 months. The result is a splendid example of why Mendoza should not limit itself to Malbec. Open, expressive, and beautifully textured, it offers a cornucopia of red and black fruit on the mid palate. Intense in color and rich in extract, Maipu Cabernet Franc deserves worldwide acclaim.
Geography and terroir
Named after a revolutionary struggle for independence (Maipu celebrates the Battle of Maipu, in which an Argentine general defeated the Spanish), this burgeoning subzone has cultivated vines for over 500 years. This rich history, dating back to the Spanish missionaries who first spotted Maipu’s enormous potential, is a testament to the region’s enduring legacy.
They planted high-yielding varieties like Criolla Chica in its stone-covered soils, laying the foundation for The productive viticulture that thrives in the vineyards of Spain’s New World.
The contemporary face of Maipu, however, is very different. While lavish praise is (justifiably) heaped upon the Uco Valley subregion, the vineyards south of Mendoza city are also generating much excitement among the Argentines; Maipú is the home of Catena Zapata’s Angélica Vineyard, named after his mother. Meanwhile, Achaval Ferrer and Luigi Bosca have invested in Maipu, drawn to its well-drained gravel terroirs and warmer mesoclimate.
Today, there are 10,891 hectares under vine, located on the southern outskirts of Mendoza’s handsome capital. Extending south to the Mendoza River (responsible for essential irrigation water), it encompasses the climats of Barrancas, Lunlunta, and Coquimbito – Barrancas has been awarded a distinct appellation in recognition of its unique qualities. To the west is Luján de Cuyo and its highly regarded Malbec vineyards; San Martin’s less quality-orientated producers are found to the east.
Irrigation and Climate Challenges
These highly diverse subregions nonetheless share a common characteristic: they experience low annual rainfall levels due to the rain shadow cast by the snow-capped Andes. Thankfully, the mountains generate (thus far) enough meltwater to keep the river from drying up in the summer – temperatures can exceed 100°F in January and February. Drip irrigation is essential for the plant’s survival: the timing and amount of moisture released can make or break a harvest in Mendoza.
Maipu is also renowned for the high volume of gravel on the topsoil, a characteristic that is fairly unusual in Argentina’s alluvial terrain. This unique feature may explain why Bordeaux varieties tend to thrive in the zone, which is responsible for producing some of Argentina’s finest Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
Planted in infertile soils and subjected to carefully timed irrigation, the vines can yield very small, highly aromatic berries rich in tannins and anthocyanins. The abundance of intense UV light can lead to very high alcohol levels in the wines, adding another layer of complexity to Maipu’s winemaking process.
Altitudinal Advantages
The relatively warm department of Maipu, however, does share an important advantage with its neighbors: high altitude. Rising to 850 meters above sea level, the vineyards benefit from the cooling Alpine winds blowing off the Andes, which slow down the plants’ metabolism in conjunction with diurnal temperature variations. This unique combination of factors results in a climate that is ideal for wine production. Thus, overnight temperatures are low enough to produce wines of good acidity and freshness, even in the sunny climate of Mendoza.
In the late 20th century, Maipu’s vignoble was dominated by Argentina’s signature grape varieties: Malbec, Torrontes, and Pedro Ximenez. Yet French grapes, including Sauvignon Blanc and oak-aged Chardonnay, play an increasing role in the zone. Nevertheless, Maipu is essentially a red wine country. Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec blends can surpass Uco Valley’s immense concentration and complexity when yields are restricted. Sebastián Zuccardi, meanwhile, has become a leading spokesperson for Argentina’s original grape varieties.
Zuccardi says:
“The Criolla grapes are part of our identity as a wine country and arrived in the region thanks to the Jesuits about 500 years ago, we are rediscovering their potential by seeking out older parcels that survived the Malbec and Cabernet revolution. Along with championing wines that show a sense of place, this is another important revolution we are having in Argentina.“
Facts & Figures
Key wine styles
- Full-bodied red and white wines
Appellation structure
- Four GIs (Indicaciones Geográficas), including Barrancas and El Paraíso
Hectares under Vine
- 10,891
Average annual production
- 5.8 million hectoliters per annum
Approximate number of producers
- 117
Exclusive Expert Insights
Insight by Rogelio Leandro Rabino, Director of viticulture and winemaking at Finca FlichmanWhen did you first plant vineyards in the Maipu subregion?
Finca Flichman’s first vineyards were planted in 1873. But in 1930, when Isaac Flichman brought varieties of wine from France, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, we started to produce fine wines. In the last 30 years, besides Malbec, we have planted varieties like Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Today, our oldest vineyard is more than 70 years old.
How do growing conditions in Maipu differ from Luján de Cuyo, for example?
What they have in common is that the fan of the Mendoza River strongly influences both regions. Particularly in Barrancas, the area is delimited by two branches of the Mendoza River. That is why we call Barrancas an island – it has a different soil composition, even within Maipu. This means that the Mendoza River’s influence is to provide thicker material, and the influence of the Lunlunta mountain ranges is to provide finer material. This combination gives the wines unique characteristics of mint-herbal aromas and soft tannins, which makes them very pleasant to drink.
Tell us more about your involvement in the creation of the Barrancas GI designation.
It is one of the oldest GIs, first declared in 2005. Today, there are 2,500 hectares under vine, making it one of the largest GIs in Argentina. Finca Flichman has worked tirelessly to promote its hitherto underappreciated value, commissioning a joint study with other wineries in the area. It consisted of making more than 30 soil examinations and looking closely at the different climatic conditions. Thus, the GI was divided into three subzones with similar characteristics. In addition, we also perform annual tastings to learn about the particularities of each climat in the area.
Key Grape Varietals
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Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a green-skinned grape varietal native to the Burgundy wine region in France and one of the most popular varieties worldwide.
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Sauvignon Blanc
The sauvignon blanc grape varietal, originally from the Bordeaux region of France, is now one of the world's most loved white varieties.
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Torrontes
Torrontés is a distinctive white grape variety from Argentina, known for its strong aromatic qualities featuring jasmine, lychee, and orange. It includes three sub-varieties: Torrontés Riojano, Torrontés Sanjuanino, and Torrontés Mendocino, with Torrontés Riojano being the most celebrated for its quality. Predominantly cultivated in Argentina's high-altitude vineyards, the cool nighttime temperatures help preserve the grape's acidity and enhance its aroma, essential for creating refreshing and high-quality wines.
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Bonarda (Croatina)
Croatina: Italy's hidden gem in red wine. Explore its unique characteristics and the challenge of crafting single-varietal expressions.
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Cabernet Sauvignon
Discover the irresistible allure of Cabernet Sauvignon—a worldwide favorite with robust, dark-bodied flavor. Unleash your wine journey today!
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Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc grape is a close relative of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and is the principal blending grape used in Bordeaux.
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Merlot
Merlot is the most cultivated grape in Bordeaux and closely related to Cabernet Franc
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Malbec
Delve into Malbec, a dark, small grape native to France, cherished for its thick skin and exceptional flavors. 🍇🍷
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Syrah
Syrah is dark-skinned and perhaps the most underrated of the 'noble' red grape varieties.
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Maipu gastronomy
Maipu is singularly famous for hosting one of Argentina’s top restaurants: Casa El Enemigo. Housed in a leading bodega, it is owned by a passionate husband-and-wife team, Adrianna Catena and Alejandro Vigil. Together, they oversee an inventive and eclectic menu that dispenses with local cliches: think lamb goulash and cacao ravioli rather than a smorgasbord of chargrilled meat.
Meanwhile, the small town of Maipu, just southeast of Mendoza, offers its fair share of good eateries, ranging from rustic haunts to super-chic destinations popular with moneyed Mendocinos. Suffice it to say that steak is always on the menu!
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