Mendoza is Argentina's premier wine region, located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains and producing about 70% of the country's wine. The region's high altitude, desert climate, and dramatic day-night temperature swings create ideal conditions for grape growing, with irrigation provided by snowmelt from the Andes. Mendoza is world-famous for its Malbec, a grape that originated in France but found its perfect expression in this terroir, producing wines with deep color, rich fruit flavors, and velvety tannins. The region includes several sub-areas like Luján de Cuyo and the high-altitude Uco Valley, each contributing distinct characteristics to the wines. Beyond Malbec, Mendoza also produces excellent Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and increasingly impressive white wines like Torrontés and Chardonnay. The wines are known for their bold, fruit-forward character with good structure, representing a transformation from bulk production to premium quality that has earned international recognition.