Molinos is a wine-producing region high in the Andean province of Salta, Argentina. In a country of world-topping vineyards, Molinos is the highest; wine sites here reach up to 9900ft (3000m) above sea level. Fresh, aromatic white wines made from Torrontes and structured, fruit-driven red wines made from Malbec are the specialities of the region.
Molinos is located within the Calchaqui Valley in the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains, about halfway between the city of Salta and Cafayate. Viticulture here is dominated by the Colome winery, whose owner, Donald Hess (of Napa Valley fame), specifically sought out the highest possible locations for vineyards.
The incredibly high altitude here is on a par with the highest of France's ski slopes, and it is only due to the area's proximity to the Equator (at a latitude of 25°S) that the climate is suitable for viticulture. The hot, dry region is in the rain shadow of the Andes, and its altitude means that solar radiation here is considerably higher than in any European wine region. This aids ripening during the day, and the much-cooler nights serve as a resting period for the grapes, extending the growing season and leading to an excellent balance of sugars and acidity in the grapes.
Soils in the area are mostly alluvial in origin and are made up of sand and gravel with a distinctly volcanic pedigree. Combined with the low rainfall in Molinos, these free-draining soils offer viticulturists a great deal of control over the growth of the vines through the use of irrigation. Vigor and grape yields can be reduced, leading to small, concentrated berries that turn into intense, well-structured wines.
High altitude has become something of a status symbol in Argentinean winemaking, and Molinos' height above sea level is more than 3000ft (900m) higher than most of Mendoza's vineyards in the south.
