La Rioja

Wine-growing region in Argentina, located to the east of the Catamarca region. The total vineyard area is around 7.000 hectares. Although this is histroically the oldest wine-growing region, it does not play a great part in commercial terms. Wine growing is concentrated on the small irrigated mountain vallies in the west, located between the „Sierras de Velasco” in the east and the DO-classified „Sierra de Famatina” in the west. The largest part of the vineyards, making up 70% of the total, is located around the town of Chilecito. The main grape varieties planted are white, particularly Torrontés Riojano (around 50% of the total area), Torrontés Sanjuanino and Muscat d´Alexandrie, these are often made in a sweet style. In addition, the light red traditional varieties Cereza, Criolla Chica and Criolla Grande are planted, these are used to make white or light red basic wines for everyday consumption. Red wines play a very minor part, they are made mainly from the Italian varieties Barbera and Bonarda. The most important producer is the Cooperativa La Riojana.