Lujan de Cuyo is a sub-region of Mendoza and home to some of Argentina's most thrilling wines. It is a shallow valley to the southwest of the city of Mendoza that runs for 20 miles south from the little village of Lujan. It is wedged between the foothills of the Andes to the west and the low slung Lunlunta hills to the east.

Vineyards are at a hefty 3,300 feet of altitude and the intense sunshine, combined with rocky, sandy soils yield concentrated, deeply colored reds that are literally bursting with varietal intensity, while cool nights preserve acidity and give the wines balance and elegance.

The region was officially recognized as its own appellation in 1993 and is itself carved up into several others. Catena Zapata, Septima, Cheval des Andes, Chakana, and Luigi Bosca headline a stellar roster of world class producers.

Reds are the superstars with Malbec and Cabernet, of course, but also truly outstanding Syrah and old-vine Bonarda, a grape introduced to the region by Italian immigrants in the 1800s. (Wine/Appellations)