Altitude wine boom in Argentina

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Business has hit a new high for wine makers in Argentina's northwest Andean desert region. The "wines of altitude" have become the toast of the country for their unique flavor.

Argentina has long been one of the world's largest producers of wine.

But new vineyards are cropping up in an unlikely location.

Many of the wineries are dotted in areas more than 1.6 kilometers above sea level.

Grapes here enjoy warmer temperatures than other parts of the country, leading to more fruity and fresh wine.

High in the Andean desert, warm arid days of up to 32 degrees Celsius during growing season are followed by cool nights. As a result, grapes ripen slowly which creates a more concentrated and deep colored wine.

Thibaut Delmotte, Wine Maker in Salta, said, "We can find some very strong wine, almost black. Our wine is very strong and, at the same time, very fine and elegant. That's why we also work close to nature in a dynamic way, to respect the characteristics of the soil."

Variety of color, breadth and depth of aromas give Andean wines an unrivalled palate. In the past four years, wine exports from Salta have more than doubled in volume, and tripled in value.

Besides exports, the region's wine industry is being recognized as key to the province's tourism industry.

Officials say the two have proven to be a successful combination. It allows people to try the best wines from north of Argentina, while allowing them to relax at luxurious resorts.