Barrancas IG

Barrancas is the biggest wine district in the south-west of Maipú. A University of Cuyo study counted 3,132 hectares of vines there in 2011, against 1,064 in Cruz de Piedra, 619 in Lunlunta and 592 in Russell. Vines are recorded here from 1900, which makes it a later arrival than other parts of Maipú, and planting jumped in 2000 (278 hectares) and 2005 (212 hectares).

Two wineries give me something to go on. Finca Flichman lists its appellation as Barrancas, grows Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Cabernet Franc, and describes alluvial, gravel-rich soils that drain well. Pascual Toso's estate is in Las Barrancas and its page talks about stony soils.

What I'd look for is balance. This is a warm part of an already warm department, so I want a Malbec or Cabernet that still has some lift in it.