Valle del Pedernal IG

Pedernal is the high end of San Juan. There are about 800 to 850 hectares of vines, planted between 1,250 and 1,500 metres, which puts them well above the 600 to 650 metres of the Tulum valley floor. The soils are stony, sandy loam of calcareous origin, laid down more than 480 million years ago on a marine platform, poor in nutrients and good at holding water. The name itself means flint. Winemaker Paula González of Pyros says the climate is cooler than classic San Juan, with average highs that stay under 28°C and a wide day-to-night swing, and that only the high part of Gualtallary in the Valle de Uco compares.

Pyros was an early mover. It farms about 90 hectares, mostly Malbec, and has dug more than 200 soil pits to map seven soil profiles. Finca Las Moras, Fuego Blanco and Graffigna are also in the valley, and in 2008 Callia announced it had bought 350 hectares at 1,340 metres, to plant Malbec and Shiraz.

I'd look for Malbec with real acidity and a chalky grip, and Syrah with pepper. Altitude and limestone are the two things that should show in the glass.