  he most important viticultural area in La Rioja, Chilecito, is located in the West of the province, between the Macizo del Velazco, to the East and the Nevado de Famatina, to the West. This valley offers optimum conditions for the growing of vines: more than 1,000m over sea level; alluvial soils with frank to frank-sandy texture; low humidity in the atmosphere, only 150mm. of annual rain, high luminosity and average thermal amplitude, in the summer, which ranges from 35° C during the day and it falls to 17° C at night.
The most cultivated variety is Bonarda, from which wines for everyday consumption are obtained. The Torrontés is also very well expressed, though in a way different from that in Salta. At present, other grapes are starting to be grown: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay.
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