Like most Argentinian wine regions with a strong reputation, La Rioja is located on the Andes. Short winters and hot summers characterize the climate. Yet the weather conditions are not as extreme as in Mendoza and San Juan. As a result, viticulture in La Rioja is perhaps slightly less successful than in the largest wine regions. Nevertheless, the Famatina valley produces excellent white wines from Torrontés, which is often grown in classical pergola form. This gives the viticulture in La Rioja a special charm.