San Juan is probably the second most important wine-growing region in Argentina after Mendoza with large plantings of Malbec and Syrah. It is situated just Nord from Mendoza in the foothills of the Andes mountain range. All vineyards are planted between 600 - 1200 m altitude, which is the standard in all neighbouring regions. The region is famous for rosé, white and red wines. San Juan region is predominantly semi-desert, and irrigation is needed and practised from the San Juan and Jachal rivers. The vineyards also rely on the meltwater flowing down from the Andes mountain range to the west. Vert typical for San Juan wine region is the Zonda wind which is a hot, dry wind that develops in the rainshadow of the Andes mountains. There are five viticultural zones including Tulum, Zonda, Ullum, Jáchal and Fértil Valley all irrigated. Other planted grape varieties of the San Juan region are Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda, Merlot and Syrah for red wines, and Torrontes, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Viognier for white wines.