Salta is not as well known as some of the other wine regions in Argentina, and is located in the extreme north of the country. The majority of vineyards in the region are in the mountains with some vineyards climbing 9840 feet above the sea. The proximity to the equator is very similar to Alice Springs in Australia. Salta has an alluvial soil that is quite similar to the wine region of Mendoza. Because of the mountains, Salta has low rainfall levels with clear skies nearly all year round. The mountains provide irrigation to the vineyards sending the snowmelt flowing over the region. The meso climate is also quite helpful with summer temperatures reaching nearly 100° during the day and 55° at night. The viticulture of the region dates back to the early Spaniards and was known as having one productive epicenter, located in the Calchaquies Valley. The most prominent varieties of red wine include Malbec, Merlot, Tannat, and Cabernet Sauvignon, with Chardonnay and Torrontes accounting for Salta’s most respected and white wines. Cafayate and Molinos are Salta's key wine-growing areas. Cafayate has won recognition for its Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Torrontes wines in particular.