m.a.s.l. (Metres above sea level)

What does MASL mean?

MASL means metres above sea level (or meters above sea level in U.S. spelling). You’ll also see the abbreviation written as m.a.s.l. or m asl. This is a simple way to express elevation or altitude, especially for vineyards and wine regions.

When you see a vineyard listed at, say, 1,200 MASL, it means the vines sit 1,200 metres above sea level. That matters because elevation changes temperature, sun exposure, and ripening speed—all of which shape acidity, tannin, and aroma.

What does MASL stand for?

MASL full form: metres above sea level. It means the height of a place measured relative to sea level; for example, 1,000 MASL means 1,000 metres above sea level.

Why MASL elevation matters (especially in Argentina)

Higher elevation generally means:

• Cooler average temperatures (often helping grapes keep freshness and acidity)
• Bigger day/night swings (warm days, cool nights = balance)
• More intense UV light (can contribute to thicker skins and deeper color in reds)

In Argentina, this is a big deal in regions like Mendoza (including areas around San Rafael and the Uco Valley) and Salta, where vineyard altitude is a key part of the wine’s style and structure.

Elevation never acts alone. The high-altitude wine guide separates measured elevation from the temperature, radiation, water, soil, season, and farming variables around it; the Argentine wine guide places those claims in the wider country context.