14. Argentina Flashcards
When did sparkling wine start in Argentina?
1959 - Moet & Chandon built their first overseas subsidiary in Mendoza
What is the most common method of production?
Tank, but some carbonation and method traditional is made.
What style are tank method wines typically?
Off-dry to Medium-dry
Acceptable to good quality
What style are MT typically?
Chard/PN
Apple lemon, light autolysis
Brut
Good to Very good
Where are grapes for higher quality sparkling usually grown?
Uco Valley, Lujan de Cuyo - high altitude.
new vineyards in Patagonia as well - southerly latitude
How is blending used in the region?
Between different parcels in different climates to bring acidity
What is the most widely planted variety?
Pedro Gimenez (just under half of the total plantings of the top six varieties). A white variety that is one of the Criollas, thought to be descended from EU varieties introduced by Spanish/Portuguese
What are the other five varieties?
Chardonnay (half as much as Pedro Gimenez) Chenin Blanc Pinot Noir Ugni Blanc Semillion
What is the additional kind of wine style made by carbonation?
Flavoured sparkling with additional fruit flavours, such as strawberry.
When is Traditional Method used?
It is reserved for mid-priced and premium wines. Made from grapes planted on the beset sites, and generally Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.
What are the typical decisions for the following winemaking decisions?
- Vintage or NV?
- Lees ageing?
- Can be either
2. Minimum 12 months, many with extended time on lees
What are the characteristics of a typical MT Argentinian wine?
Ripe apple/lemon
Med to med+ acid
Med to med+ body
Medium alcohol
How did the sparkling wine sector grow in the decade after 2005?
The government agreed to remove a domestic sales tax of 12% in return for investing in sparkling wine.
Which market consumes most of the sparkling wine in Argentina?
The domestic market, and mostly through retailers for consumption at home.
What is the most popular style of sweetness?
Seco (64%), less than 11g/L in Argentina
