18 Argentina Flashcards
When and why was the sparkling wine production started in Argentina?
in 1959 when Moet & Chandon did their first overseas subsidiary in Mendoza
How many wineries are producing sparkling wine?
approximately 160 wineries
Where are the sparkling wine wineries located?
- Mendoza (majority)
- Neuquén
- Rio Negro
- San Juan
Which production methods are used?
- tank method (most wines)
- traditional method
- carbonation
Where are the grapes for inexpensive sparkling wines grown?
in the warmer parts of Mendoza alongside grapes for still wines
Where are the grapes for higher quality sparkling wines grown?
- Liján de Cuyo
- Uco Valley
How can the climate conditions be cool enough to preserve delicate flavours and acidity
- high altitude
- combination of southerly latitude and high diurnal range (due to continentality)
When is the harvest of sparkling wine grapes in comparison to still wine grapes?
one or two month before harvest for still wines
Which are the main grape varieties used for sparkling wine?
- Pedro Giménez (not related to the Spanish Pedro Ximénez)
- Chardonnay
- Chenin Blanc
- Pinot Noir
- Ugni Blanc
- Semillion
How has the planting area size grown for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in this century?
- 30% Chardonnay
- 80% Pinot Noir (coming from a low base)
Which natural hazards are present in Argentina?
- hail
- spring frost
- nematodes
- just a little fungal disease pressure due to the dry climate
Which grape varieties are mostly used for the inexpensive carbonated sparkling wines?
- Pedro Giménez
- Chenin Blanc
- Semillon
Which technique is also used in parallel to carbonation?
adding fruit flavours (e.g. strawberry)
Describe the style of traditional method sparkling wine made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir?
- ripe apple and lemon aromas
- autolytic aromas
- medium to medium (+) acidity
- medium to medium (+) body
medium alcohol - at least 12 month on the lees
Why there was a big boost in the decade after 2005
agreement between the government and the national wine trade body to remove a domestic tax of 12% on sales in return for investments in sparkling wine by the industry
