19. Argentina

Question 1

Via which method are most Argentinian sparkling wines made?

Answer 1

Tank

Question 2

Where are the majority of sparkling wine producers based?

Answer 2

Mendoza

Question 3

In which two sub-regions of Mendoza is fruit for higher quality sparkling wines grown?

Answer 3

1) Lujan de Cuyo
2) Uco Valley

Question 4

What makes the growing environments of Neuquen and Rio Negro suitable for sparking wine fruit? (2)

Answer 4

Their southerly latitude and high diurnal range.

Question 5

Where are Neuquen and Rio Negro?

Answer 5

Patagonia

Question 6

What grape variety is most widely planted in Argentina?

Answer 6

Pedro Gimenez

Question 7

Besides Pedro Gimenez what four other varieties are widely grown?

Answer 7

1) Chardonnay
2) Chenin Blanc
3) Pinot Noir
4) Ugni Blanc

Question 8

What are the three viticultural hazards in Argentina?

Answer 8

1) Hail
2) Spring frosts
3) Nematodes

Question 9

Inexpensive carbonation method wines are made using which three varieties?

Answer 9

1) Pedro Gimenez
2) Chenin Blanc
3) Semillon

Question 10

How long do most traditional method wines spend on lees?

Answer 10

12 months

Question 11

What is an example of a super-premium bottling made using premium fruit and longer lees ageing?

Answer 11

Baron B Unique

Question 12

How was the sparkling wine sector given a boost in the decade after 2005?

Answer 12

The government removed a 12% tax on sales in return for investment in sparkling wine by the national wine trade body.

Question 13

Where is most Argentinian sparkling wine consumed?

Answer 13

Domestically.

Question 14

What is the most popular style (dosage/sweetness) of Argentinian sparkling wine?

Answer 14

Seco (11g/L in Argentina)