37 - Argentina Flashcards
True/False: Argentina’s vineyards lie 600 meters or more above sea level, with exception of those in Rio Negro and Neuquen
True
What is the name of the pergola system employed historically in Argentina?
Parral. This lifted grapes away from searing heat close to the ground and provided shade via the leaf canopy. However, these days many vineyards use vertical trellises.
Why is rainfall extremely low?
Argentina’s wine regions are cut off from Pacific Ocean by the Andes. Water is sometimes drawn from rivers flowing down from the mountains
What are climatic hazards in Argentina?
Summer hail (netting is used to protect vines) spring frosts on occasion
What is Argentina’s flagship variety, and what are its characteristics
Malbec
Argentina has largest plantings worldwide
deep, full body, black fruit, high tannin
high-quality is matured in new oak -> subtle spice
altitude impacts the style. higher altitude is more elegant and fresh/floral. lower altitude are fuller bodied with richer black fruit.
mostly produced varietally but also blended into premium wines.
What are the characteristics of Bonarda, the second most planted variety in Argentina?
late-ripening black variety.
deep color, high acid, high tannin
if yields are controlled, can produce greater concentration and structure.
Mainly grown Mendoza and San Juan.
What are the black varieties grown in Argentina?
Malbec Bonarda Cabernet Syrah Merlot smaller volumes Tempranillo and Pinot Noir
What is Argentina’s white signature variety? What are its characteristics?
Torrontes
widely planted in Salta, La Rioja, San Juan and Mendoza.
Many of best are grown in high-altitude vineyards in Cafayate region.
Intense fruity, floral perfume. Medium body, medium acidity. Stone fruit, melon.
Because grape is aromatic - wines usually fermented in inert and temp-controlled vessels and released the year of harvest
Besides Torrontes what are other white varieties commonly planted in Argentina?
Chardonnay Chenin BLanc Suavignon Blanc Semillon Viognier Pedro Gimenez (traditional low-quality variety used in cheap wines for domestic market)
What are the main provinces and regions in Argentina?
Salta Province La Rioja Province San Juan Province Mendoza Province Patagonia Region (this is the only one of the 3 broad regions that is widely seen on labels)
What geographic feature of Salta Province contributes to wines of great purity and concentration, often made from Torrontes?
It has some of the highest vineyards in the world. The extreme climate produces great purity and concentration
What is the dominant grape of the Cafayate region?
Torrontes. Many large wineries have invested in this region for its superior Torrontes grapes.
Which Argentinian province dominates winemaking?
Mendoza
What are the climate influences of Mendoza?
desert conditions, protected from rain by Andes Mountains and Argentine Pampas
What are the important departments (smaller areas within the province) of Mendoza province?
Lujan de Cuyo (within Central Mendoza): produces very fine Malbec. has old Malbec vines. provide soft, round, sweet spice in Malbec blends. 900-1100m in atitude.
Maipu: successful Syrah and Cabernet.
Uco Valley: highest vineyards in Mendoza. Cool nights help retain acidity and fresh fruit. Many international varieties grow here.
