37 - Argentina

Question 1

What extreme weather conditions effect Argentina?

Answer 1

Spring frosts, but also summer hail is a common problem.

Question 2

What are the dominant varietals in Argentina?

Answer 2

• Malbec
• Bonarda
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Torrontes
• Chardonnay

Question 3

What has the biggest impact on Argentian grape growing?

Answer 3

Cutoff from the Pacific, it lies in the shadow on the Andes Mountains. Most of the best vineyards lie at over 1000 metres, so altitude is the biggest factor generally.

Question 4

What growing technique is commonly used in Argentina?

Answer 4

Drip irrigation is now becoming more and more common, replacing flood irrigation.

Question 5

What are the main provinces in Argentina?

Answer 5

• Salta
• La Rioja
• San Juan
• Mendoza
• Patagonia region

Question 6

What is the main sub region of Salta?

Answer 6

• Cafayate

Question 7

What is the main sub region of La Rioja?

Answer 7

Famatina Valley

Question 8

What are the main departments in Mendoza?

Answer 8

• Lujan de Cuyo
• Maipu
• The Uco Valley
• San Rafael

Question 9

Describe the common Malbec profile in Argentina?

Answer 9

It tends to produce deeply coloured, full bodied wines,, with notes of black fruit and often high leveles of smooth tannins. It’s grown well in every region of Argentina and regional difference are rife. Those from higher altitude tend to be more elegant, displaying fresher more floral aromas. Those made at lower altitude are fuller bodied with richer black fruit.

Question 10

Describe the common profile of Bonarda in Argentina?

Answer 10

Late ripening, that creates deep coloured wine, with high acidity and tannin level. At high yields it produces easy drinking wines with medium to deep colour and fruit raspberry and blackberry aromas. When yields are controlled it can produce wines of greater concentration and structure. Mainly grown in Mendoz and San Juan.

Question 11

Describe the common profile of Torrontes in Argentina?

Answer 11

Many of the best examples come form high altitude in the Cafayate region of Salta. Intense floral, fruity perfume, with medium body and acidity and flavours of stonefruits and melons. Due to its aromatic nature, wines are usually fermented in inert, temperature controlled vessels and release from the winery in the year of harvest.

Question 12

Why is Salta province so unique?

Answer 12

Most northernly of all Argentinian regions is home to some of the highest vineyards in the world (3000 metres). Wines here have great purity and concentration. Torrontes dominates here.