37. Argentina Flashcards
What is the climate of Argentina’s wine regions?
Continental. Hot summers and winters are cold but not severe
What is effect of Andes Mountains on vineyards of Argentina?
It forms a barrier to prevailing westerly winds and results in a significant rain shadow that keeps western Argentina very dry
Which factors help to create Argentina’s exceptional winegrowing conditions?
- Dry air
- Plentiful irrigation water from rivers and subterranean aquifers
- High elevations
- Unlimited sunshine
- Large diurnal range
What are the important climatic hazards in Argentina?
- Fierce Zonda winds (E)
- Summer hails
Name the techniques that the grape growers use for protection from hail in Argentina
- Netting
- Owning vineyards in several different areas
Name the flagship white and black grape variety in Argentina
- White: Torrentes
- Black: Malbec
Tasting notes for Argentina Malbec
- Deep colored (often inky black)
- Full-bodied
- Black fruit (blackberry and plum) flavours
- High levels of smooth tannins
- Subtle spicy flavours if aged in new oak
Is Malbec produced as a varietal or as a part of blends in Argentina?
- Mostly as a varietal
- Also as a leading component of premium blends with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot
What is the second most widely planted black grape in Argentina?
Bonarda
Bonarda is grown in which regions of Argentina?
- Mendoza
- San Juan
Tasting notes for Bonarda
- High yields: Easy drinking wine with medium to deep color and fruity raspberry and blackberry aromas
- Low yields: Wines with greater concentration and structure
Tasting notes for Torrentes
- Intense fruity, floral perfume
- Medium body
- Medium acidity
- Flavours of stone fruit and melon
Pedro Gimenez variety is used for production of which style of wines in Argentina?
Cheap wines for the domestic market
What are the three wine regions of Argentina and their important Province and subregions?
- Northern
- Salta: Cafayate
- Central (Cuyo)
- La Rioja: Famatina
- San Juan
- Mendoza: Lujan de Cuyo, Maipu, Uco Valley, San Rafael
- Patagonia
- Rio Negro
- Neuquen
Which province in Argentina is home to some of the highest vineyards in the world?
Salta Province. Some are over 3000 meters.
What is the dominant grape in Salta?
Torrontes
Which subregion of Salta Province is famous for highly aromatic wines made from Torrontes?
Cafayate
Where are the main vineyard area located in La Rioja Province?
Famatina Valley
Which grape is the speciality of La Rioja?
Torrontes
What are the most widely planted black grape varieties in La Rioja?
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Syrah
- Bonarda
How are the wines produced in La Rioja region of Argentina labelled? Why?
- Labelled as “Famatina”
- To avoid confusion with Rioja region in Spain
Which grape is the speciality of San Juan Province?
High quality Syrah
Which province accounts for the majority of the wines produced in Argentina?
Mendoza
Which areas of Mendoza focus on producing high-volume, inexpensive wines?
Northern and Eastern Mendoza
List the important departments (subregions) of Mendoza Valley and name their altitudes and important grape varieties
Lujan de Cuyo: 900-1100 m. Very fine Malbec
Maipu: Around 800 m. Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon
Uco Valley: 900-1500 m. Chardonnay, Torrontes, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tempranillo. Pinot Noir in some cooler sites
San Rafael: 500-700 m. Chenin Blanc
What is the cooling influence in Patagonia?
The latitude, not the altitude (200-250 m)
What is the most important province in Patagonia Region
Rio Negro Province
Which climatic properties of Rio Negro Province makes it ideal for production of wines with concentrated but fresh fruit flavours and medium to high acidity?
- Low rainfall
- Wide diurnal range
- Long daylight jours with cool nights
Name the important grape varieties in Rio Negro Province
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Pinot Noir
- Malbec
- Merlot
What is the traditional vine training system in Argentina?
- Pergola system (parral) to protect grapes from heat
