Argentina

Question 1

Which Champagne company kickstarted sparkling wine production in Argentina?

Answer 1

Moët & Chandon in 1959 - company’s first overseas endeavour

Question 2

What has happened to production historically and in recent years?

Answer 2

Historically limited –> increased rapidly with new producers getting involved recently - 160 wineries

Question 3

Where is most sparkling wine made?

Answer 3

1. Mendoza

2. Neuquen, Rio Negro, San Juan

Question 4

Describe a typical sparkling wine.

Answer 4

TANK

• Fruity
• Off-dry to med dry
• Acceptable - good quality
• Inexpensive - mid-priced

TRAD

• Chard and PN
• Med-med(+) acid
• Med-med(+) body
• Med alcohol
• Ripe apple, lemon, light autolysis
• Brut
• Good - very good
• Mid-priced - premium

Question 5

Where are the grapes grown to make sparkling wine?

Answer 5

INEXPENSIVE - warm areas of Mendoza
EXPENSIVE
- Lujan de Cuyo, Uco Valley (–> altitude –> temp and diurnal
- Neuquen, Rio Negro (latitude and continental –> temp + diurnal)

Question 6

When are grapes harvested?

Answer 6

1-2 months earlier than other grapes –> acid and sugar

Question 7

How can growers use blending to get a suitable base wine?

Answer 7

Blend cooler + warmer sites –> acid, sugar, flavour

Question 8

What are the main grape varieties used?

Answer 8

1. Pedro Gimenez - significant, falling
2. Chardonnay - significant, growing
3. PN, growing
4. Ugni Blanc
5. Semillon

Question 9

What are the main natural hazards? Why are fungal diseases not much of an issue?

Answer 9

• Hail
• Spring frost
• Nematodes
• Dry climate

Question 10

How are different kinds of sparkling wine made?

Answer 10

INEXPENSIVE

• Carbonation
• PG, Chenin, Semillon
• May include additional fruit flavourings

MID-PRICED

• Tank method
• Range of grapes including Chard and PN

MID-PRICED/PREMIUM

• Trad
• Chard and PN
• Vintage or NV
• Majority >12mnths on lees
• Also super-premium prestige bottlings with extended lees and best grapes

Question 11

What tax change has helped Argentine sparkling wine?

Answer 11

Removal of 12% sales tax - part of wider policy to promote domestic wine and invest in production

Question 12

Where is Argentine sparkling wine sold?

Answer 12

Almost entirely domestically

Seco - most popular (64% of sales), up to 11g/L

Question 13

What notable producers are involved?

Answer 13

• Moët Hennessy - Chandon and Baron B
• Llorente
• Mumm
• Norton
• Freixenet
• Sogrape