Argentina Flashcards
What is Cereza?
Former Argentina’s most planted grape
What is Torrontés Riojano?
Grape from Argentina
Cross between Criolla Chica and Muscat of Alexandria
What two grapes may be labelled as Torrontés in Argentina?
Torrontés Mendocino
Torrontés Sanjuanino
What is the climate of Argentina?
Continental
What is the Zonda?
A fierce and hot afternoon wind in Argentina that blows down from the mountains in late spring and early summer. Can adversely affect flowering
What are Argentina’s most planted white grapes?
Pedro Giménez
Torrontés
Chardonnay
Chenin Blanc
What are Argentina’s most planted red grapes?
Malbec
Bonarda
Cabernet Sauvignon
Syrah
Merlot
Tempranillo
What does Reserva mean in Argentina?
Minimum 6 months of aging for white wine
Minimum 1 year aging for red
What does Gran Reserva mean in Argentina?
Minimum 1 year of aging for white wine
Minimum 2 years aging for red
What is Center Region?
An indicacion geográfica in Argentina
What is Cuyo?
An indicacion geográfica in Argentina
What is North Region?
An indicacion geográfica in Argentina
Northernmost region Argentina
Salta
Southernmost regions Argentina
Rio Negro
Neuquén
Both in Patagonia
Argentina vineyard altitudes
Salta - 2000m
Most vineyards - >600m
Rio Negro/Neuquén - <600m
Training system Argentina
Pergola (due to heat)
Called Parral in Argentina
Still common for Torrontés
Black grapes are often vertically trellised
Water management Argentina
Irrigation common
Formerly flood, now drip
Weather risks Argentina
Spring frosts (occasionally)
Summer hail (regular hazard, especially Mendoza)
Netting and owning multiple vineyards are solutions used
Disease risk Argentina
Few rot and mildew problems due to dryness
Country with most Malbec plantings
Argentina
Bonarda main growing areas
Mendoza
San Juan
Torrontés main growing areas
Salta
La Rioja
San Juan
Mendoza
Pedro Gimenez
1 planted white in Argentina
White variety in Argentina
Not same as PX
Used in cheap domestic wines
La Rioja Argentina
IG in Cuyo IG
3rd largest production area in Argentina
Most wines are labelled as Famatina
Famatina Valley
Main vineyard area in La Rioja Argentina
Large volume production
Irrigation
<p>Neuquen province</p>
<p><strong>Neuquen province:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>New wine producing region</li>
<li>Vineyards situated close to where the River Neuquen meets the Rio Negro</li>
<li>Lack of water main issue – cannot grow as a region</li>
<li>Warmer, more arid than Rio Negro: riper styles</li>
<li>Main varieties are: Malbec; Pinot Noir, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc</li>
</ul>
<p>Argentina has a number of factors that affect the wine region's climate - dot point them and expand on them if you can</p>
<ul>
<li>Wine-producing regions
<ul>
<li>1500 kms apart, from Salta in the North to Rio Negro in South</li>
<li>24- 38°S in latitude degrees</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Altitude:
<ul>
<li>500-1000mRL</li>
<li>Many over 1,000mRL</li>
<li>highest is around 3300mRL!!</li>
<li>Gives a wide diurnal temperature range – over 20 degrees in some places</li>
<li>The cooler night-time temperatures help to extend the growing season and allow the grapes to retain acidity and aromas</li>
<li>At low latitudes, the influence of cooling altitude essential to make the climate cool enough for viticulture</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Combined effect of low latitude and high altitude also results in intense sunlight and high levels of ultraviolet radiation - leads to higher levels of tannins and anthocyanins</li>
<li>Most regions are in the foothills of the Andes – and in the rain shadow of the Andes</li>
<li>Rainfall levels are very low – some places less than 200mm per annum</li>
<li>In desert like conditions irrigation is essential</li>
<li>Even at highest altitude, most are planted on flat or gentle sloping sites</li>
<li>Majority of regions have Continental climate</li>
<li>Dry air reduces risk of fungal disease; strong winds from mountains</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Zonda:
<ul>
<li>hot dry powerful wind occurring in late spring, early summer</li>
<li>lowers humidity; can induce water stress in the vines</li>
<li>can affect flowering; fruit set; or damage grapes</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>trees planted (poplars) as windbreaks</li>
</ul>
<p>Patagonia is only 200~250 metres altitude so what provides cooling?</p>
<p>It's Southerly latitude</p>
<p>Where is the Argentinian producer Susana Balbobased?</p>
<p>What is their flagship range of wines?</p>
<p>What grapes are used for this line?</p>
<p>Cafayate, Salta.</p>
<p>"Crios"</p>
<p>Torrontés, Malbec, Syrah and Bordeaux varietals.</p>
<p>Argentina's vineyards are cut off from ocean cooling by the Andes so where does cooling come from?</p>
<p>Cooling must come from altitude with the best vineyards 1,000m + above sea level</p>
<p>Climate of Mendoza?</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Climate: </strong>
<ul>
<li>Continental w 4 seasons + no extreme temp variations</li>
<li>Rainfall of 200-300mm/yr in summer.</li>
<li>La Piedra (early summer hail)</li>
<li>La Zonda (hot dry wind from N-E)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p>what is the altitude range of the Uco Valley</p>
<p>altitude of 850-1500</p>
<p>Mendoza plantings are what % of black grapes?</p>
<p>how much Malbec?</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Varietals</strong>
<ul>
<li>Black varieties 60% of plantings</li>
<li>dominated by Malbec: 1/3rd of vineyard area</li>
<li>plantings of Malbec have doubled since 2000</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Where is Torrontes most successful?</p>
<p>Cafayate and high altitude Uco Valley - retains its acidity and doesn't get overripe</p>
<p>How many DOCs are in Argentina?</p>
<p>What are they?</p>
<p>What are the principal grapes for each?</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p>2</p>
<p>Lujan de Cuyo / Malbec</p>
<p>San Rafael / Chenin Blanc</p>
<p>What is Mendoza in terms of Argentinian wine production?</p>
<p>75% of vineyard area and 2/3rds of total production</p>
<p>Cabernet Franc - a varietal with a lot of potential in Argentina?</p>
<p><strong>Cabernet Franc</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Considerable potential in Argentina</li>
<li>producing distinctive concentrated style</li>
<li>Single variety or blend with Malbec</li>
</ul>
<p>Northern and Eastern Mendoza?</p>
<p><strong><u>North & Eastern Mendoza</u></strong><strong>:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>On plains of the Mendoza River valley</li>
<li>Altitude: 500-700m; relatively low-level areas</li>
<li> Irrigation: R Mendoza; (for N Mendoza); R Tunuyan (Eastern Mendoza)</li>
<li> Warmer conditions and easy availability of water means these areas produce larger volumes of inexpensive wine</li>
<li> Some higher quality wines from Tempranillo & Bonarda</li>
</ul>
<p>DOC Lujan de Cuyo</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>DOC Lujan de Cuyo</strong>
<ul>
<li>1st DOC created in Argentina</li>
<li>Must be aged min 24 mths, with min 12 mths in Oak</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>used by small no of producers, typically for Malbec</p>
<p>When is the grape harvest time in Argentina?</p>
<p>March/April</p>
<p>Viticulture of San Juan</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Viticulture</strong>
<ul>
<li>Production of Inexpensive wines from high-yielding pink varieties</li>
<li><u>Traditional home of Cereza</u></li>
<li>Vineyard area is decreasing unlike other regions in Argentina</li>
<li><strong>Syrah:</strong>
<ul>
<li>Most widely planted grape alongside Bonarda & Malbec</li>
<li>Highest quality produced from high Altitudes on foothills of Andes</li>
<li><strong>GI of Pedernal valley</strong> (1250-1500m)
<ul>
<li>Higher diurnal range</li>
<li>Higher acid levels and fresher fruit flavours</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Cabernet Sauvignon</p>
<p><strong>Cabernet Sauvignon</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>more susceptible to extremes in temps & Fungal disease than Malbec;</li>
<li>Site selection important</li>
<li>Blended with Malbec generally</li>
<li>But some producers making premium-priced single varietal wines</li>
<li>Competition with Cab Sav’s from around the world</li>
<li>Argentinian Cabernet Sauvignon:
<ul>
<li>Ripe high Tannins</li>
<li>Blackcurrant, Blackberry, Spicy notes</li>
<li>WITHOUT a marked herbaceous character</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>How does Malbec differ in style by climate?</p>
<ul style="list-style-type:circle;"> <li>Cooler sites <ul> <li>Higher altitudes or relatively high latitudes</li> <li>Lower Alcohol; Medium (+) Acidity; Medium (+) Tannins; fresh fruit flavours, Red & Black fruit, Herbal & Floral</li> </ul> </li> <li>Warmer sites <ul> <li>Full Body; Riper fruit, Lower Acidity and Softer Tannins</li> </ul> </li> </ul>
<p>Southern Mendoza?</p>
<p><strong><u>Southern Mendoza</u></strong></p>
<ul>
<li>South of Mendoza; in dept of San Rafael</li>
<li>200 kms south of city of Mendoza</li>
<li>Altitude: 450–850mRL</li>
<li><strong>Climate</strong>
<ul>
<li>Southerly location = summers are cooler/longer</li>
<li>slower sugar accumulation; good Acid retention</li>
<li>Particularly prone to Summer hailstorms</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Wines</strong>
<ul>
<li>Reds: Medium body, show more red fruit</li>
<li>Malbec, Cab Sav, Syrah, Bonarda most imp reds</li>
<li>Chenin Blanc: signature white grape; fruity, well balanced</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>San Rafael DOC:
<ul>
<li>Only other DOC in Argentina and which covers whole dept</li>
<li>But most producers use the San Rafael GI instead</li>
<li>The GI doesn’t have any winemaking stipulations</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Approximately how many separate wineries (wine companies) are there in Argentina?</p>
<p>900</p>
<p>In which province is Cafayate located?</p>
<p>Salta</p>
<p>Rio Negro province</p>
<p><strong>Rio Negro Province</strong><strong>: (</strong><strong>Black river)</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>the main growing province of Patagonia</li>
<li>been producing wines for 100 years</li>
<li>Significant stocks of old vines (<strong>Semillon, Pinot Noir, Malbec</strong>)</li>
<li>Viticulture at the upper end of valley where elevations are from 180-270mRL</li>
<li>Produces elegant, well balanced:
<ul>
<li>Pinot Noir</li>
<li>Malbec</li>
<li>Merlot</li>
<li>Sav Blanc & Riesling</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>350mm rainfall, big diurnal shift</li>
<li>Cooler climate w long warm ripening season + chalky soil -> ideal for whites</li>
</ul>
<p>What are the 3 Torrontés clones used in Argentina, which one is the most highly regarded and what are they crosses of?</p>
<p>Torrontés Sanjuanino</p>
<p>Torrontés Riojano(most highly regarded)</p>
<p>Torrontés Mendocino</p>
<p>Criolla Chica X Muscat of Alexandria</p>
<p>3 tier system of Geographical Indications is used in Argentina</p>
<p><strong>3 Tier system of Geographical Indications</strong>:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>IP</strong>: (Indicacion de Procedencia)
<ol>
<li>cover large geographical areas</li>
<li>though not the country as a whole</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li><strong>IG</strong>: (or GI, Indicacion Geografica)
<ol>
<li>wines that meet a certain quality,</li>
<li>from a specific geographical area</li>
<li>that is considered capable of producing quality wines</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li><strong>DOC</strong>
<ol>
<li>from a specific geographical area</li>
<li>with legislated winemaking criteria</li>
<li>so far only 2 created</li>
<li>both in Mendoza, only a small number of producers use this category
<ol>
<li>Lujan de Cuyo</li>
<li>San Rafael</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ol>
<p>Two key regions of Patagonia?</p>
<p>Rio Negro and Neuquen</p>
<p>What best describes a wine made from the Torrontés grape?</p>
<p>-Medium body/ Medium acidity</p>
<p>-Intense fruity, floral perfume</p>
<p>-Stone fruit and melon flavors</p>
<p>Chardonnay in Argentina?</p>
<p><strong>Chardonnay</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>widely planted as it is a versatile varietal</li>
<li>Premium wines
<ul>
<li>from cool sites in Uco Valley</li>
<li>Medium (+)-High Acidity, Ripe Stone & Tropical fruit</li>
<li>Subtle spice notes from Oak maturation</li>
<li>some using small proportion of new oak or entirely old Oak</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p>What do the labeling terms "Reserva" and "Gran Reserva" indicate on Argentinian wines?</p>
<p>Reservaimplies a minimum 6 months of aging for white wines and 1 year for reds;</p>
<p>GranReservaindicates at least 1 year for whites and 2 for reds.</p>
<p>San Juan is the 2nd largest growing region in Argentina - but how does it compare to Mendoza?</p>
<p>not even 1/3rd the size</p>
<p>Where are most grapes grown in La Rioja Province? What grape is grown there as a speciality?</p>
<p>What other 3 black grapes are grown?</p>
<p>On the irrigated valley floors of Famatina Valley.</p>
<p>Torrontes is a speciality Cab Sav, Syrah and Bonarda grown there too</p>
<p>Exports are what % of production?</p>
<p>20%</p>
<p>How would you describe ayoung Torrontés (aromatics / acidity / alcohol)?</p>
<p></p>
<p>Highly aromatic, elevated acidity, elevated alcohol</p>
<p>In which country / region is the producer Bodega Catena Zapata located?</p>
<p>Argentina / Mendoza</p>
<p>Phylloxera present?</p>
<p>Yes - but sandy soils, dry climate seem to keep it at bay</p>
<p>Main hazards of Agentinian wine regions?</p>
<p><strong>Hazards</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Hail
<ul>
<li>netting used to protect with hail; many producers in Mendoza own vineyards in many different parts of the province to minimize risk of hail</li>
<li>can do damage to their entire crop.</li>
<li>Summer Hail (« piedra ») main threat, up to 30% crop lost every year</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Frost
<ul>
<li>in Mendoza; usually in flat or bottom of slopes</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>El Nino
<ul>
<li>Occurs every 2-10 years; brings much higher than avg rainfall; more hailstorms</li>
<li>in 2016 reduction in yield of 25% across the country, 40% in Mendoza</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
<p>At what altitude are the vineyards of San Juan Province located?</p>
<p>What are the main grapes grown there?</p>
<p>450~1400 metres</p>
<p>Very good Syrah Red grapes: Malbec, Cab Sav, Bonarda</p>
<p>Chardonnay and Viognier are the most planted whites</p>
<p>What is a regular weather risk in Argentina and how is it managed?</p>
<p>Summer hail is a regular occurrence</p>
<p>- Netting covers the vines</p>
<p>- As much vineyard location diversity as possible</p>
<p>Las Compuertas district GI?</p>
<ul>
<li>In <em>Las Compuertas</em>
<ul>
<li>Highest vineyards producing</li>
<li>Fruity, full Body Reds from Malbec & other Bordeaux varieties</li>
<li>Medium (+) Acidity, Firm Tannins; considerable potential for ageing</li>
<li>Wines command premium prices and upwards</li>
<li>Also elegant, balanced whites from Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>San Carlos</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>San Carlos</strong></li>
</ol>
<ul>
<li>Most southerly of the 3 depts</li>
<li>Recognised for its old vine plantings & quality of Malbec, Cab Sav, and in lower warmer areas, Syrah</li>
<li><strong>GI of Parage Altamira</strong>:
<ul>
<li>Based on Alluvial fan, includes a variety of Soils, though high presence of Calcium Carbonate & Stony topsoil are hallmarks of the GI</li>
<li>1000 -1200mRL</li>
<li>Lower Altitude than Gualtallary</li>
<li>More intense and fuller bodied than Gualtallary, with acidity & tannin structure to age</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Where generally and specifically do the best Mendoza wines come from, at what altitude and which grape specifically?</p>
<p>Central Mendoza, specifically the departments ofLujan de Cuyo and Maipú.</p>
<p>Specifically Foothills of Andes at between 900~1,100 metres Renowned for producing very fine Malbec</p>
<p>What is the geographic area marked with an X below?</p>
<p>San Juan</p>
<p>What are the better wines, from Maipu department, made with?</p>
<p>Syrah and Cab Sav</p>
<p>What is the climate and viticulture of Uco Valley?</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Climate</strong>
<ul>
<li>high altitude & high latitude means cooler temps</li>
<li>and a wider diurnal range</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Viticulture</strong>
<ul>
<li>Grapes accumulate less sugar, retain Acidity, fresh fruit flavours</li>
<li>Intense sunshine give grapes deep colour & ripe tannins</li>
<li>Because of potential for quality; huge investment from leading winemakers</li>
<li><strong>Vineyard area has almost doubled this century!</strong></li>
<li><strong>Black grapes dominate and with Malbec the largest</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>The Argentinian wineries Yacochuya and Etchart are located in which region?</p>
<p>How are these 2 wineries related?</p>
<p></p>
<p>Cafayate, Salta.</p>
<p>Etchart is the winery that first brought Pomerolwinemaker Michel Rolland from France to Argentina, and Yacochuya is his latest project.</p>
<p>Main export markets?</p>
<ul style="list-style-type:circle;"> <li>Main export markets by volume <ul> <li>USA – over 25%</li> <li>UK – 15%</li> <li>Canada, Brazil, Paraguay</li> <li>Other South American countries remain important</li> </ul> </li> </ul>
<p>Charbono in the United States is better known as \_\_\_\_\_ in Argentina.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Bonarda</p>
<p>What are the flagship black and white grapes of Argentina?</p>
<p>What is the 2nd most planted black grape?</p>
<p>Black = Malbec</p>
<p>White = Torrontes</p>
<p>Bonarda</p>
<p>Bonarda?</p>
<p><strong>Bonarda</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>2nd most planted black variety</li>
<li>Called Bonarda Argentina to distinguish it from Italian variety</li>
<li>Mainly planted in San Juan & warmer areas in Mendoza</li>
<li><strong>Characteristics</strong>
<ul>
<li>Late ripening varietal</li>
<li>High Yielding;</li>
<li>Deep colour; Medium (+) Acidity; Medium Tannins; Medium Alcohol</li>
<li>Red & Black fruit flavours;</li>
<li>Fruity in nature - oak can overwhelm it - If oak used then large or old vessels</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>produces large volumes of mid-priced wines</li>
<li>85% is consumed domestically</li>
<li>Popular blending partner to Malbec & Cab Sav</li>
<li>Some producers are now making:
<ul>
<li>more complex, riper black fruit, spicy</li>
<li>from lower yielding, old vines in Maipu; Lujan de Cuyo; East of Mendoza</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Which is the only Austrian owned Bodega in Argentina?</p>
<p>Which sub-region / region are they located in?</p>
<p>Bodega Norton</p>
<p>Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza</p>
<p>what altitude is Lujan de Cuyo?</p>
<p>900-1100mRL</p>
<p>Tupungato department - where is it and what is grown there</p>
<p>Describe its most recognised district</p>
<p></p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Tupungato:</strong></li>
</ol>
<ul>
<li>Most Northerly & highest of departments</li>
<li>At the foot of Mt Tupungato volcano</li>
<li>Fresh, full bodied wines from Malbec, Cab Sav, Cab Franc, PN</li>
<li>Crisp Elegant whites from Chardonnay & Sav Blanc</li>
<li><strong>Gualtallary</strong>
<ul>
<li>most recognized district</li>
<li>Narrow strip of vineyards between 1100-1600mRL</li>
<li>Increasingly recognized as High Quality, complex Whites & Reds</li>
<li>Distinct Limestone soils; process of being recognized as a GI</li>
<li>Malbec grown in Gualtallary, (higher altitudes) lighter bodied, Higher Acidity, Red & Black fruit, more Herbal than rest in Argentina</li>
<li>Blends of Malbec and Cab Franc are common</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Which white grape grown extensively in Argentina has floral, muscat-like aromas and a spicy note?</p>
<p>Where is this varietal's most famous sub region and what is it called?</p>
<p>Torrontés</p>
<p>What are the 5 regions of Mendoza?</p>
<p>Northern</p>
<p>Eastern</p>
<p>Central (Upper)</p>
<p>UCO Valley (Western)</p>
<p>Southern</p>
<p>When was Bodega Colomé of Argentina founded?</p>
<p>Who is the current owner?</p>
<p>1831</p>
<p>Hess Family Estates</p>
<p>What is the most famous region of Salta Province,</p>
<p>how high are some vineyards planted</p>
<p>and what is the main grape grown there?</p>
<p>What are the main 2 black grapes grown?</p>
<p>Cafayate region</p>
<p>High elevation, vineyards at 1700mRL</p>
<p>Torrontes is dominant Malbec and Cab Sav also grown</p>
<p>Irrigation water in Argentina? is essential? how is it sourced and distributed?</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Irrigation</strong>:
<ul>
<li>Low rainfall, Irrigation essential</li>
<li>Mendoza river & tributaries, deliver meltwater from winter snow/glaciers of Andes</li>
<li>this collected by dams & irrigation channels (most date back to 16th C)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Many irrigated by flood irrigation!
<ul>
<li>water released when needed, via complex man-made systems</li>
<li>amt equivalent to heavy rainstorm</li>
<li>most widely used irrigation system - 70% of vineyards</li>
<li>Drip irrigation since 90’s
<ul>
<li>Cheaper & easier than leveling land for flood irrigation; water for drip irrigation from bore holes instead</li>
<li>Also, if there is no sufficient sources of water then drip irrigation is more efficient and targeted</li>
<li>Recent water shortages in Mendoza, La Rioja and San Juan</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>For flood & drip irrigation:
<ul>
<li>the traditional timing of water application is to give larger amts in winter, then low in growing season</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Which city is indicated with a red X?</p>
<p>Buenos Aires</p>
<p>What is the geographic area marked with an X below?</p>
<p>San Juan</p>
<p>Which city is indicated with a red X?</p>
<p>Buenos Aires</p>
