Argentina Flashcards
why are cool sites able to be found close to the equator in Argentina?
the altitude of the vineyards
how were most vines traditionally planted and is this still used?
pergola system - locally known as parral, used to keep grapes away from the heat of the ground and provided shade from the hanging canopy
this method is still used for the torrontes grape but now many vineyards are planted with vertical trellises and canopy’s arranged to give grapes shade
what are some issues growers face in argentina? how are they dealt with?
the rain shadow of the andes causes extremely low rainfall - drip irrigation is commonly used opposed to the once popular flood irrigation because it uses scarce water more efficiently
spring frosts and summer hail - netting is used
what are the 2 most planted black varieties in argentina?
Malbec
Bonarda
how do malbecs made from lower altitude differ from higher?
lower - fuller bodied rich black fruit
higher - more elegant displaying fresher and more floral aromas
describe an argentinian malbec
deep colour full body high tannins black fruit new oak - spice
describe bonarda
late ripening
deep colour
high acidity
high tannin
high yields produce easy drinking raspberry and blackberry wines
when yields are controlled it has greater concentration and structure
there are some other international varieties planted in argentina, what are they?
cab sauv, syrah, merlot, tempranillo, pinot noir
what is Argentina’s signature white?
Torrentes, planted widely in salta, la rioja, san juan and mendozza
describe the best example of torrentes
coming from cafayette at high altitudes, intensely fruity and floral with medium body and acidity, flavours of stone fruit and melon, usually fermented inert and released the same year as harvest
how are producers in argentina maturing chardonnay?
oak barrels in which a portion is new
what other what varieties are planted in argentina?
chenin blanc, sauvignon blanc, semillon, viognier
what is the most planted white grape in Argentina?
Pedro Gimenez
what is the GI system in argentina?
GI system
split into 3 regions
regions split into provinces
split into departments
extreme climate producing wines of great concentration included highly aromatic torrentes is an example of what region?
Salta
specifically cafayette
what are the dominant black variety’s planted in salta?
malbec and cab sauv
the 3rd largest area of production in Argentina with irrigated valley floors producing large volumes of grapes is?
La Rioja province
what are wines from La Rioja province typically labeled
Famatina
what grapes are grown in La Rioja?
torrentes
cab sauv
syrah
bonarda
the province with vineyards located 450-1400 and noted for its quality syrah is?
San Juan
5 grapes that grow other than Syrah in San Juan?
Malbec Cab sauv Bonarda Chardonnay Viogner
Describe the climate in the Mendoza Province
desert conditions, protected by rain from the andes in the west and the argentine pampas in the east
what are the 5 divisions of Mendoza?
Northern Eastern Central Uco Southern
which area of mendoza focuses on in expensive high volume wine, due to its east irrigation?
Northern and Eastern
which department in central mendoza has a reputation for very fine malbec?
Lujan de cuyo
what sub region lies 900-1100M altitude notable for old Malbec vines?
Central Mendoza
Where will you find old vine bonarda and tempranillo?
Maipu
what preforms particularly well in Maipu
Syrah and Cab Sauv
what altitude do the vineyards of Uco sit?
900-1500 M
cool nights in Uco Valley help to?
retain acidity and fruit flavours - sometimes displaying floral notes
a site cool enough to grow Pinot noir in Uco is?
Tupungato
what is the coolest area in Uco producing significant plantings of chenin blanc?
san rafael
describe the climate of patagonia?
200-250 M, cooling from latitude and desert winds
low rainfall and wide diurnal range, long daylight hours and cool nights
what grapes are capable of premium wines in rio negro
sauvignon blanc
pinot noir
malbec
merlot
