Argentina Flashcards
What is the most famous black GV in Argentina?
Malbec
Waht is the most famous white GV in Argentina?
Torrontés
What is the altitude of most of the vineyards in Argentina?
Except for Rio Negro and Neuquén, most vineyards are 600m above sea level
What are the main weather challenges in Argentina and their impact on vine growing?
- Extremely low rainfall = flood irrigation was widespread, now drip irrigation in newer vineyards
- Spring frost
- Summer hail (regular hazard, especially in Mendoza) = netting is used to protect the vines
Why is Argentina an important producer of organically grown grapes?
Dry climate = few fungal diseases
What is the traditional training system used in Argentina and why?
Pergola training (Parral)
o To avoid the searing heat of the ground
o To have bigger shade from the sun
o For Torrontés grape this method is still used, VSP is used for black gv
Describe a Malbec wine from Argentina. Compare and contrast the differences in wines between lower altitude vineyards and higher altitudes vineyards
Deep colour, full bodied, with notes of black fruit and high tannins
Now winemaker are extracting more gently → more elegant style
High quality malbec → matured in new oak → subtle spicy flavours
Lower altitude : fuller bodied, richer black fruit
Higher altitude : more elegant, fresher, more floral aromas
Some blends with Cab Sauv, Merlot, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot
What is the 2nd most planted black GV in Argentina?
Bonarda
What are the characteristics of Bonarda? Describe a wine from Bonarda and the impact of the yield on the quality
2nd most planted gv, deep coloured, high acidity and tannins
High yields : easy drinking, medium/Deep colour, blackberry & raspberry
Controlled yield : greater concentration and structure
Describe a Torrontés wine from Argentina. Compare and contrast the differences in wines between lower altitude vineyards and higher altitudes vineyards and discuss winemaking
Widely planted in Salta, San Juan, La Rioja
Best example in high altitude vineyard : intense fruity floral perfume with medium body and acidity, stone fruit and melon flavours
Fermented in inert vessel and released in the year of harvest
What is the 2nd most planted white GV in Argentina?
Chardonnay
What country has the biggest plantings of Malbec?
Argentina
What is the altitude in Salta Province? Where is it located?
3000 metres above sea levels
Most northerly of the vineyards in Argentina
What is the most planted GV in Salta Province?
Torrontés
In which province of Argentina is the Cafayate region located?
Salta Province
Which province is a source of high volume white wines in Argentina?
La Rioja Province - Torrontés
- wines are usually labelled as Famatina to avoid confusion with the spanish Rioja
In which parts of Mendoza can a winemaker source high-quality Malbec from?
Uco Valley
Luyan de Cuyo
Why are Uco Valley and Luyan de Cuyo a source of high quality Malbec?
High altitudes (900m to 1500m) = increases elegance, freshness and acidity
What are the 4 sub-regions in Mendoza?
Mendoza (North and East)
Lujan de Cuyo
Maipu
Uco Valley
Where is high-volume export Malbec produced in in Mendoza?
Maipu
What is the characteristic of the vineyards planted in Cafayate?
They are more than 3000m above sea level
Why is Salta particularly weel-suited to the production of high quality Torrontes?
One of the most northerly parts of Argentina with altitudes exceeding 3000m.
High alitutde = more purity, concentration and acidity
Describe the parral (pergola) system
Vines are trained higher off the ground with wooden or stone supports to produce a thicker and dense canopy
Why use the parral (pergola) system in Argentina?
The grapes are lifted away from the searing grounds = reduce the risk of sunburn
Canopy produces shading to keep the grapes cool and from over-heating
