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Master Sommelier Theory 2025 > Argentina > Flashcards

Argentina Flashcards

1
Q

General Argentinian climate?

A

Continental

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2
Q

Top two red grapes Argentina?

A

Malbec
Bonarda

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3
Q

Top two white grapes Argentina?

A

Pedro Gimenez
Torrontes

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4
Q

When was the first commercial vintage in Argentina?

A

17th century (1600s)

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5
Q

Malbec was imported from which country to Argentina?

A

France

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6
Q

When was Geographic Indication system introduced in Argentina?

A

1999

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7
Q

Aging requirements for Reserva wines Argentina?

A

White: 6 months
Red: 1 year

NO OAK REQUIREMENT

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8
Q

Aging requirements for Gran Reserva wines Argentina?

A

White: 1 year
Red: 2 years

NO OAK REQUIREMENT

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9
Q

Nicolás- who makes it? Blend?

A

Catena Zapata. Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon

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10
Q

In which subregion are Yacochuya and Etchart located?

A

Cafayate, in Salta.

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11
Q

Average vineyard elevation Argentina? (whole country)

A

900 meters
2900 feet

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12
Q

Where is Clos de los Siete located?

A

Uco Valley, Mendoza

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13
Q

Minimum percentage to label a grape or region Argentina?

A

80%

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14
Q

Active volcano Mendoza?

A

Tupungato - larger
tupungatito - smaller but more active

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15
Q

What is Los Aramos?

A

Single vineyard Cabernet from Terrazas de los Andes

Paraje Altamira

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16
Q

Average annual rainfall Mendoza?

A

5-10”

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17
Q

Argentina Center region IG?

A

Cordoba

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18
Q

La Rioja IG subregions?

A

Famatina IG

Chilecito IG
Felipe Varela IG
Castro Barros
San Blas de los Sauces
General Lamadrid
Vinchina
Sanagasta
Capital La Rioja

Torrontes, Malbec

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19
Q

Subregions of Mendoza?

A

Primera Zone
Northern Mendoza
Southern Mendoza
Eastern Mendoza
Uco Valley IG

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20
Q

Primera Zona departments?

A

(subregion of Mendoza)

Lujan de Cuyo DOC
Maipu IG
Godoy Cruz IG

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21
Q

South Mendoza departments?

A

San Rafael DOC
General Alvear IG

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22
Q

Uco Valley departments?

A

Tupungato IG
Tunuyàn IG
San Carlos IG

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23
Q

List 3 departments of San Juan (Argentina)

A

Tulum Valley
Zonda
Ullum
Jáchal
Calingasta
Pedernal*
Fértil Valley

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24
Q

Argentina major red grapes in order of plantings:

A

Malbec
Bonarda
Cabernet Sauvignon
Syrah
Merlot Tempranillo

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25
Argentina major white grapes:
Pedro Giménez Torrontes Chardonnay Chenin Blanc
26
Argentina pink grapes
Cereza Criolla Chica Criolla Grande
27
Describe the wind in Argentina - what? when does it occur? regions most impacted?
Zonda. Dusty, hot afternoon wind, that blows down from the Andes, can affect flowering. Foehn wind: comes from polar maritime air; warms over the crest of its descent hot and dry in lower lands but catalyst of snow precipitation in higher elevations (critical for irrigation) May to Nov; typically 12pm to 6pm Most heavily impacts La Rioja, San Juan, N Mendoza
28
Producers Salta
Colome- Molinos (Donald Hess) Susana Balbo - Cafayate Etchart - Cafayate Yacochuya - Cafayate
29
Main grapes Salta
Torrontes, Cabernet, Malbec
30
Main grapes Catamarca
Torrontes, Syrah, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon
31
Argentina wine regions North to South
Northern: Salta, Catamarca, Tucuman Cuyo: La Rioja, San Juan, Mendoza Central: Cordoba Patagonia: La Pampa, Neuquen, Rio Negro
32
Why hasn't Argentina had a hard time with Phylloxera?
A combination of the soil: loose, alluvial sand over clay, and the gale-force Zonda wind
33
Soil type in Mendoza?
loose, alluvial sand over clay
34
Types of irrigation in Mendoza?
Traditional furrow: water diverted from rivers- land must be pretty flat, .1 to 3% slope necessary Modern: drip irrigation
35
Southern Mendoza grapes?
Some Chenin blanc in San Rafael and General Alvear mostly Malbec
36
Uco Valley white grapes?
Chardonnay, Sémillon
37
List 3 producers Mendoza
Achaval Ferrer Bressia Catena Cheval des Andes Clos de los Siete Dominio del Plata (Susana Balbo) Terrazas de los Andes Trapiche Vina Cobos (Paul Hobbs) Zuccardi
38
Patagonia provinces?
Rio Negro IG Neuquén IG Chubut IG La Pampa
39
Patagonia climate and soils?
Cooler, chalky soils
40
Who owns Bodegas Chacra?
Piero Incisa della Rocchetta, family behind Sassicaia.
41
Vineyard conditions Mendoza?
Up to 1500 m elevation Extreme diurnal swings increased levels of solar radiation = long, slow, ripening season
42
Where is Catena Zapata based?
Agrelo, Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza
43
Who makes the wines White Bones and White Stones? from what vineyard? grape?
Catena. Adriana Vineyard in Gualtallary, Uco Valley, Mendoza Chardonnay, $140 retail
44
What are the parent grapes of Malbec?
Prunelard x Magdelaine Noire des Charentes
45
What are the parent grapes of Torrontes Riojano?
Muscat of Alexandria x Listan Prieto
46
What are the parent grapes of Cereza?
Muscat of Alexandria x Listan Prieto (Criolla Chica)
47
Catamarca - where is it? Main subregion?
Catamarca IG is in NW Argentina Tinogasta IG * Santa Maria IG Belen IG Poman
48
What are the main geographical features of Catamarca?
in NW Argentina Andes Mountains- rain shadow. dry and hot Abaucán River
49
What is the range of elevation for vineyards in Salta IG?
(Northern Argentina) 1,280-3,100 meters above sea level
50
What are the subregions of Salta IG?
Cachi Cafayate- most important Molinos San Carlos
51
Where is Cafayate? in what valley is it located?
in Salta IG, Northern Argentina Calchaquí Valleys
52
At what latitude is Salta IG?
26 degrees south grape growing is possible because the altitude (which brings cooler temps) balances the warmth from being so close to the equator
53
Synonyms for Listan Prieto?
Pais Mission Criolla Chica
54
List the IG in the Atlantic Region of Argentina
also called Buenos Aires: Chapadmalal IG Villa Ventana IG Balcarce IG not an IG: Médanos
55
Where are the highest vineyards in Argentina?
In Quebrada de Humahuaca GI, Jujuy, at the northern end of the country. Vineyards reach 3329 meters
56
In Argentina, which type of vine training is typically used in conjunction with furrow irrigation? With drip irrigation?
Parral (or pergola) with furrow VSP with drip irrigation
57
Which GIs are within the Calchaqui Valleys?
(in Northern Argentina) Salta IG Catamarca IG Tucuman IG
58
Why are diurnal variations higher at higher altitudes?
This variation is greater at altitude because as the atmospheric pressure (and density) reduces as altitude increases, the atmospheres ability to store heat reduces. This means that as the sun goes down in the evening the temperature quickly falls and both photosynthesis and respiration are halted preventing metabolism of malic acid and allowing a more balanced development throughout the ripening period. this results in more acidity being retained, richer aromas and more intense phenolic compounds
59
Calchaqui Valleys soil type?
rocky, poor soils, sand
60
San Pedro de Yacochuya- where is it based? Who founded it?
Cafayate. Joint venture between Etchart family and Michel Rolland of Bordeaux
61
What is the name for the traditional irrigation channels dug in Cuyo?
acequias- diverted water from rivers for irrigation and other use
62
Between which mountains is La Rioja Argentina?
Famatina and Velasco Mountains
63
What grapes is La Rioja known for?
(Argentina) Famatina: Malbec, Torrontes Chilecito: Torrontes
64
What is considered the best sub region of San Juan Argentina?
Pedernal - limestone soils. Known for Malbec, Cabernet, Cab Franc, Syrah
65
Where in Argentina would you find old vine Criolla and Bonarda?
Calingasta, in San Juan, Cuyo.
66
What are pergola trained vines called in Argentina?
parral
67
List 3 producers from San Juan Argentina
Pyros Cara Sur BenMarco (Susana Balbo) Finca Las Moras
68
What is a tomero?
a person in Argentina who works to open and close the gateways of the acequios, directing water toward the farms
69
IG in northern Mendoza
Desierto de Lavalle IG Las Heras IG lots of Bonarda, table wine
70
IG in eastern Mendoza
San Martin - largest Rivadavia Junin Santa Rosa La Paz
71
Maipu IG - where is it? Subregions?
Mendoza (Primera Zona), Cuyo, Argentina Las Barrancas IG Lunlunta IG
72
Maipu IG- topography / climate? Source of water?
Close to city of Mendoza, to the SE, so it's on flatter, lower land. warm continental. directly east of Lujan de Cuyo Mendoza River 615-940 m elevation sand, pebble, loam
73
Maipu IG - where is it? what is it known for?
Primera Zona, Mendoza. Cuyo, Argentina old vine Malbec, Cabernet
74
Lujan de Cuyo - where is it? topography / climate? Soil / elevation?
SW of Mendoza City, directly west of Maipu. terraced, ancient riverbeds. alluvial and colluvial soils with sand, silt, clay 690 - 1300 m elevation. continental climate
75
Main vineyard threats in Mendoza?
Hail Frost Zonda Drought
76
How is hail managed in Mendoza vineyards?
netting
77
Subregions of Lujan de Cuyo
Agrelo IG Perdriel IG Las Compuertas IG Vistalba IG
78
hills separating Lujan de Cuyo and Uco Valley
Los Cerillos hills
79
What grapes is Lujan de Cuyo known for?
Malbec - most Malbec plantings anywhere in the world Cabernet Sauvignon Bonarda Chardonnay Merlot bordeaux varietals do well here
80
Tupungato IG - where is it? Subregions?
Uco Valley, Mendoza, Cuyo, Argentina El Peral IG Gualtallary - not an IG, but in the process. highly regarded
81
Who was first to plant vines in Gualtallary?
(in Uco Valley, Mendoza) Chandon! in 1992. they were looking for cool climate places to make sparkling wine
82
Where is Gualtallary? What is it known for? elevation & soil?
In Tupungato, northern Uco Valley, Mendoza, Cuyo, Argentina best white wines in the country- excellent Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec. Also Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon revered for pocket of calcareous soils, altitude (1080 to 1600 m), cooler temperatures
83
What river runs through Tupungato?
(in Uco Valley, Mendoza) River Tunas
84
Where is Pedernal? What is it named for?
San Juan, Cuyo, Argentina Sierra Pedernal Mountains - to the west
85
Where is Paraje Altamira? Soil type?
San Carlos IG, within Uco Valley, Mendoza, Cuyo, Argentina first Argentinian GI based on terroir, not political boundaries shallow, rocky, alluvial soils
86
What is the most planted sub region of the Uco Valley?
Total: 28,650 Tupungato 10,198 ha Tunuyán 9,714 ha San Carlos 8,738 ha
87
What are the main viticultural challenges in Lujan de Cuyo?
Hail Zonda Frost in spring Drought
88
Where is San Carlos IG? Subzones?
Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina Paraje Altamira IG Pampa El Cepillo IG La Consulta IG
89
Paraje Altamira - where is it? Soil type?
San Carlos, Uco Valley, Mendoza rocky soils, layer of calcium carbonate (limestone!)
90
What is the average elevation in southern mendoza?
400-950 m
91
What is the main river in Mendoza?
Rio Tunuyan
92
What is the main river in San Rafael?
(southern Mendoza) Rio Diamante
93
What is the main river in General Alvear?
(southern Mendoza) Rio Atuel
94
Between Lujan de Cuyo, Maipu and Uco Valley - rank from highest to lowest elevation
Uco Valley - 850 - 1990 (westernmost) Lujan de Cuyo - 690 - 1300 m Maipu - 615 - 940 m (easternmost)
95
Average altitude in Rio Negro?
in Patagonia, Argentina 4-270 meters above sea level
96
What are the two major rivers in Patagonia?
Rio Negro Rio Limay- Neuquen
97
What is the latitude of Rio Negro?
39 degrees south
98
What is the latitude of Mendoza?
32 degrees south
99
What is the climate of Rio Negro?
dry, temperate. in rain shadow of Andes compared to Mendoza: cooler, and lower elevation. irrigation still necessary
100
What is the most planted subregion of Patagonia?
Neuquen- 1700 ha Rio Negro - 1600 ha Chubut - 75 ha
101
Chubut latitude? Grapes most planted?
43 degrees south Chardonnay, Pinot Noir!
102
Producers in Patagonia?
Bodegas Chacra Bodegas del Fin del Mundo Bodega del Rio Elorza Otronia
103
List the provinces of Cuyo from North to South
La Rioja San Juan Mendoza
104
In which larger IG is Famatina Valley IG?
La Rioja Argentina IG Cuyo IG
105
In which larger IG is Chilecito IG?
La Rioja Argentina IG Cuyo IG
106
In which larger IG is Felipe Varela IG?
La Rioja Argentina IG Cuyo IG
107
In which larger IG is Agrelo IG?
Lujan de Cuyo IG Mendoza IG Cuyo IG
108
In which larger IG is Perdriel IG?
Lujan de Cuyo IG Mendoza IG Cuyo IG
109
In which larger IG is Las Compuertas IG?
Lujan de Cuyo IG Mendoza IG Cuyo IG
110
In which larger IG is Vistalba IG?
Lujan de Cuyo IG Mendoza IG Cuyo IG
111
In which larger IG is Las Barrancas IG?
Maipu IG Mendoza IG Cuyo IG
112
In which larger IG is Lunlunta IG?
Maipu IG Mendoza IG Cuyo IG
113
In which larger IG is El Peral IG?
Tupungato IG Uco Valley IG Mendoza IG
114
In which larger IG is Los Chacayes IG?
Tunuyan IG Uco Valley IG Mendoza IG
115
In which larger IG is San Pablo IG?
Tunuyan IG Uco Valley IG Mendoza IG
116
In which larger IG is Vista Flores IG?
Tunuyan IG Uco Valley IG Mendoza IG
117
In which larger IG is La Consulta IG?
San Carlos IG Uco Valley IG Mendoza IG
118
In which larger IG is Paraje Altamira located?
San Carlos IG Uco Valley IG Mendoza IG
119
In which larger IG is El Cepillo located?
San Carlos IG Uco Valley IG Mendoza IG
120
In which larger IG is Tupungato located?
Uco Valley IG Mendoza IG
121
In which larger IG is Tunuyan located?
Uco Valley IG Mendoza IG
122
In which larger IG is San Carlos located?
Uco Valley IG Mendoza IG
123
What is the main river in Salta?
Salado River
124
What is the main river in Catamarca?
Rio Dulce
125
In which larger IG is Valle de Tulum?
San Juan IG Cuyo IG
126
In which larger IG is Zonda IG?
San Juan IG Cuyo IG
127
In which larger IG is Ullum IG?
San Juan IG Cuyo IG
128
In which larger IG is Valle de Pedernal?
San Juan IG Cuyo IG
129
2023 Argentina Vintage
terrible- hottest summer in a century, not enough water for irrigation
130
Argentina GIs based on terroir
Paraje Altamira- alluvial cone of the Tunuyan river. 2013 Pampa el Cepillo - part of the alluvial cone of the River Tunuyan. 2019 San Pablo: alluvial, Rio Tunas. 2019 Cordon El Cepillo GI (22; the ridge of the foothills)
131
Altura Maxima
vineyard of Colome, in Salta, at 3,111 meters elevation. not highest in world, but maybe highest that is commercially relevant. mostly planted to Malbec, with Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc
132
Paraje Altamira bottlings
Zuccardi- Piedra Infinita Malbec Altos las Hormigas Malbec Susana Balbo Malbec
133
Catena Adrianna Vineyard- wines? Where is it?
White Bones Chardonnay White Stones Chardonnay River Malbec Fortuna Terrae Malbec Mundus Bacillus Terrae Malbec in Gualtallary, Uco Valley
134
Argentina- regions known for limestone
Paraje Altamira, Gualtallary, Pedernal
135
Achaval Ferrer single vineyard bottlings
Finca Mirador Malbec 2019 from Medrano (Junín)- planted 1921 Finca Bella Vista Malbec 2019 from Perdriel (Luján de Cuyo)- planted 1910 Finca Altamira Malbec 2019 from Altamira (Valle de Uco) - planted 1950
136
factors impacting diurnal shift
Clouds: blanket effect. Block sunlight to moderate daytime temps, traps heat to moderate nighttime temps Humidity: water vapor in air absorbs heat. Humid places trapped warmth moderates day/nighttime temps Elevation: thinner air is less efficient at holding heat. Cools quickly at night Proximity to water: water heats/cools more slowly than land. smaller shifts Vegetation: plants/trees release moisture and impede rapid heat loss from ground at night
137
impact of elevation on UV exposure
UV rays increase 4% per 100M. Grapes need more “sunscreen” * N-S orientation to minimize sun * train shoots vertically * create a more diffused canopy with trellising system * shade cloth * Kaolin clay
138
subregions of Cuyo in Argentina by planting
Mendoza (149,000 ha) San Juan (31,960 ha) La Rioja (6,539ha) San Luis (107 ha, est 2019)

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