Argentina

Question 1

What is the name of the hot, dry powerful wind which usually blows across Argentina in late spring and early summer?

Answer 1

Zonda

Question 2

What is a key combination to grape growing in Argentina?

Answer 2

latitude & altitude

Question 3

What helps moderate temperature at low latitudes in Argentina?

Answer 3

Altitude

Question 4

When vineyards are at high latitudes, what helps to counter balance and moderate temperatures to ensure it is sufficiently warm for grape growing?

Answer 4

low altitudes

Question 5

What issues can frost cause after bud burst?

Answer 5

It can kill new shoots which are high in water content. secondary shoots are an option, but they aren’t as fruitful, they must be ripened by end of the season weather.

Question 6

Where/How should vines in frost prone areas be planted to best mitigate risks?

Answer 6

1) avoid the bottom of the slope: cold air is heavier
2) train high off the ground
3) keep soil bare as cover crops absorb heat

Question 7

When should vines be pruned in frost prune areas?

Answer 7

Late, as delayed pruning will promote a later budburst

Question 8

What issues does hail cause in Argentina when it falls early in the season?

Answer 8

green tissue can be damaged, disrupting photosynthesis

Question 9

What issues does hail cause after berry set?

Answer 9

it can damage grape bunches and reduce the yield

Question 10

What issues does hail cause when it falls after verasion?

Answer 10

the skins have begun to soften at that time and thus it can split the berries and increase the risk of fungal disease

Question 11

What issues does hail cause with regard to canes in the vineyards?

Answer 11

canes can be damaged at any time, which can affect winter pruning choices.

Question 12

What are ways growers in Argentina can mitigate risk of hail?

Answer 12

1) own multiple vineyards in different parts of a province
2) netting

Question 13

What type of soils are most of Argentina’s vineyards planted on?

Answer 13

Alluvial

Question 14

What are the pros and cons of flood irrigation for Argentinian growers?

Answer 14

Pros: cheap, plentiful water from snow melt, free draining soils means water logging is not an issue
Cons: not effeceint water use, cost/feasibility of leveling vineyards, it is not targeted (like drip)

Question 15

Which of the following grape varieties is Torrontés a cross of?

Answer 15

Muscat of Alexandria
Criolla Chica

Question 16

For a red Argentinian wine to be labelled as Reserva it must be aged for 12 months. How many months must white and rosé wines be aged for?

Answer 16

6

Question 17

Which three provinces make up Cuyo?

Answer 17

La Rioja
San Juan
Mendoza

Question 18

Name the 6 level breakdown of the GI division within Cuyo.

Answer 18

Cuyo = Region
Mendoza = Province
Uco Valley = Sub Region
San Carlos = Department
La Consulta = District
Paraje Altamira = GI Inside District

Question 19

Describe Patagonia’s climate in comparison to that of Mendoza.

Answer 19

Patagonia:
1. lower altitude at 400m (compared to 500-1500m)
2. higher latitude at 38-39S= lower temps, intense sunlight, longer growing season
3. lower rainfall at 200mm/year

Question 20

What is the acronym for the free trade agreement that allows Argentina to grow its exports with the UK and other Latin American countries?

Answer 20

MERCOSUR