Argentina Flashcards
What are two climatic features that help temper extreme temperatures and high sunshine hours?
- Altitude
- Latitude
What is the maximum diurnal range found in Argentina?
20°C
What is the name of the wind that can affect flowering in Argentina?
The Zonda wind
What climatic threat is a particular threat to vines?
Hail
What climatic pattern brings high rainfall
El Niño
What is the most common soil type in Argentinian vineyards?
Alluvial
Why has the vineyard area shrunk by around 30% since the 1980s?
Lower domestic demand
What is the chief vine training system adopted in Argentina?
Pergolas (parral)
What does Argentina’s climate allow viticulturists to explore?
Organic and biodynamic farming
What method of harvesting is widely carried out in Argentina?
Hand harvesting, although mechanisation is on the rise
What is the most widely planted variety in Argentina?
Malbec (around 20% of total plantings)
Describe an Argentinian Malbec
- Deep colour
- full-bodied
- Soft tannins
- High alcohol
- Ripe blackberry and plum
What are the three main black varieties found in Argentina?
- Malbec
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Bonarda
What are the two main white varieties found in Argentina?
- Torrontés
- Chardonnay
Describe an Argentinian Bonarda
- Deep colour
- Medium (+) tannins
- Medium (+) acidity
- Intense dark and red fruit
- Often unoaked
Rose production in Argentina is on the rise. What grape is most commonly used in Rose production?
Malbec
What are the 3 main areas of production in Argentina?
- Salta
- Mendoza
- Patagonia
What percentage of vineyard area does Mendoza account for?
75%
What is the dominant variety planted in Mendoza?
Malbec
What Argentinian region is home to the highest number of GIs than any other?
Mendoza
Mendoza is broadly split into five separate divisions, what is the name of these divisions?
- Central
- Valle de Uco
- Nothern
- Eastern
- Southern
What altitude range does Mendoza have?
450-1,100m
What altitude range does Salta have?
1,500-3,300m
What is the average altitude of Patagonia?
400m
What are considered to be the 2 premium sub-regions within Mendoza?
- Northern Mendoza
- Valle de Uco
From North to South what is the order of the Argentinian wine regions?
- Salta
- Mendoza
- Patagonia
What are the dominant black and white varieties of the Salta region?
- Malbec
- Torrontés
What three factors alter temperature and yields in the Salta region?
- High altitude
- The Zonda wind
- Wide diurnal range
What viticultural practice is widely adopted due to rainfall levels?
Irrigation, low rainfall (around 200mm) can cause vine stress
