Argentina Flashcards
How is Salta and its sub-region Cafayate cooled?
Altitude (Cafayate is at 2000m)
Apart from Patagonia, what can be said about the geography of Argentina’s vineyards?
They are all at altitude.
How do the Andes influence the climate in Argentina?
The Andes creates a rain shadow causing
Dry desert
Bright sunshine
Hail
In Argentina, older vineyards growing Torrontés use Parral in the vineyard. What is Parral?
Pergola system of trellising.
What are the two advantages of a Parral (pergola trellising) system in Argentina?
It shades the grapes from the bright sunshine.
Lifts the grapes off the hot ground.
The desert-like vineyards in Argentina need irrigation. Which two methods are most common?
Flood irrigation
Drip irrigation
What two weather hazards do vineyards in Argentina need to cope with?
Spring frosts
Hail
In Argentina, what are two methods for dealing with hail?
Netting
Diversification of sites to avoid localised hail
In Argentina, it is quite common for growers to own multiple vineyard sites. What are the two main advantages of this?
Risk management to avoid complete loss from localised hail.
Blending opportunities.
Why is organic farming easier in Argentina than in many other regions, such as Bordeaux?
The dry climate means rot or mildew are rarely a problem, making organics easier.
What is Argentina’s flagship grape variety?
Malbec
Malbec from Argentina is often deep in colour with high, smooth tannins and high quality examples are aged in new oak. How does the style differ from lower altitudes to higher altitudes?
Higher altitudes:
Elegant
Fresher, floral aromas
Lower altitudes:
Fuller bodied
Richer black fruit
What is Argentina’s second most planted grape variety?
Bonarda
Argentina produces Bonarda that is deeply coloured with high acidity and high tannins. What fruit aromas do the easy drinking styles of Bonarda often have?
Raspberry & blackberry aromas.
Where in Argentina is Bonarda mainly planted?
San Juan
Mendoza
What is Argentina’s white signature grape?
Torrontés
Which region in Argentina is responsible for producing some of the best Torrontés?
Cafayate in Salta