Argentina Flashcards
When did the initiative to make sparkling wine in Argentina come? Where did it come from?
1959 - Moet & Chandon’s decision to have its first overseas subsidiary in Mendoza
Describe overall production of sparkling wines in Argentina
remained limited until recent years when there has been a rapid increase as other producers have entered the field
As production has grown for sparkling wine in Argentina what else has grown?
range of styles, varieties used and availability of different price points
How are most sparkling wines made in Argentina?
tank method, but carbonation and traditional metho are also used
How many wineries in Argentina are now producing sparkling wines? Where are the majority?
160
majority in Mendoza with a few in Neuquin, Rio Negro, and San Juan
General SAT for tank method sparkling wines in Argentina
fruity
off dry to med dry
acceptable to good
General SAT for traditional method sparkling wines in Argentina
made from Chaardonnay and Pinot Noir
ripe apple, lemon, light autolytic notes
brut style
good to very good
mostly inexpensive but some are mid to premium priced
Where are grapes grown for tank method or carbonated in Argentina
warm parts of Mendoza alongside grapes for still wines
Where are grapes grown for higher quality sparkling wine in Argentina
in sub-regions such as Lujan de Cuyo and Uco Valley
What makes regions in Argentina acceptable to produce grapes for sparkling wines
extremely high altitude means the climate can be cool enough to preserve delicate flavors and acidity in the grapes
Why are new vineyards being planted in Neuquen and Rio Negro in Patagonia?
southernly latitude helps to keep temps down and high diurnal range means days and nights are relatively cool
When are grapes harvested in Argentina
one to two months before grapes for still wines to avoid alcohol levels being too high and to preserve acidity
What is necessary at times to do with grapes to achieve a suitable base wine for sparkling
blending grapes from different vineyards with slightly different climates
Do wineries in Argentina own their own vineyards?
some do, but many rely on independent grape growers that sell their grapes
What varieties are used for Argentina sparkling
a range, but the largest plantings continue to be of Pedro Gimenez though this has reduced over the last 10 years (Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, PInot Noir, and Ugni Blanc follow)
What are natural hazards found in Argentina
hall, spring frosts, and nematodes
Describe spraying for fungal disease in Argentina
very little is needed due to the dry climate
How are inexpensive sparkling wines from Argentina made? what varietals are used?
carbonation
Pedro Gimenez
Chenin Blanc and Semillon
How else is carbonation used in Argentina sparkling wines
to produce sparkling wines with additional fruit flavor - strawberry
When is tank method used for sparkling wines in Argentina
mid priced products made with wide range of varieties including Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
When in traditional method used for sparkling wines in Argentina
reserved for mid to premium priced wines
What grapes are used for traditional method sparkling wines in Argentina
sourced from the best sites planted with chardonnay and pinot noir
What are typical requirements of traditional method sparkling wines for Argentina
can be vintage or non vintage
at least 12 mths on lees
majority are white
general SAT for traditional method sparkling wines in Argentina
ripe apple, lemon, autolytic aromas
med to med+ acidity
med to med+ body
med alcohol
Describe super premium sparkling wines in Argentina
small number introduced recently
selection of best fruit used
slightly longer time on lees (18 mths)
When was the sparkling wine sector given a big boost in Argentina?
2005 - resulting from an agreement between the government and national wine trade body to remove domestic tax of 12% sales in return for investment in sparkling wine industry
Which market consumes virtually all of Argentina’s spakling wine
domestic market - mostly bought by retailers for home consumption
What is the most popular style of sparkling wine in Argentina?
Secco - 64% which in Argentina means less than 11g/l which is equivalent to upper end of Brut in EU
Name some leading companies for sparkling wines in Argentina
Moet Hennessy, Llorente, Mumm, and Norton
