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)
