Argentina Flashcards
What are the latitude and most influential factors in the climate of Argentina?
Between 25°S to the north and 40°S to the south, the most important factors influencing climate is the ANDES mountains cutting all Pacific influences, but providing ALTITUDE and snowmelt water for irrigation.
At what altitudes can you find vineyards close to the equator (such as in Salta, near the town of Cafayate)?
2,000 m of altitude or more.
Most vineyards are located at 600 m of altitude everywhere else, except in Neuquen & Rio Negro
What traditional training system, sometimes still used for Torrontès was designed to shade grapes from the intense sunshine?
PARRAL, or high pergola system where grape clusters hang down below the canopy away from the ground.
What are options for growers near the Andes where rainfall is extremely low?
Flood irrigation, which is now replaced by drip irrigation.
What are 2 weather hazards in Mendoza and how do growers mitigate these risks?
Besides occasional spring frost, localized summer hail is regular. It is mitigated by NETTING or owning vineyards in different areas.
What is Argentina’s flagship variety and what are some notable styles?
Malbec: Deep colored full-bodied with notes of black fruit & high levels of smooth tannins, oak for premium.
Malbec from high altitude is fresher and more elegant
Malbec from lower altitude is riper & full-bodied
Malbec maybe blended with Cabs, Merlot, Petit Verdot
What is the second most planted red grape and other international varieties in Argentina?
Bonarda, mostly grown in Mendoza & San Juan
Cabernet, Syrah and Merlot are widely planted too as well as small quantities of Tempranillo & Pinot Noir.
What is Argentina’s signature white variety?
Torrontés, mostly grown in Salta, Rioja, San Juan & Mendoza. High altitude gives intensely fruity (stone fruit, melon) and floral perfume with medium body and acidity. Fermented in inert vessels, released immediately on the market.
What is the most common white grape variety destined to cheap wine production and what are other white grapes grown in Argentina?
Pedro Gimenez (domestic market only)
Chardonnay, Chenin Balnc, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Viognier.
What is the northernmost province of Argentina close to the border with Bolivia?
Salta Province and the Cafayate Region are the highest in altitude, sometimes 3,000 m and known for its Torrontés. Some Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon are also grown there.
What is the largest wine producing Province of Argentina and name 3 important valleys and their grapes of predilection.
Mendoza Province
Luján de Cuyo department: Fine Malbecs from high Alt.
Maipú: lower Alt. Cab, Bonarda, Tempranillo
Uco Valley: Highest quality Chardonnay, Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, Cabernet, Merlot, even PN. in Mendoza
