Argentina Flashcards
What is Argentinas overarching Climate, what are common Weather Hazards and how are those combatted in the vineyard
Argentina lies in the Rainshadow of the Andes and largely consists of Desert, it is hot continental
- Drought, Irrigation is necessary, often by flooding some Drip Irrigation
-Some Spring Frosts
-Hail, Netting and spread out Vineyard locations
- Against the heat, vines are Pergola or now often vertically trellised, away from the ground and with overhanging green parts
What are Argentinas commonly used Grape Varities
Malbec
Bonarda
Cabernet Sauvignon
Torrontes
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
What are Argentinas main growing Regions
Salta Province
La Rioja Province
San Juan Province
Mendoza Province
Patagonia
Describe the two stules Malbec is commonly made in
Argentinas flagship variety
- full bodied styles; grown in lower altitude, black fruit, high levels of smooth tannin, new oak
- lighter styles; grown in higher altitude, gentle extraction, elegant, fresh, floral Aromas, often also new oak
Can be single varietal or blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
Describe Bonarda and the styles it’s produced in
Bonarda is the second most planted Variety in Argentina, it’s late ripening, deeply colored with high acidity and Tannin
- Commonly made at high yields, easy drinking, fruity raspberry and blackberry
- at controlled yields with full berry ripeness, making wines with greater concentration and structure
Describe Torrontes and the styles it’s commonly made in
Argentinas main white Grape, best at high altitude, making intense fruity, floral wines with medium body and acidity, flavours of stone fruit and melon
Where in Argentina lies the Salta Province, what is the climate like, name relevant sub Regions
Salta lies north close to Bolivia, very high Altitude sites with more than 3000 meters asl, warm daytime temperature, large diurnal range, very low rainfall
the Cafayaye Department is the most important Sub Region
What styles of wines are produced in Argentina’s Salta Province, what is the most important sub-region
Highly Aromatic and pure Wines from Torrontes are made, specially in Cafayate department
Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon are also grown
Where in Argentina lies La Rioja Province and what is the climate like
South of Salta, large Vineyard Area, mainly on irrigated sites in the Famatina Valley
What wines are typically produced in the La Rioja Province of Argentina
Mainly Torrontes but also Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Bonarda
Where is San Juan Province in Argentina located, what is the climate like and what Grapes are grown
South of La Rioja, vineyards lie on 450 to 1400 meter asl
Mainly Syrah, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon Bonada, Torrontes and Chardonnay are grown
Where in Argentina is the Patagonia Region located and what is the climate like
Patagonia lies in the deep south and is cooled by latitude, strong desert winds are a challenge, long daylight hours, large diurnal range, low rainfall
What wines are typically produced in Patagonia Region
The conditions are ideal for producing wines with concentrated fruit flavours and high acidity, mainly from Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc
Where is Mendoza Province locatet and what climatic Regions does it include
Mendoza dominates winemaking in Argentina, it lies south of San Juan
It can be split into five divisions
- Northern
- Eastern
- Central
- Southern
- Uco Valley
grapes are often blended between Zones
Describe the Climatic Divisions of Argentinas Mendoza Province
Mendoza is split into Northern, eastern, central, southern and the Uco Valley
Northern and Eastern Mendoza are focused on high volume Production, the Mendoza River provides Irrigation
Central Mendoza is where most famous producers are Based,
Lujan de Cuyo department in the Foothills of the Andes
The Maipu Department has lower Altitude Sites
The Uco Valley produces high Quality Grapes on high Altitude (900-1500), large Diurnal range
