Argentina Flashcards
Describe the influence of latitude and altitude on Argentina’s wine producing regions.
In Argentina, the combination of latitude and altitude is key to grape growing. At low latitudes, the altitude tends to be high to moderate temperature. Whereas at high latitudes, vineyards are generally planted at low altitudes to make sure it is sufficiently warm for grape growing. The lowest vineyards are around 500 metres above sea level, many sit above 1000 metres though and the highest can be up to 3300 meters. The wine growing regions stretch 1500 kilometres north to south, covering a huge range of altitudes and climates
What is the name of the hot, dry powerful wind which usually blows across Argentina in late spring and early summer?
Zonda
Describe the impact frost has on vineyard areas in Argentina, and what precautions can be taken to mitigate the risks.
Frost is an issue if it happens after budburst, when the new shoots have a high-water content. The frost can kill these shoots, secondary buds will grow but as they will start growing later in the season, they will be relying on end of season weather to ripen which is generally cooler. The secondary buds are not as fruitful either so yield will be compromised.
To mitigate the risks, avoid planting at the bottom of slopes as cold air is heavier than warm air and accumulates at the bottom of a slope and in valleys. If the area is prone to frost planting on the slope is the best option. Trellising should allow for vines to be trained higher from the ground. Bare soil absorbs heat in comparison to cover crops (including grass) and should be considered in frost prone areas. Delaying pruning is an option if frost is likely as it will delay budburst.
Describe the impact hail has on vineyard areas in Argentina, and what precautions can be taken to mitigate the risks.
Hail can damage shoots, vines and grapes depending on when it falls. If it falls earlier in the season when the shoots are young, it can damage the green tissue which impacts on photosynthesis. Later in the season i.e. after berry set, it can damage the bunches, reducing the yield. If hail falls after veraison when the skins have started to soften, it can split the berries which increases the risk of fungal disease like grey rot. Hail can damage the canes at any time in the season and in severe cases this will affect winter pruning as the choice of canes may be greatly reduced.
To mitigate the risk the best option is to own multiple vineyards in different parts of the province, so you don’t lose all your crop if hail falls on one vineyard site. Hail is very localised and very difficult to predict but is an increasing threat in Argentina every year.
What type of soils are most of Argentina’s vineyards planted on?
Alluvial soils
Using bullet points, briefly identify the positives and negatives of the prevalent use of flood irrigation in Argentinian vineyards.
Positives:
* Cheap to operate and no need to install expensive equipment.
* Water is available from the glaciers and snow melting from the Andes.
* As many of the soils are free draining, it allows water to get deep into the soils and water logging is not an issue.
Negatives:
* It is not an efficient use of water, although it is available from the melting snow and glaciers, this is not sustainable in the long term.
* It is not targeted, unlike drip irrigation which is.
* The vineyard needs to be leveled for this type of irrigation which is expensive and not always possible depending on the topography.
Which grape varieties is Torrontés a cross of?
Criolla Chica and Muscat of Alexandria
For an Argentinian wine to be labelled as Reserva it must be aged for how long?
Red Wines: 12 months
White and Rosé: 6 months
Which three provinces make up Cuyo?
La Rioja
San Juan
Mendoza
How can GIs be divided in Argentina?
- Region
- Province
- Sub Region
- Department
- District
- GI inside District.
How are each of these Cuyo GIs classified:
* Cuyo
* Mendoza
* Uco Valley
* San Carlos
* La Consulta
* Paraje Altamira
- Cuyo: Region
- Mendoza: Province
- Uco Valley: Sub Region
- San Carlos: Department
- La Consulta: District
- Paraje Altamira: GI Inside District
Categorise the following wine growing regions by what division they fall under:
* Agrelo
- Gualtallary
- Las Compuertas
- Luján de Cuyo
- Maipú
- Salta
- San Carlos
- San Juan
- Tupungato
- Agrelo: District
- Gualtallary:District
- Las Compuertas: District
- Luján de Cuyo: Department
- Maipú: Department
- Salta: Province
- San Carlos:Department
- San Juan: Province
- Tupungato: Department
Describe Patagonia’s climate in comparison to that of Mendoza.
The altitude of vineyards in Patagonia is much lower than those in Mendoza, with the highest vineyards only around 400 metres above sea level (compared to 500-1500m in Mendoza). However, due to the higher latitude (38° to 39°S), temperatures are relatively low, sunlight is less intense and the growing season is longer. Rainfall levels are low – at less than 200 millimetres per year, even lower than in Mendoza.
What is the acronym for the free trade agreement that allows Argentina to grow its exports with the UK and other Latin American countries?
MERCOSUR
