Argentina Flashcards
What is the latitude range for wine-producing regions in Argentina?
~24 – 38°S
At such low latitudes, how does Argentina find the right grape growing conditions?
Altitude – vineyards are found in the foothills of the Andes in the west of Argentina.
What are two key effects of elevation on vineyards?
Diurnal range;
Higher UV radiation.
What do cooler nighttime temperatures do for a vineyard?
Extend the growing season;
Allow the grapes to retain acidity and aromas.
What factors lead to Argentina’s red grapes developing high levels of tannins and anthocyanins?
The combined effect of Low latitude + high altitude (intense sunlight, large diurnal range) + high proportion of ultraviolet radiation (due to the high altitude).
The majority of Argentina’s regions have this climate.
Continental.
What is the zonda?
What are its effects?
A strong hot, dry wind that blows in spring and early summer
Effects:
Lowers humidity (can cause water stress in the vine);
Can affect flowering and fruit set or damage grapes (reduce yields).
What are the weather threats to Argentina’s vineyards?
Hail;
Frost;
El Niño (brings hail).
The texture of Argentina’s alluvial soils changes depending on elevation.
What are the soils like at the higher, middle, and lower elevations?
Higher – larger stones with calcareous deposits;
Middle – gravel, sands and silts;
Lower – deeper loamy-clay soils high in nutrients
Make the causal links between Argentina’s dry continental climate and high-quality viticulture at higher elevations.
a
Dry continental climate → little organic matter → poor soils, especially at higher elevations → poor soils are optimal for naturally low-yielding vines and high quality viticulture.
Many vineyards in Argentina are irrigated using flood irrigation.
What is flood irrigation?
Both have calcareous soils.Water stored in reservoirs that’s released into vineyards through a network of dams and irrigation channels to flood the vineyard with the equivalent amount of water to a heavy rainstorm.
q
Why were vines traditionally trained on the parral (high pergola) system?
To raise the grapes away from the ground’s heat;
Provide shade for the fruit.
q
Why is Argentina an ideal place for organic/biodynamic viticulture?
Because it’s so dry there is little to no threat of fungal disease, which means there is no spraying of fungicides.
What are the key red grape varieties in Argentina?
Malbec;
Bonarda;
Cabernet Sauvignon;
Syrah;
Tempranillo.
Malbec is:
Vigorous or not vigorous?
An early, mid-, or late ripener?
Malbec is a vigorous, mid-ripener.
Bonarda is:
a. A low-yielding grape used to make premium wines meant for cellaring and export
b. A high-yielding grape used to make inexpensive wines meant for domestic consumption
b. A high-yielding grape used to make inexpensive wines meant for domestic consumption
Which of the following is correct?
Bonarda typically adds:
a. Fruitiness and deep color
b. High tannins and intense floral notes
c. Spicy notes
a. Fruitiness and deep color
Why is careful site selection so important for Cabernet Sauvignon in Argentina?
It is more susceptible to extremes of temperature and fungal disease than Malbec.
What are the 7 key white grapes grown in Argentina?
Pedro Giménez;
Torrontés;
Chardonnay;
Sémillon;
Chenin Blanc;
Sauvignon Blanc;
Viognier.
What style of wine does Pedro Giménez typically make?
Simple, neutral, inexpensive wines.