Argentina Flashcards
Argentina’s background:
World’s 5th largest producer (Mendoza alone has more vine acreage than NZ/Australia combined)
Similar to Chile
Argentina’s most famous wines are:
Malbecs
Argentina primary white grape varieties:
Torrontes
Muscat of Alexandria
Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay
Argentina primary red grape varieties:
Malbec Bonarda Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Tempranillo Syrah
Argentina climate:
Mostly continental semi-desert.
Dramatic diurnal shift due to proximity to Andes Mountains down drafts/vineyard altitude.
Hail an issue
Irrigation from Andes common
Argentina soils:
Mostly alluvial sand over clay (some chalk/limestone)
Argentina wine laws:
Reserva and Gran Reserva terms may be used for white and red.
Indicates minimum aging requirements.
If varietally labeled, specific grape variety must be 80% minimum.
Mendoza facts:
Largest viticultural region.
Over 65% of the country’s total production.
Malbec most important varietal.
What is the most important varietal in Mendoza?
Malbec
Mendoza’s important sub districts:
Lujan de Cujo Uco Valley Maipu Tupungato Santa Rosa San Rafael
Other Argentina regions:
Salta
Patagonia
Salta facts:
Argentina’s most northerly wine region.
High altitude vineyards: 5,500-7,800 ft.
Torrontes most important white grape.
Reds: Malbec, Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah
What is Cafayate?
Important Salta’s sub region, best for Torrontes
What is the most important white grape of salta?
Torrontes
The most northerly wine region of Argentina is…
Salta
Salta’s red grape varieties:
Malbec
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Syrah
What is the most southerly wine region in Argentina?
Patagonia
Patagonia facts:
Most southerly wine region.
Rio Negro most important sub-region.
Cool climate and excellent potential for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Muscat, Malbec and others
What is the most important sub-region in Patagonia?
Rio Negro
Patagonia’s climate:
Cool climate
Patagonia grapes:
Pinot Noir Chardonnay Riesling Muscat Malbec
