Argentina Flashcards
Argentina is the most important wine-producing country in South America, the world’s__ largest producer, and in 2008 the world’s__ largest exporter of wine
5th, 7th
The country’s vineyards are mostly confined to-
the western sector of the country, in the plains and foothills near the Andes
country’s vineyards mostly experience a __ climate
continental
In the rain shadow of the Andes, Argentina’s wine producing regions are-
very dry
What is the Zonda?
a fierce, dusty, hot afternoon wind that blows down from the mountains in the late spring and early summer, sometimes adversely affecting flowering
The general lack of humidity in most Argentinean winegrowing regions keeps vineyards-
free of fungal problems
What provides plentiful water for irrigation?
snowmelt in those years that the Andes receive heavy winter snowfall
Unfortunately, the little moisture that does precipitate in the vineyards often comes in the form of-
dangerous spring and summer hail
As expected in a continental climate, summer temperatures can reach-
100° F and above
What serves to mitigate extreme temp. highs and prolongs the growing season?
higher elevation vineyards—some of the world’s highest vines (3,000 meters above sea level)
Where are the higher elevation vineyards located?
in Salta, at Donald Hess’ Colomé estate
Argentinean vineyards are generally situated on the slopes of the Andean foothills and plains, the avg national elevation for vineyards is approx-
900 meters above sea level
What keeps Argentinean vineyards rather free from the effects of pollution?
The lack of major nearby urban centers; the Maipo, just across the mountains, is covered in Santiago’s smog by comparison
In descending order of importance, the country’s most important red grapes include:
Malbec, Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, and Tempranillo
Argentina’s Bonarda, the country’s 2nd most planted grape, is genetically distinct from-
Northern Italian grape of same name, but recent DNA studies have identified it as Savoie’s Corbeau— known as Charbono in the US
The country’s most planted white grape is-
Pedro Giménez, (unrelated to Spain’s Pedro Ximénez), a blending grape often mainly suitable for bulk wines or grape concentrate
What is 2nd among white grapes?
Torrontés, followed by Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc
What has become popular throughout the country; despite being prone to millerandage, & holds a greater skin-to-juice ratio?
Mendoza Chardonnay clone, developed at UC Davis
What pink-skinned varieties occupy nearly 30% of the nation’s vineyard acreage?
Cereza, Criolla Chica, and Criolla Grande
When working with premium wine grapes winemakers have the option of labeling both red and white wines as-
Reserva or Gran Reserva (ex: Malbec or Gewürz, but NOT Cereza or Criolla Chica)
Reserva implies-
a min 6 months of aging for white wines and 1yr for reds
Gran Reserva indicates-
min 1yr for whites and 2 for reds
Reserva and Gran Reserva introduced in 2008, also limit-
maximum yields
The winemaking areas of Argentina are divided among:
- the northwestern provinces
- the central provinces of Cuyo
- the southern provinces of Patagonia
