Argentina Flashcards
What are some factors influencing the climate in Argentina?
- Argentinian wine regions are located in a rain shadow of the Andes, so it is very dry
- The Zonda is a fierce, dusty, hot afternoon wind that blows down from the mountains in the late spring and early summer
Viticultural affects of the Zonda in Argentina
- The Zonda blows down from the mountains in the late spring and early summer, sometimes adversely affecting flowering
- The lack of humidity and the wind keep the vineyards free of fungal diseases
Viticultural dangers in Argentina?
- Spring and summer hail
- Very hot summers in the continental climate (100° F +)
How does elevation affect viticulture in Argentina?
Elevation serves to mitigate the extremely high temperatures of summer and prolong the growing season
What is this a picture of?
Donald Hess’ Colomé estate in Salta, where some of the world’s highest vines are grown (nearly 10,000 ft.)
In order of importance, what are the main red grapes of Argentina?
- Malbec
- Bonarda
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Syrah
- Merlot
- Tempranillo
Give the synonyms for Bonarda in the US and in France.
- Charbono (US)
- Corbeau (Savoie)
What is Argentina’s most planted white grape?
Pedro Giménez (unrelated to Spain’s Pedro Ximénez), a blending grape often mainly suitable for bulk wines or grape concentrate
Other important white grapes in Argentina?
- Torrontés (Second most planted)
- Chardonnay
- Chenin Blanc
Pink-skinned grape varieties grown in Argentina?
- Cereza
- Criolla Chica
- Criolla Grande
What does Reserva mean on a bottle of Argentinian wine?
Minimum 6 months aging for whites and 1 year for reds
What does Gran Reserva mean on a bottle of Argentinian wine?
Minimum 1 year aging for whites and 2 years for reds
Salta IG is best known for which grape?
Torrontés
Red grapes grown in Salta IG?
Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon
Cafayate is a department within what IG?
Salta
Which Argentinian producer is well known for their Torrontés from Cafayate in Salta?
Susana Balbo, “Crios”
Name two other prominent producers in Cafayate
- Susana Balbo
- Etchart (the winery that brought Michel Rolland to Argentina)
- Yacochuya (Arnaldo Etchart’s new project)
Name the winegrowing regions of Argentina (4)
- Center Region
- Cuyo IG
- North Region
- Patagonia IG
What is the only IG in the Center Region?
Córdoba Argentina IG
What are the 3 IG’s within Cuyo IG?
- La Rioja Argentina IG
- Mendoza IG
- San Juan IG
In which Argentinian wine region is Mendoza located?
Cuyo
Name the 5 IG’s of the North Region.
- Catamarca IG
- Jujuy IG
- Salta IG
- Tucumán IG
- Valles Calchaqués IG
Catamarca and Salta are both located in which Argentinian winegrowing region?
North Region
Name the 3 subregions of Patagonia IG.
- La Pampa
- Neuquén IG
- Río Negro IG
Where is the Famatina Valley? What are its most cultivated white and red grapes?
Subregion of La Rioja in Cuyo
Torrontés, Malbec
Name the 5 valleys of San Juan IG
- Tulum Valley
- Zonda Valley
- Ullum Valley
- Jáchal Valley
- Fertil Valley
Styles of wine produced in San Juan IG?
Pink-skinned varieties, grapes destined for brandy and vermouth
Mendoza is divided into which regions?
Northern, Central (Upper), Southern, Eastern, Uco Valley (western subregion)
Uco Valley is a subregion of which Argentinian wine region?
Mendoza
Where are the highest elevation vineyards in Mendoza located?
Uco Valley
Soils of Mendoza?
Loose, alluvial sand over clay
Climate of Mendoza?
Dry and desert-like with irrigation absolutely necessary
What is furrow irrigation?
A technique developed by the Incas, in which the rivers’ water, swelled by snowmelt, is directed through the vineyard in channels
What is the most-planted grape in Mendoza?
Malbec
What makes Achával Ferrer Malbecs unique?
100% new oak
Where is Achával Ferrer located? What grape do they produce?
Mendoza in Malbec
Name some key producers in Mendoza
- Achaval Ferrer
- Catena Zapata
- Cheval des Andes
- Dominio del Plata (Susana Balbo)
- Bressia
What grapes are in a bottle of Cheval des Andes?
Malbec-dominant Bordeaux blend
Where are Luján de Cuyo and Maipú located?
In Mendoza
Grape of Lujan de Cuyo and Maipú
Malbec
Other important grapes in Mendoza?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sémillon
What is the principal grape of San Rafael (Mendoza)?
Chenin Blanc
Name Argentina’s 2 DOC’s
- Luján de Cuyo
- San Rafael
Name the IG’s in Patagonia.
- Río Negro IG
- Neuquén IG
Most important grapes in Patagonia?
Torrontés and Sémillon
Which winemaking family spearheaded Bodegas Chacra? Which wine did they become famous for?
The family behind Tuscany’s Sassicaia; super premium Río Negro Pinot Noir
Where is La Pampa?
Patagonia
Where is Bodega Noemía de Patagonia? What grape are they most well known for?
Patagonia; Malbec
What are the major geographical features of Mendoza?
Andes Mountains
Mendoza River
Diamante River
Tunuyán River
Atuel River
