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