Argentina Flashcards
Learn about the wine regions in Argentina.
what are the main regions in Argentina from North to south?
Salta, La Rioja, San Juan, Mendoza, Patagonia.
what are the most planted grape varieties in Argentina?
Black: Malbec, Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon.
White: Torrontes, Chardonnay.
what are the difining characteristics of Salta province? What is the most important region within it? And what are the primary grape varieties grown there?
It is the most northerly vineyard area in Argentina, near the border with Bolivia. Vineyards here are at very high altitudes (some over 3000m). Torrontes is the dominant grape, producing fresh aromatic wines. Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon the dominant black grapes. Cafayate is the most important region.
what is the main region in La Rioja and what are its defining characteristics? what are the main grape varieties grown there?
The Famatina valley. large volumes of grapes are grown on the irrigated valley floor. Torrontes is a speciality of the region. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah & Bonarda are the most planted black varieties.
what are the defining characteristics of the San Juan province and what are the main grape varieties grown there?
it is Argentina’s second most important wine region after Mendoza. Most of the vineyards are planted between 450-1400m but are not as hot or arid as those in Mendoza. Syrah is a speciality, but other grapes grown here are Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda, Chardonnay and Viognier.
what are the defining characteristics of Mendoza, what are its important sub regions and what are the main grape varieties grown there?
It is the most important wine making region in Argentina and accounts for most of the wine produced. important sub regions are: Lujan de cuyo in central Mendoza which produces excellent Malbec, the Maipu department where Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon do very well, this region also provides inexpensive wine for blends. The Uco valley in the south, vineyards lie at 900-1500m some of the highest in the province. this area is home to Tupungato (a high altitude area in the West with a reputation for quality). Southern Mendoza contains the San Rafael department, a low altitude area that has a faily cool climate due to our latitude. It has significant planting of Chenin Blanc. Other grapes that do well throughout Mendoza are: Chardonnay, Torrontes, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tempranillo.
What are the characteristics of the Patagonia region and what are the grape varieties grown there?
Patagonia is home to the Rio Negro province and the Neuquen province. These contracts are between 200-250m but the latitude is what provides a cooling influence. low rainfall, a high diurnal range and long daylight hours contribute to wines with fresh fruity flavours and medium to high acidity. Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot noir, Malbec, and Merlot are the important grapes.
