Argentina Flashcards
Argentina Geography
Argentina is located on the easter side of the Andes Mountains
Argentina Climate
The Andes form a rain shadow offering protection from westerly winds and storms, creating a very dry, arid climate
Argentina Topography
Vineyards are planted in the front range of the Andesat an average altitude of 3,000 feet above sea level. This elevation is key to the success of viticulture in Argentina.
Argentina Grape Varietals
White:
-Torrontes
Red:
- Malbec
- Bonarda
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Syrah
Argentina Viticulture
- The wine regions are very dry and low in humidity, keeping the vineyards free of fungal problems
- Irrigation is essential due tot he rain shadow cast by the Andes Mountains creating an arid climate. Snowmelt from the Andes provides plentiful water.
- Major dirunal swings between hot days and cool nights during the growing season
- The brutal Zonda wind blows down from the Andes in the late spring and early summer. This wind can affect flowering of the vines.
- Hail is a frequent hazard in the vineyards. Hail nets are employed in many vineyards to protect the wines.
Argentina Regional Wine Law
- IGs Indicaciones Geograficas
- —Regions are demarcated by poitical or geographical boundaries, similar to AVAs
- DOCs (Denominacion de Origen Controlada)
- —Specific grape varieties, viticultural practices, and aging requirements
- —Similar to European appellation systems
Argentina Major Appelations
- Salta IG
- Mendoza IG
- Patagonia IG
Salta IG Geography
Most northerly wine region in Argentina
Salta IG Climate
Generally warm, however vineyards are planted at high elevation where temperatures are cooler
Salta IG Grape Varietals
White:
-Torrontes
Red:
-Malbec
Salta IG Viticulture
Home to some of the highest-altitude vine plantings in the world at almost 10,000 feet
Salta IG Important Sub-Region
Cafayate IG
Mendoza IG Geography
Directly west of Buenos Aires on the border with the Andes Mountains
Mendoza IG Climate
- Continental and arid
- Elevation-dependent
Mendoza IG Grape Varietals
Red:
-Malbec
Mendoza IG Viticulture
- Mendoza is the largest viticultureal region in Argentina
- Most vineyards are planted at altitudes between 2,000-4,000 feet
- The strong Zonda wind helps to keep mildew and other diseases to a minimum
- Irrigation is essential
- The traditional furrow or flood technique is widely utilized, with water from rivers directed through the vineyards in channels
- Modern methods such as drip irrigation are used increasingly
Mendoza IG Vinification
Many producers age their wines in new French or American oak barrels
Mendoza IG Important Sub-Regions
- Lujan de Cujo DOC
- Uco Valley IG
Patagonia IG Geography
South of Mendoza
Patagonia IG Climate
A notably cool area with some of Argentina’s most southerly vineyard sites
Patagonia IG Grape Varietals
White:
-Torrontes
Red:
- Malbec
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Pinot Noir
