Argentina

Question 1

Argentina Geography

Answer 1

Argentina is located on the easter side of the Andes Mountains

Question 2

Argentina Climate

Answer 2

The Andes form a rain shadow offering protection from westerly winds and storms, creating a very dry, arid climate

Question 3

Argentina Topography

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

Argentina Grape Varietals

Answer 4

White:
-Torrontes

Red:

• Malbec
• Bonarda
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Syrah

Question 5

Argentina Viticulture

Answer 5

• 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.

Question 6

Argentina Regional Wine Law

Answer 6

• 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

Question 7

Argentina Major Appelations

Answer 7

• Salta IG
• Mendoza IG
• Patagonia IG

Question 8

Salta IG Geography

Answer 8

Most northerly wine region in Argentina

Question 9

Salta IG Climate

Answer 9

Generally warm, however vineyards are planted at high elevation where temperatures are cooler

Question 10

Salta IG Grape Varietals

Answer 10

White:
-Torrontes

Red:
-Malbec

Question 11

Salta IG Viticulture

Answer 11

Home to some of the highest-altitude vine plantings in the world at almost 10,000 feet

Question 12

Salta IG Important Sub-Region

Answer 12

Cafayate IG

Question 13

Mendoza IG Geography

Answer 13

Directly west of Buenos Aires on the border with the Andes Mountains

Question 14

Mendoza IG Climate

Answer 14

• Continental and arid

- Elevation-dependent

Question 15

Mendoza IG Grape Varietals

Answer 15

Red:

-Malbec

Question 16

Mendoza IG Viticulture

Answer 16

• 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

Question 17

Mendoza IG Vinification

Answer 17

Many producers age their wines in new French or American oak barrels

Question 18

Mendoza IG Important Sub-Regions

Answer 18

• Lujan de Cujo DOC

- Uco Valley IG

Question 19

Patagonia IG Geography

Answer 19

South of Mendoza

Question 20

Patagonia IG Climate

Answer 20

A notably cool area with some of Argentina’s most southerly vineyard sites

Question 21

Patagonia IG Grape Varietals

Answer 21

White:
-Torrontes

Red:

• Malbec
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Pinot Noir