Argentina Flashcards
When were vineyards planted at the bottom of the Andes in Argentina?
19th Century.
When was the Buenos Aires al Pacifico railway opened, where did it go, and what did it cause?
1885, Mendoza, an expansion of the wine market in Argentina and the rest of the world.
What has happened to Argentina’s vine plantings and local wine consumption since the 1970’s?
They have decreased.
An open economy in Argentina from the 1990’s has led to…?
Increased investment in vineyards and winery equipment.
What are the regions of Argentina?
Cafayate, La Rioja (called Famatina in the EU), San Juan, Mendoza, Río Negro.
Where is Argentina’s Cafayate Region?
The Salta province, at high altitude.
What are the benefits of high altitude for the Cafayate region?
A large diurnal temperature range, allowing aroma and flavour development while retaining acidity in Torrontés.
What dominates the production of the La Rioja Region?
One group of co-operative cellars.
How does the production of the San Juan region compare to the rest of Argentina?
It has the second largest production, after Mendoza.
What is the climate like in San Juan?
Hotter.
What categories of drink is San Juan well known for?
Vermouth and light wines.
How much of Argentinian production is from Mendoza and San Juan?
90%.
The only formal appellation system in Argentina is where?
Mendoza.
How many appellation regions does Mendoza have?
5, with numerous sub-regions and departments.
What are the 5 regions of Mendoza?
Upper Mendoza River, Uco Valley, San Rafael, Luján de Cuyo, San Martín.
How is the Upper Mendoza region considered?
The Upper Mendoza region is best for red wine production.
Describe the Uco Valley.
Cooler, producing good quality whites and Pinot Noir.
When was a DOC system introduced by the San Rafael and Luján de Cuyo regions?
1992.
What style of wine does the Mendoza region focus on?
Large volume, varietally labelled wines and international blends.
What Wines is Mendoza best known for?
Good quality Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, excellent Malbec.
Describe the classic Mendoza Malbec.
Dark purple in colour, with rich, ripe damson fruit, soft tannins and spicy flavours.
What is a key factor in the viticulture of the Río Negro region?
The far southerly latitude.
What is the majority of production in Río Negro?
Malbec, though there is great potential for white production as well.
How is Río Negro Malbec different from Mendoza Malbec?
Río Negro Malbec has higher acidity, firmer tannins and is more elegant than Mendoza Malbec. It develops a smoky, tobacco note with bottle age.
