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WSET Level 3 Textbook > Argentina > Flashcards

Argentina Flashcards

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1
Q

Describe the geographical situation of most of Argentina’s vineyards.

(2 points)

A

Close to the Andes, in a series of irrigated oases in what is otherwise desert

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2
Q
  • At what minimum height above sea level do most of Argentina’s vineyards lie?
  • Which region is the exception?
A
  • 600m

- Patagonia

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3
Q

At what height above sea level do the vineyards of Salta regularly lie?

A

2000m or more

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4
Q

Why do the vineyards of Salta need to be at such high altitude?

A

It is the only way to find cool sites that close to the Equator

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5
Q

Historically, which vine training system has been most widely used in Argentina?

A

The pergola system

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6
Q

What is the name for the pergola system in Argentina?

A

Parral

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7
Q

What are the 2 main advantages of the parral (pergola) system in Argentina?

A

1) Lifts grapes away from searing heat close to the ground

2) Grapes hang down below the canopy and are thus shaded from intense sunshine

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8
Q

For which Argentinian grape is parral still commonly used?

A

Torrontés

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9
Q

How are the vines now trained in many Argentinian vineyards growing black varieties?

A

On vertical trellises, with efficient canopy management to ensure shade

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10
Q

Why is rainfall so low in Argentinian vineyards?

A

They lie in the rain shadow of the Andes

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11
Q

What are the 2 main water sources for Argentinian vineyards?

A

1) Rivers flowing down from the mountains

2) Subterranean aquifers

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12
Q

Which 2 methods of irrigation are used in Argentina?

A

1) Flood irrigation

2) Drip irrigation

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13
Q

Which form of irrigation is most common in Argentina?

A

It depends - flood irrigation was widespread, but drip irrigation is more common in newer vineyards as it uses scarce water more efficiently

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14
Q

What are 2 climatic hazards in Argentina?

A

1) Occasional Spring frost

2) Summer hail

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15
Q

Where in Argentina is summer hail a particular problem?

A

Mendoza

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16
Q

Which 2 methods are used in Argentina to protect against summer hail?

A

1) Netting

2) Owning vineyards across several different areas to minimise the risk of losing an entire crop

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17
Q

What is the disadvantage of using netting to protect against summer hail in Argentina?

A

It is expensive and doesn’t always fully work

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18
Q

Why is having vineyards in several different areas the most popular method of hail protection in Argentina?

A

It brings considerable advantages at the blending stage of production

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19
Q
  • Are there problems with rot or mildew in Argentina?

- Why?

A
  • Not really

- It has a dry climate

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20
Q

True or false:

Argentina is an important producer of organic wines.

A

True

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21
Q

What are the two flagship grapes of Argentina?

A

Malbec and Torrontés

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22
Q

Describe a classic Argentinian Malbec in terms of:

  • Colour
  • Body
  • Flavour
  • Tannin
A
  • Deep colour
  • Full body
  • Black fruits
  • High, smooth tannins
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23
Q

How might Argentinian winemakers create more elegant styles of Malbec?

A

By using less more gentle extraction techniques

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24
Q

In what are most high-quality Malbecs matured, and what flavours does this create?

A

New oak - subtle spicy flavours

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25
Q

What is the difference between Malbec from grapes grown at low and high altitudes in terms of body and flavour?

A
  • Low altitude: Full body; rich black fruit

- High altitude: Elegant body; fresh, floral aromas

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26
Q
  • With which 4 grapes could Malbec be blended in Argentina?

- Is this common?

A
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Merlot
  • Cabernet Franc
  • Petit Verdot
  • It is more commonly produced as a varietal
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27
Q

What is the second most planted variety in Argentina?

A

Bonarda

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28
Q

Which Argentinian variety:

  • Late ripening
  • Deep colour
  • High tannin
  • High acidity
  • At high yield: Medium-deep colour; fruity raspberry & blackberry
  • At low yield: greater concentration and structure
A

Bonarda

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29
Q

In which 2 regions is Bonarda mainly grown?

A

Mendoza and San Juan

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30
Q

Which 5 international black varieties are most widely planted in Argentina?

A
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Syrah
  • Merlot
  • Tempranillo
  • Pinot Noir
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31
Q

In which 4 regions is Torrontés widely planted?

A
  • Salta
  • La Rioja
  • San Juan
  • Mendoza
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32
Q

From which region do many of the best examples of Torrontés come?

A

Cafayate in Salta Province

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33
Q

Which Argentinian wine:

  • Intensely fruity and floral perfume
  • Medium body
  • Medium acidity
  • Stone fruit and melon

(2 points)

A

Torrontés (from Cafayate)

34
Q

How would Torrontés usually be fermented, and why?

A

In inert, temperature-controller vessels - it is a highly aromatic variety so this will preserve the flavours

35
Q

Which low-quality white variety is used in cheap wines for the domestic Argentinian market?

A

Pedro Gimenez (not the same variety as Pedro Ximénez)

36
Q

Which white grape is the most widely planted in Argentina?

A

Pedro Gimenez

37
Q

Into how many broad regions is the Argentinian vineyard area split?

A

Three

38
Q

What are the 5 provinces in the Argentinian vineyard area?

A
  • Salta
  • La Rioja
  • San Juan
  • Mendoza
  • Patagonia
39
Q

Which is the most northerly province in Argentina?

A

Salta

40
Q

Roughly how far above sea level are the highest vineyards of Salta Province?

A

Over 3000m

41
Q

Salta is close to the border with which country?

A

Bolivia

42
Q

In which Argentinian province does the extreme climate produce wines of great purity and concentration?

A

Salta

43
Q

What is the dominant grape variety in Salta Province?

A

Torrontés

44
Q

What are the 2 dominant black varieties planted in Cafayate?

A

Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon

45
Q

Which province has the 3rd largest area of production in Argentina?

A

La Rioja

46
Q

What is the main vineyard area of La Rioja Province?

A

Famatina Valley

47
Q

How are large volumes of grapes grown in Famatina Valley?

A

The valley floors are irrigated

48
Q

Which grape is the speciality in La Rioja Province?

A

Torrontés

49
Q

What are the 3 most planted black varieties in La Rioja Province?

A
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Syrah
  • Bonarda
50
Q

How are exported wines from La Rioja Province generally labelled to avoid confusion with Rioja in Spain?

A

Famatina

51
Q

What is Argentina’s second most important wine area?

A

San Juan Province

52
Q

At what altitude range are the vineyards of San Juan Province located?

A

Between 450 - 1400m above sea level

53
Q

San Juan Province is particularly noted for the quality of which grape?

A

Syrah

54
Q

What are the 2 most planted white varieties in San Juan Province?

A

Chardonnay and Viognier

55
Q

Which province dominates winemaking in Argentina?

A

Mendoza

56
Q

In what sort of conditions are the vineyards of Mendoza planted?

A

Desert conditions

57
Q

What protects Mendoza from rain, creating desert conditions?

2 points

A

The Andes in the west, and the vastness of the Pampas in the east

58
Q

What are the 5 broad regions within Mendoza?

A
  • Northern
  • Eastern
  • Central
  • Uco Valley
  • Southern
59
Q

Why are fruits from the different regions across Mendoza often blended?

A

They have varying climates, and this is reflected in the crops

60
Q

What is the production focus in Northern and Eastern Mendoza?

A

High-volume, inexpensive wine

61
Q

What provides irrigation water in Northern and Eastern Mendoza, and what does it make possible?

A
  • The Mendoza River

- Growing large quantities of grapes

62
Q

Where in Mendoza are many of the most famous producers based?

A

Central Mendoza

63
Q

Which department, or sub-region, of Central Mendoza has a particular reputation for very fine Malbec?

A

Luján de Cuyo

64
Q

Which sub-region lies at 900-1100m above sea level, in the foothills of the Andes, south-west of Mendoza city?

A

Luján de Cuyo

65
Q

In Luján de Cuyo, What provides much of the soft, round, sweet spice in Malbec blends?

A

Grapes from old vines

66
Q

Which department lies to the east of Luján de Cuyo, but with vineyards at lower altitudes?

A

Maipú

67
Q

Which 2 black grapes perform well in the department of Maipú?

A

Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon

68
Q

Where is much of the high-volume, inexpensive Argentinian wine for both domestic and export markets produced?

A

(The lower eastern part of) Maipú

69
Q

Which department produces both inexpensive, high-volume wine and good-quality old vine Bonardo and Tempranillo?

A

Maipú

70
Q

Which region, located south-west of Mendoza, is a source of high-quality fruit?

A

The Uco Valley

71
Q
  • Where are the highest vineyards in Mendoza?

- At what altitude range do they lie?

A
  • The Uco Valley

- 900-1500 metres

72
Q

What helps to retain acidity and fruit/floral flavours in the grapes of the Uco Valley?

A

Cool nights

73
Q

In what Argentinian region do Chardonnay, Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tempranillo all flourish?

A

The Uco Valley - even Pinot Noir can be grown in the coolest sites

74
Q

Which relatively low-altitude department is found in southern Mendoza?

A

San Rafael

75
Q

In spite of its low altitude, the San Rafael department in Mendoza is one of the coolest areas in the province. Why?

A

It has the most southerly location

76
Q

In which department would you find Argentina’s most significant plantings of Chenin Blanc?

A

San Rafael

77
Q

Name the two main provinces in the Patagonia region.

A

1) Río Negro Province

2) Neuquén Province

78
Q

What is the main cooling influence in Patagonia, making it different to most Argentinian regions?

A

The latitude, not the altitude - vineyards are set at around 200-250 metres.

79
Q

What specific weather-related challenge do growers in Patagonia face?

A

Strong desert winds

80
Q

Why do Patagonian vineyards enjoy a low incidence of disease?

(2 points)

A
  • Low rainfall

- Wide diurnal range

81
Q

Name 4 varieties which grow well in Río Negro, Patagonia.

A
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Pinot Noir
  • Malbec
  • Merlot

WSET Level 3 Textbook (19 decks)

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