Argentina Flashcards
Describe the geographical situation of most of Argentina’s vineyards.
(2 points)
Close to the Andes, in a series of irrigated oases in what is otherwise desert
- At what minimum height above sea level do most of Argentina’s vineyards lie?
- Which region is the exception?
- 600m
- Patagonia
At what height above sea level do the vineyards of Salta regularly lie?
2000m or more
Why do the vineyards of Salta need to be at such high altitude?
It is the only way to find cool sites that close to the Equator
Historically, which vine training system has been most widely used in Argentina?
The pergola system
What is the name for the pergola system in Argentina?
Parral
What are the 2 main advantages of the parral (pergola) system in Argentina?
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
For which Argentinian grape is parral still commonly used?
Torrontés
How are the vines now trained in many Argentinian vineyards growing black varieties?
On vertical trellises, with efficient canopy management to ensure shade
Why is rainfall so low in Argentinian vineyards?
They lie in the rain shadow of the Andes
What are the 2 main water sources for Argentinian vineyards?
1) Rivers flowing down from the mountains
2) Subterranean aquifers
Which 2 methods of irrigation are used in Argentina?
1) Flood irrigation
2) Drip irrigation
Which form of irrigation is most common in Argentina?
It depends - flood irrigation was widespread, but drip irrigation is more common in newer vineyards as it uses scarce water more efficiently
What are 2 climatic hazards in Argentina?
1) Occasional Spring frost
2) Summer hail
Where in Argentina is summer hail a particular problem?
Mendoza
Which 2 methods are used in Argentina to protect against summer hail?
1) Netting
2) Owning vineyards across several different areas to minimise the risk of losing an entire crop
What is the disadvantage of using netting to protect against summer hail in Argentina?
It is expensive and doesn’t always fully work
Why is having vineyards in several different areas the most popular method of hail protection in Argentina?
It brings considerable advantages at the blending stage of production
- Are there problems with rot or mildew in Argentina?
- Why?
- Not really
- It has a dry climate
True or false:
Argentina is an important producer of organic wines.
True
What are the two flagship grapes of Argentina?
Malbec and Torrontés
Describe a classic Argentinian Malbec in terms of:
- Colour
- Body
- Flavour
- Tannin
- Deep colour
- Full body
- Black fruits
- High, smooth tannins
How might Argentinian winemakers create more elegant styles of Malbec?
By using less more gentle extraction techniques
In what are most high-quality Malbecs matured, and what flavours does this create?
New oak - subtle spicy flavours
What is the difference between Malbec from grapes grown at low and high altitudes in terms of body and flavour?
- Low altitude: Full body; rich black fruit
- High altitude: Elegant body; fresh, floral aromas
- With which 4 grapes could Malbec be blended in Argentina?
- Is this common?
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Cabernet Franc
- Petit Verdot
- It is more commonly produced as a varietal
What is the second most planted variety in Argentina?
Bonarda
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
Bonarda
In which 2 regions is Bonarda mainly grown?
Mendoza and San Juan
Which 5 international black varieties are most widely planted in Argentina?
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Syrah
- Merlot
- Tempranillo
- Pinot Noir
In which 4 regions is Torrontés widely planted?
- Salta
- La Rioja
- San Juan
- Mendoza
From which region do many of the best examples of Torrontés come?
Cafayate in Salta Province
Which Argentinian wine:
- Intensely fruity and floral perfume
- Medium body
- Medium acidity
- Stone fruit and melon
(2 points)
Torrontés (from Cafayate)
How would Torrontés usually be fermented, and why?
In inert, temperature-controller vessels - it is a highly aromatic variety so this will preserve the flavours
Which low-quality white variety is used in cheap wines for the domestic Argentinian market?
Pedro Gimenez (not the same variety as Pedro Ximénez)
Which white grape is the most widely planted in Argentina?
Pedro Gimenez
Into how many broad regions is the Argentinian vineyard area split?
Three
What are the 5 provinces in the Argentinian vineyard area?
- Salta
- La Rioja
- San Juan
- Mendoza
- Patagonia
Which is the most northerly province in Argentina?
Salta
Roughly how far above sea level are the highest vineyards of Salta Province?
Over 3000m
Salta is close to the border with which country?
Bolivia
In which Argentinian province does the extreme climate produce wines of great purity and concentration?
Salta
What is the dominant grape variety in Salta Province?
Torrontés
What are the 2 dominant black varieties planted in Cafayate?
Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon
Which province has the 3rd largest area of production in Argentina?
La Rioja
What is the main vineyard area of La Rioja Province?
Famatina Valley
How are large volumes of grapes grown in Famatina Valley?
The valley floors are irrigated
Which grape is the speciality in La Rioja Province?
Torrontés
What are the 3 most planted black varieties in La Rioja Province?
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Syrah
- Bonarda
How are exported wines from La Rioja Province generally labelled to avoid confusion with Rioja in Spain?
Famatina
What is Argentina’s second most important wine area?
San Juan Province
At what altitude range are the vineyards of San Juan Province located?
Between 450 - 1400m above sea level
San Juan Province is particularly noted for the quality of which grape?
Syrah
What are the 2 most planted white varieties in San Juan Province?
Chardonnay and Viognier
Which province dominates winemaking in Argentina?
Mendoza
In what sort of conditions are the vineyards of Mendoza planted?
Desert conditions
What protects Mendoza from rain, creating desert conditions?
2 points
The Andes in the west, and the vastness of the Pampas in the east
What are the 5 broad regions within Mendoza?
- Northern
- Eastern
- Central
- Uco Valley
- Southern
Why are fruits from the different regions across Mendoza often blended?
They have varying climates, and this is reflected in the crops
What is the production focus in Northern and Eastern Mendoza?
High-volume, inexpensive wine
What provides irrigation water in Northern and Eastern Mendoza, and what does it make possible?
- The Mendoza River
- Growing large quantities of grapes
Where in Mendoza are many of the most famous producers based?
Central Mendoza
Which department, or sub-region, of Central Mendoza has a particular reputation for very fine Malbec?
Luján de Cuyo
Which sub-region lies at 900-1100m above sea level, in the foothills of the Andes, south-west of Mendoza city?
Luján de Cuyo
In Luján de Cuyo, What provides much of the soft, round, sweet spice in Malbec blends?
Grapes from old vines
Which department lies to the east of Luján de Cuyo, but with vineyards at lower altitudes?
Maipú
Which 2 black grapes perform well in the department of Maipú?
Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon
Where is much of the high-volume, inexpensive Argentinian wine for both domestic and export markets produced?
(The lower eastern part of) Maipú
Which department produces both inexpensive, high-volume wine and good-quality old vine Bonardo and Tempranillo?
Maipú
Which region, located south-west of Mendoza, is a source of high-quality fruit?
The Uco Valley
- Where are the highest vineyards in Mendoza?
- At what altitude range do they lie?
- The Uco Valley
- 900-1500 metres
What helps to retain acidity and fruit/floral flavours in the grapes of the Uco Valley?
Cool nights
In what Argentinian region do Chardonnay, Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tempranillo all flourish?
The Uco Valley - even Pinot Noir can be grown in the coolest sites
Which relatively low-altitude department is found in southern Mendoza?
San Rafael
In spite of its low altitude, the San Rafael department in Mendoza is one of the coolest areas in the province. Why?
It has the most southerly location
In which department would you find Argentina’s most significant plantings of Chenin Blanc?
San Rafael
Name the two main provinces in the Patagonia region.
1) Río Negro Province
2) Neuquén Province
What is the main cooling influence in Patagonia, making it different to most Argentinian regions?
The latitude, not the altitude - vineyards are set at around 200-250 metres.
What specific weather-related challenge do growers in Patagonia face?
Strong desert winds
Why do Patagonian vineyards enjoy a low incidence of disease?
(2 points)
- Low rainfall
- Wide diurnal range
Name 4 varieties which grow well in Río Negro, Patagonia.
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Pinot Noir
- Malbec
- Merlot
