Argentina Flashcards
Map of Argentina
Argentine Climate
Most vyds close to Andes (rain shadow), irrigated desert oases
Most lie at 600m or higher, up to 2000m or more
Traditionally, hot sites w/ PERGOLA trellises parral
Still parral w/ Torrontes, other reds with shaded VSP
Sunburn, spring frosts and summer hail (netting) hazards
Many own vyds in multiple areas for risk mitigation and blending
Organic grapes are widespread
Argentine Red Grapes - Malbec
Flagship grape, largest planting worldwide
Deep color, full body, high (smooth) tannins, black fruit
Premium often in new oak, subtle spicy flavors
Low altitude full-bodied w/ rich black fruit
Higher altitude more elegant w/ fresher, floral aromas
Argentine Red Grapes - Bonarda
Late ripening, deeply colored, high acid, high tannin
When grown at high yield
Easy-drinking, med-to-deep color, raspberry, blackberry
With controlled yields
fully ripe for greater concentration and structure
Argentine White Grapes - Torontes
Signature white, widely planted
Best examples from high-altitude vyds
Cafayate, Salta Province
Med body, med acid, stone fruit, melon, highly aromatic
Fermented in inert vessels to keep aromatics
Argentine Other white grapes
Chardonnay - widely planted
Premium often oak aged, much new
Chenin Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc
Semillion
Viognier
Salta Province
North, close to Bolivian border
Highest vineyards, some over 3000 m above sea level
Extreme climates produce pure, concentrated wines
Torrontes dominates, especially in Cafayate
Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon for reds
Many large groups and internationals investing in Cafayate reds
La Rioja Province
3rd largest production area
To avoid confusion w Rioja (Spain) generally labeled as ‘FAMATINA’
Famatina Valley, large volumes can be grown on the valley floor
Torrontes, Cab Sauv, Syrah, Bonarda
San Juan Province
Second most important wine region
Similar to Mendoza but cooler
Vineyards at 450 – 1400 m
Noted for Syrah
Also Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda, Charonnay, Viognier
Mendoza Region - General
Dominates Argentina, vast majority of wine production
Vyds planted in the desert, Andes rain shadow on WEST
Argentine Pampas plains on EAST
Split into Northern, Eastern, Central, Uco Valley, Southern
Often blended to take advantage of different climates
Mendoza - Northern and Easter
Focused on high-volume, inexpensive wine
Mendoza river provides irrigation
Mendoza - Central
Longest history of high-quality production
Lujan de Cuyo department - fine old vine Malbecs
900 – 1100 m altitude, foothills of the Andes
Soft, round, sweet spicy wines
Maipu department - lower altitude
Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon do well
Eastern, lower area with high yield inexpensive wine production
Also some old vine Bonarda and Tempranillo
Mendoza - Uco Valley
Highest vyds in Mendoza at 900 – 1500 m
Recognized for high quality fruit
Cool nights = acidity and fresh fruit, some floral notes
Chardonnay, Torrontes, Sauvingnon Blanc
Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo, Pinot Noir
Tupungato - high altitude area recognized for quality
Mendoza - Southern
Home of San Rafael department
Lower altitude, but coolest place in province (mostly latitude)
Chenin Blanc widely planted
Patagonia Region
Vineyards around 200-250m
South latitude = cooler temps
Low rainfall and wide diurnal range = low disease pressure
Long days, cool nights = concentrated fresh fruit, med+ acid
Sometimes hazard of strong desert winds
Rio Negro Province Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Merlot
Nuequen Province still being explored
