Argentina Flashcards
In Argentina, the hot afternoon wind that blows down from the mountains in the late spring and early summer
Zonda
Bodegas Chacra focuses their production primarily on what grape?
Pinot noir
The first commercial vineyard in Argentina was planted in which century?
17th
Which region in Argentina borders Bolivia?
Salta
What is the most planted white grape in Argentina?
Pedro Giménez.
A white wine grape,
grown predominantly in the Mendoza wine region,
Declining in plantings.
Despite the similar name, the Spanish wine grape Pedro Ximénez is a different variety with ampelographers not yet certain if the two grapes are in any way related.
Nicolás by Catena Zapata is a blend of what grapes?
Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec
Luján de Cuyo is in what provence?
Mendoza
What year was Geographical Indication system created in Argentina?
1999
Terrazas de los Andes is partnered with what Bordeaux estate?
Chateau Cheval Blanc
Clos de los Siete is located within what region in Mendoza?
Mendoza
Which region is closest to Buenos Aires?
La Pampa
Where is Cafayate?
Salta
Which of the following grapes is considered the highest quality?
Torrontés Sanjuanino
Torrontés Riojano
Torrontés Mendocino
Torrontés Saltano
Torrontés Riojano
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 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 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.
Where are plantings concentrated in Argentina?
Close to the Andes.
How far do the vineyard plantings of Argentina extend?
Over 1000 km, from Salta to Río Negro.
Which region of Argentina is subtropical?
Salta.
What is the typical altitude of vineyards in Argentina?
500m above sea level.
What is the vineyard altitude of Salta? Why?
Over 2000m above sea level, to provide a suitably cool climate for winemaking near the equator.
What is rainfall like in Argentina?
It tends to be low, due to the rain shadow of the Andes.
What are climatic issues facing Argentina?
Occasional Spring frosts in the South, hail is a problem each Summer.
How are vines trained in Argentina? Why?
on high pergolas, to raise grapes away from the heat on the ground.
Newer plantings in Argentina are usually on what training system?
Cordon
How does low rainfall affect viticulture in Argentina?
It makes irrigation necessary.
How are vineyards irrigated in Argentina?
Water is drawn from mountain runoff or natural aquifers. 90% of vineyards are flood irrigated.
Where is Argentina’s Cafayate Region?
The Salta province, at high altitude.
Increased use of drip irrigation in Argentina has led to what?
Increased use of drip irrigation in Argentina has led to what?
How is hail combatted in Argentina?
Using netting during Summer.
Dry, sunny conditions during the growing period in Argentina lead to what?
High yielding vineyards with high volumes of healthy fruit.
What is the common fermentation method in Argentina?
Temperature controlled in stainless steel.
How are wines typically aged in Argentina?
Some estates use 225L barrels, though many use large oak casks for reds.
What are the specialty varieties of Argentina?
Malbec and Torrontés.
Describe Argentinian Malbec.
Bordeaux variety, produces tannic, full bodied, brambly reds.
Describe Argentinian Torrontés.
Full bodied, dry white with aromatic, Muscat-like aromas.
What are the other varieties grown in Argentina, aside from Malbec and Torrontés?
Bonarda, Barbera, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Viognier Chardonnay.
How much of Argentinian vineyard plantings are made up historic varieties? What are the varieties?
Under half, the grapes are Criolla and Cereza.
What are Criolla and Cereza used for in Argentina?
Basic table wine and grape concentrate.
How are international varieties typically sold in Argentina?
Through export.
