Argentina Flashcards
Who was the first to plant vineyards in Mendoza, and when?
Catena, 1902
What IG is considered the first in Argetnina to be based on technical criteria, rather than politcal boundaries?
Paraje Altamira IG, first announced in 2017
Bodega Colome location/note:
Salta: recognized for owning the highest vineyard on earth, Malbec and Torrontez producer, owned by Donald Hess/Hess Collection.
Major white grapes of Argentina?
Pedro Giménez (bulk), Torrontés, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc
What is Cafayete?
increasingly popular and promising department within Salta for Torrontés wines
What is the confusing synonym for Bonarda in San Juan?
Barbera Bonarda
What region sits between Salta and La Rioja? What are its subregions?
Catamarca: subregions are Belén, Pomán, Santa María, TINOGASTA
What vintages in the past decade have been unusual for Argentina, and why?
2014-2017, all were unsually wet and cooler years in most regions. (2016 was the smallest and coldest vintage in Uco Valley in decades).
Cachi, Cafayete, Molinos, and San Carlos are subregions of what IG?
Salta IG
How are Argentinian vine rows oriented, and why?
North-South orientation almost entirely because irrigation was via snowmelt so north-south was how the water ran.
What is Cheval des Andes?
Cheval des Andes is a high-end wine collaboration between Terrazas de los Andes and Pierre Lurton of Cheval Blanc. The joint venture was proposed by Lurton in 1999 when he realized Mendoza’s potential, and was eager to connect again with the grape of Saint Emilion’s past (Malbec). Often described as a ‘New World Grand Cru’.
What is the more “traditional” method of irrigation used in Argentina?
furrow irrigation, developed by the Incas. The rivers swell from the Andes’ snowmelt, and water is directed through the vineyards in channels. This is still used, alongside modern drip irrigation.
Where does Mendoza’s irrigation water come from?
Irrigation water comes from the Mendoza River, which in turn comes from the melting snow of the Andes.
Describe the most classic and identifiable varietal expression of Mendoza Malbec.
Brambly black and red mountain fruit tones, rich and robust texture, sweet floral tones. The wines usually undergo some degree of French or American oak treatment.
Where was the Mendoza Chardonnay clone developed? It has gained popularity despite what issue?
UC Davis, it is prone to millerandage and the resulting grapes have a higher skin-to-juice ratio
What is significant about San Juan? What is its major product?
San Juan is the 2nd largest province in Argentina by acreage (2nd to Mendoza). Climate is hot and much acreage is given to the pink skins; most production is brandy, vermouth, and sherry-styled wines, but some Syrah and Bonarda are getting attention.
What and where is Gualtallary?
An unofficial subregion of Tupungato, 1500M high, stony, limestone soils. Star district. On its way to IG status.
What is Luján de Cuyo?
one of only 2 Argentina DOCs, authorized for Malbec wines only
What is the primary difference between the Western and Eastern regions of Mendoza?
Eastern side is flatter, located farther from the cooling effects of the mountains. Western side increases in elevation and thermal amplitude moving westward towards the Andes, and has cooler temperatures overall.
Describe the various meso-climates of Argentina from north to south
Jujuy is humid subtropical
Salta is subtropical highland
Tucuman/Catamarca/La Rioja are hot semi-arid, moving down into Mendoza which is arid continental.
San Juan is a desert
All winegrowing regions in Patagonia are semi-arid continental.
What are the climatic influences on Argentinean viticulture?
The rain shadow of the Andes creates a very dry climate, which is exacerbated by the Zonda, a fierce, hot, afternoon wind that sweeps down from the mountains in late spring and early summer.
Vineyards are largely irrigated by snowmelt, and the region is prone to hail in the spring and summer.
What are the five large sub-regions of Mendoza?
Uco Valley, Primera Zona/Central Mendoza, Northern Mendoza, Eastern Mendoza, and Southern Mendoza
Where is Salta? What is it known for?
The North Region of Argentina; known for high altitude Torrontés. Some red grapes are also grown.
Who was the first to plant vineyards in Mendoza, and when?
Catena, 1902
Cheval des Andes location/notes:
Mendoza, one wine: BDX blend of predominantly Malbec, fruit from Lujan de Cuyo and Uco Valley
What is the parentage of Torrontes?
Criolla Chica (Pais) x Muscat of Alexandria
What happened in 1885 that resulted in a boom of Argentinian wine production?
a railway line was completed between Mendoza and the country’s capital, Buenos Aires, providing a cheaper, easier way of sending wines out of the region.
What is the most planted white grape in Argentina?
Pedro Giménez (unrelated to Spain’s Pedro Ximénez)
Bodega y Cavas de Weinert location/style:
Mendoza, winemaking very traditional in context of Argentina