Argentina

Question 1

Argentina - Factors of Wine Production

Answer 1

• Climate: The Andes form a rain shadow offering protection from westerly winds and storms, creating a very dry, arid climate
• Topography: Vinyards are planted in the front range of the Andes at an average altitude of 3000 feet above sea level. This elevation is key to the success of viticulture in Argentina
• Viticultural practices
  
  • Very dry and low in humidity keeping the vineyards free of fungal problems
  • Irrigation is essential due to the rain shadow. Snowmelt from the Andes provides plentiful water
  • Major diurnal swings between hot days and cool nights during the growing season
  • The brutal Zonda wind blows down from the Andes in the late spring and early summer. This wind can affect flowering of the vines
  • Hail is a frequent hazard in the vineyards. Hail nets are employed in many vineyards.

Question 2

Argentina - Regional Wine Law

Answer 2

• IGs Indicaciones Geograficas
  
  • Geographic indications
  • Similar to AVAs
• DOCs Denominacion de Origen Controlada
  
  • Specify grape varieties, viticultural practices, and aging requirements
  • Similar to EU appellation systems.

Question 3

Argentina - Salta IG

Answer 3

• Climate: Generally warm, however vineyards are planted at high elevation
• Grape Varieties
  
  • White: Torrontes
  • Red: Malbec
• Important sub-region
  
  • Cafayate IG

Question 4

Argentina - Mendoza IG

Answer 4

• Climate: Continental and arid, Elevation-dependent
• Grape Varieties
  
  • Red: Malbec
• Viticulture
  
  • The largest viticultural region in Argentina
  • Most vineyards are planted at altitudes between 2~4000 feet
  • The strong Zonda wind keep mildew and other diseases to a minimum
  • Irrigation is essential
  • The traditional furrow or flood technique is widely utilized.
• Vinification: Many producers use new French or American oak berrels
• Important Sub-Region
  
  • Lujan de Cujo DOC
  • Uco Valley IG

Question 5

Argentina - Patagonia IG

Answer 5

• Climate: A notably cool area with some of Argentina’s most southerly vineyard sites
• Grape Varieties
  
  • White: Torrontes
  • Red: Malbec, Carbernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir

Question 6

Argentina - What is the primary red grape variety of Argentina?

Answer 6

• Malbec

Question 7

Argentina - What is the primary white grape variety of Argentina?

Answer 7

• Torrontes

Question 8

Argentina - What is a prominent area in Argentina for Torrontes?

Answer 8

• Salta
  
  • Mendoza
  • Patagonia
  • Casablanca

Question 9

Argentina - What is an important feature of the Salta vineyards?

Answer 9

• High altitude
  
  • Rain shadow
  • Proximity to the sea
  • Low lying plains

Question 10

Argentina - What is the Zonda?

Answer 10

• A fierce wind fromt he Andes
  
  • A type of vinyard rot
  • A current from the Pacific Ocean
  • A type of vineyard pest

Question 11

Argentina - Where is the Lujan de Cujo DOC located?

Answer 11

• Mendoza
  
  • Chile
  • Patagonia
  • Salta

Question 12

Argentina - Choose the major hazard to the vineyards of Mendoza

Answer 12

• Hail
  
  • Snow
  • Tornados
  • Rain

Question 13

Argentina - List pro and con for how the Zonda affects viticulture in Mendoza.

Answer 13

• Pro: prevent mildew and dieases
• Con: severe wind often damage vines