Argentina Flashcards
When did interesting sparkling wine production first emerge in Argentina? Who started it and why?
In 1959, Moët and Chandon decided to launch their first overseas wine operation in Mendoza.
What are the historic and recent trends in Argentinian sparkling wine production?
Production was limited until recently when a number of other sparkling wine producers entered the field
How are the majority of sparkling wines produced in Argentina? What other methods are found?
Tank method is most common, though carbonation and traditional method are also seen
How many wineries currently produce sparkling wine in Argentina? Which regions are they most likely to be found in?
Approximately 160 producers located primarily in Mendoza, but also in Neuquén, Rio Negro, and San Juan.
What is the typical character of Argentinian tank method wine?
Fruity, off-dry to medium sweet, from acceptable to good quality
What is the typical character of Argentinian traditional method wine?
Brut made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, exhibiting apple and citrus notes with some autolytic character. These are good to very good in quality.
What is the pricing on Argentinian sparkling wine?
Usually inexpensive, though some can reach mid- to premium pricing.
What are the top six varieties planted for Argentinian sparkling wine production?
Pedro Giménez
Chardonnay
Chenin Blanc
Pinot Noir
Ugni Blanc
Sémillon
Where might one find the grapes used for inexpensive carbonated or tank method Argentinian wines?
In warm climates alongside grapes used for still wine.
Where do the grapes for higher quality Argentinian sparkling wines come from? Why?
Lujan de Cuyo and Uco Valley. The high altitudes ensure the preservation of acidity and delicate flavors.
Where are Argentina’s most newly developed vineyard areas? How do they benefit sparkling wine production?
Neuquén and Rio Negro are more southerly (in Patagonia), thus taking advantage of generally cooler temperatures and higher diurnal swings during the growing season.
In Argentina, how much earlier are grapes for sparkling wines picked than grapes for still wines?
One to two months ahead
True or False
Argentinian sparkling wine producers opt for single vineyard productions wherever possible.
False. Blending is necessary for balanced wines, especially using grapes from warm and cool sites.
What is the influence of Pedro Giménez in Argentina’s sparkling wine production?
Pedro Giménez is the leading grape used in sparkling wines, but has significantly declined in plantings over the past decade.
What has been the planting trend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in Argentina over the past 20 years?
Chardonnay plantings have increased 30%
Pinot Noir plantings have increased 80%
What are the natural hazards to grapevines in Argentina?
Hail and spring frosts in some areas
Nematodes
European grapevine moth
Ants
Is mold or fungus a threat to Argentinian grapevines?
No. It is too dry a climate.
What grapes are commonly used in the production of Argentinian carbonated wine? What is the price point for these wines?
Pedro Giménez, Chenin Blanc, and Sémillon
They are almost always inexpensive
What grapes are commonly used in the production of Argentinian tank method wine? What is the price point for these wines?
A range of grapes that can include Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
These are typically mid-priced wines.
What grapes are commonly used in the production of Argentinian traditional method wine? What is the price point for these wines?
Typically Chardonnay and Pinot Noir sourced from the best sites.
These are mid- to premium priced wines.
True or False
Argentinian traditional method producers are able to create both vintage and non-vintage offerings
True
How long do Argentinian traditional method wines spend on the lees?
The majority are on the lees for 12 months, though some see extended lees aging
What is the character of Argentinian traditional method wines?
Brut
Predominantly white
Medium to medium (+) acid
Medium to medium (+) body
Medium alcohol
Ripe apple, lemon, autolytic
What is the status of super-premium sparkling wine production in Argentina?
A small number have been introduced recently. They are produced from the best available fruit with lees aging typically around 18 months or more.
What policy helped improve Argentina’s success in the sparkling wine industry? When did it occur?
A tax break on the domestic sale of wine in return for investment in sparkling wine helped boost the market. The 12% tax was removed in 2005 and the future of the concession is uncertain.
What percentage of Argentinian sparkling wine is consumed locally? What percentage is purchased from retailers for consumption at home.
95% consumed domestically
80% purchased from retailers for home consumption
What is the most popular style of Argentinian sparkling wine? How does this compare to European sparkling wines?
Extra Brut comprises 70% of the market. In Argentina, this means less than 11 g/L of sugar is in the wine, equivalent to the higher end of Brut in Europe (12 g/L max)
What are the destinations of Argentinian sparkling wine exports?
Other South American countries and, recently, China.
What are the leading Argentinian wine producers?
Chandon Argentina, Llorente, Mumm, and Norton
‘Baron B’ is an Argentinian producer that is a subsidiary of what company?
Chandon
Which two companies are an example of European investment in Argentina’s sparkling wine production for the South American market?
Freixenet and Sogrape
True or False
Fruit flavorings may be added to Argentinian carbonated wines
True. A popular flavor is strawberry
