Argentina Flashcards

1
Q

When did interesting sparkling wine production first emerge in Argentina? Who started it and why?

A

In 1959, Moët and Chandon decided to launch their first overseas wine operation in Mendoza.

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2
Q

What are the historic and recent trends in Argentinian sparkling wine production?

A

Production was limited until recently when a number of other sparkling wine producers entered the field

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3
Q

How are the majority of sparkling wines produced in Argentina? What other methods are found?

A

Tank method is most common, though carbonation and traditional method are also seen

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4
Q

How many wineries currently produce sparkling wine in Argentina? Which regions are they most likely to be found in?

A

Approximately 160 producers located primarily in Mendoza, but also in Neuquén, Rio Negro, and San Juan.

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5
Q

What is the typical character of Argentinian tank method wine?

A

Fruity, off-dry to medium sweet, from acceptable to good quality

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6
Q

What is the typical character of Argentinian traditional method wine?

A

Brut made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, exhibiting apple and citrus notes with some autolytic character. These are good to very good in quality.

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7
Q

What is the pricing on Argentinian sparkling wine?

A

Usually inexpensive, though some can reach mid- to premium pricing.

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8
Q

What are the top six varieties planted for Argentinian sparkling wine production?

A

Pedro Giménez

Chardonnay

Chenin Blanc

Pinot Noir

Ugni Blanc

Sémillon

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9
Q

Where might one find the grapes used for inexpensive carbonated or tank method Argentinian wines?

A

In warm climates alongside grapes used for still wine.

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10
Q

Where do the grapes for higher quality Argentinian sparkling wines come from? Why?

A

Lujan de Cuyo and Uco Valley. The high altitudes ensure the preservation of acidity and delicate flavors.

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11
Q

Where are Argentina’s most newly developed vineyard areas? How do they benefit sparkling wine production?

A

Neuquén and Rio Negro are more southerly (in Patagonia), thus taking advantage of generally cooler temperatures and higher diurnal swings during the growing season.

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12
Q

In Argentina, how much earlier are grapes for sparkling wines picked than grapes for still wines?

A

One to two months ahead

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13
Q

True or False

Argentinian sparkling wine producers opt for single vineyard productions wherever possible.

A

False. Blending is necessary for balanced wines, especially using grapes from warm and cool sites.

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14
Q

What is the influence of Pedro Giménez in Argentina’s sparkling wine production?

A

Pedro Giménez is the leading grape used in sparkling wines, but has significantly declined in plantings over the past decade.

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15
Q

What has been the planting trend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in Argentina over the past 20 years?

A

Chardonnay plantings have increased 30%

Pinot Noir plantings have increased 80%

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16
Q

What are the natural hazards to grapevines in Argentina?

A

Hail and spring frosts in some areas

Nematodes

European grapevine moth

Ants

17
Q

Is mold or fungus a threat to Argentinian grapevines?

A

No. It is too dry a climate.

18
Q

What grapes are commonly used in the production of Argentinian carbonated wine? What is the price point for these wines?

A

Pedro Giménez, Chenin Blanc, and Sémillon

They are almost always inexpensive

19
Q

What grapes are commonly used in the production of Argentinian tank method wine? What is the price point for these wines?

A

A range of grapes that can include Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

These are typically mid-priced wines.

20
Q

What grapes are commonly used in the production of Argentinian traditional method wine? What is the price point for these wines?

A

Typically Chardonnay and Pinot Noir sourced from the best sites.

These are mid- to premium priced wines.

21
Q

True or False

Argentinian traditional method producers are able to create both vintage and non-vintage offerings

A

True

22
Q

How long do Argentinian traditional method wines spend on the lees?

A

The majority are on the lees for 12 months, though some see extended lees aging

23
Q

What is the character of Argentinian traditional method wines?

A

Brut

Predominantly white

Medium to medium (+) acid

Medium to medium (+) body

Medium alcohol

Ripe apple, lemon, autolytic

24
Q

What is the status of super-premium sparkling wine production in Argentina?

A

A small number have been introduced recently. They are produced from the best available fruit with lees aging typically around 18 months or more.

25
Q

What policy helped improve Argentina’s success in the sparkling wine industry? When did it occur?

A

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.

26
Q

What percentage of Argentinian sparkling wine is consumed locally? What percentage is purchased from retailers for consumption at home.

A

95% consumed domestically

80% purchased from retailers for home consumption

27
Q

What is the most popular style of Argentinian sparkling wine? How does this compare to European sparkling wines?

A

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)

28
Q

What are the destinations of Argentinian sparkling wine exports?

A

Other South American countries and, recently, China.

29
Q

What are the leading Argentinian wine producers?

A

Chandon Argentina, Llorente, Mumm, and Norton

30
Q

‘Baron B’ is an Argentinian producer that is a subsidiary of what company?

A

Chandon

31
Q

Which two companies are an example of European investment in Argentina’s sparkling wine production for the South American market?

A

Freixenet and Sogrape

32
Q

True or False

Fruit flavorings may be added to Argentinian carbonated wines

A

True. A popular flavor is strawberry