Argentina Flashcards
Which French Champagne house took the initiative to start producing sparkling wine in Argentina?
Moet & Chandon
How are most of the sparkling wines produced in Argentina?
By the tank method, but carbonation and traditional method are also used
Where is the majority of sparkling wine produced in Argentina, and how many wineries are producing sparkling wine?
- Mainly in Mendoza
- ~160
Grapes for high quality sparkling wine are mainly grown in which sub-regions of Mendoza?
- Lujan de Cuyo
- Uco Valley
What makes Lujan de Cuyo and the Uco Valley more suitable for growning grapes for higher quality sparkling wine?
The extremely high elevation of these regions means that the grapes stay cool enough to preserve delicate flavors and acidity in the grapes
What are the two regions in Patagonia that are seeing new vineyards planted for sparkling wine production?
- Neuquen
- Rio Negro
What makes Patagonia attractive to sparkling wine producers?
The southerly latitude helps to keep temperatures down, and a high diurnal range due to continentality means that days and nights are relatively cool.
When are the grapes for sparkling wine in Argentina harvested?
1 to 2 months before the grapes for still wines would be to avoid high alcohol and preservation of acid.
List the grape varieties used for sparkling wine in Argentina
- Pedro Gimenez
- Chardonnay
- Chenin Blanc
- Pinot Noir
- Ugni Blanc
- Semillon
What are the main hazards producers face in Argentina?
- Nematodes
- Hail
- Spring Frost
What are the two main types of nematodes, and what are some of the management techniques?
- Dagger and Root Knot Nematodes
- Fumigate the soils
- Used mustard plants which contains compounds that can work as biofumigants
- Using Nematode resistant root stocks (Ramsey and Dog Ridge)
- Buying from good quality nurseries
Inexpensive Argentinian sparkling wines are typically made in which method?
Carbonation
Inexpensive sparkling wine in Argentina is mainly made from which grape varietals?
- Pedro Gimenez
- Chenin Blanc
- Semillon
Mid-priced to super premium sparkling wines from Argentina are generally made with which grape varieties?
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Noir
What is the average amount of time spent on the lees for mid-priced to premium sparkling wines from Argentina?
About 12 months, but with many going longer
