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Argentina Flashcards

1
Q

When were the first vineyards planted in Argentina?

A

1550s

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2
Q

What event happened in 1816 in Argentina and what effect did this have on the country’s viticulture?

A

Argentina declared independence from Spain.

This attracted European immigrants from France, Italy and Spain, bringing with them winemaking traditions and vines

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3
Q

Many important varieties arrived in Argentina before _____ which encouraged more European immigration in the late 1800s/ early 1900s

A

Phylloxera

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4
Q

Argentina was isolated for much of the 20th century but high domestic consumption sustained the industry.

What was the focus for production during this period?
What grapes were mainly used?

A

High volume, inexpensive wines.

Cereza
Criolla Grande
Criolla Chica
Pedro Gimenez

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5
Q

What inspired Argentinean producers to switch their focus from the domestic markets in the late 80s and early 90s to export markets?

A
  • Declining domestic demand

- Return to democracy and the opening up of the economy

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6
Q

What factors helped the modernisation of the Argentinian wine industry? (3)

A
  • Considerable foreign investment
  • Arrival of famous wine consultants
  • Parity of the dollar and peso (weak peso in the early 2000s made the wines look cheap on the export market)
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7
Q

Argentina’s main wine growing regions stretch from ____ in the north to ____ in the south.

They are found between the latitudes of ___ to ___ degrees south.

A

From Salta
to Rio Negro

Between 24 to 38 degrees south

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8
Q

Where are most of the vineyards in Argentina planted?

Which growing area is the exception?

A

Vineyards are in the foothills of the Andes in the west of the country.

Exception is Patagonia in the south of the region

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9
Q

Describe the general topography of Argentinian vineyards

A

Even at high altitudes, most vineyards are on flat or gently sloping sites

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10
Q

Explain why rainfall is particularly low in Argentinian vineyards.

A

Most regions are in the rain shadow of the Andes mountains

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11
Q

Explain the key effects of altitude and why it is so important in Argentinian vineyards.

A
  • Low latitudes (24 to 38 degrees south)
  • Mountains provide wide diurnal range
  • Cooler nights extend the growing season
  • Grapes retain acidity while developing riper fruit aromas
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12
Q

Name the hot, dry, powerful wind that occurs mostly in late spring and summer in Argentina.

Explain what affects this has on vines.

What can be done to mitigate the effects?

A

The Zonda

  • Lowers humidity
  • Reduces disease pressure
  • Can induce water stress
  • Can affect flowering and fruit set
  • Can damage grapes
  • Can reduce yields

Trees can be planted to act as windbreaks

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13
Q

When does rain tend to fall in Argentina?

A

In summer

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14
Q

What weather hazard poses a constant threat in Argentina?

What can be done to protect vines?

A

Hail

Netting is used, but many will only cover their most prized sites as it is expensive.

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15
Q

Where might frost be a particular issue in Mendoza?

A

In flat areas or at the bottom of slopes

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16
Q

Despite protection from the Andes, Argentina is still affected by the El Niño phenomenon.

What weather does this bring?
What effect does this have on crop? (3)

A

Brings much higher than average rainfall and more hailstorms

  • Can damage crops
  • Increases disease pressure
  • Can reduce harvest
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17
Q

Most Argentinian vineyards are on ____ soils deposited by rivers flowing down the Andes.

Middle areas are dominated by ___, ____ and ____.

Lower areas have deeper ____ ____ soils which are more fertile.

A

Alluvial soils

Gravel, sands and silts.

Deeper loamy clay soils.

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18
Q

Why are Argentinian vineyards generally optimal for producing low yields of quality grapes? (3)

A
  • Dry climate
  • Low organic matter in soils
  • Poor soils, particularly at higher altitudes
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19
Q

Almost ___% of vineyards in Argentina are over 40 years old.

A

30%

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20
Q

Where is irrigation water generally sourced from?

When do these channels and dams date back to?

Where is this water stored until needed?

A

Melt water from the mountains

Channels and dams date back to the 16th century

Water is stored in reservoirs

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21
Q

Describe what types of irrigation are common in Argentina.

A

Flood irrigation is widely used (70% of vineyards) as free draining soils allow water to penetrate deeply.

Drip irrigation is gaining popularity, especially on sloped vineyards as this is cheaper than levelling them out.

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22
Q

How do grape growers in Argentina typically time irrigation and why?

A

Typically larger amounts of water in winter
Lower amounts in summer
Ensures roots grow at a depth to find water
Focuses more on fruit development rather than green growth

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23
Q

What two types of vine training methods are common in Argentina, and what are the benefits of these

A

PERGOLA AKA PARRAL

  • High training system, raises grapes from ground heat
  • Provides shading
  • Common for high vigour varieties
  • Used in warmer areas for Torrontes (needs shading to retain acidity)

VSP

  • Increasingly common
  • Allows drip irrigation
  • Enables modern canopy management techniques
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24
Q

Why are the majority of Argentina’s vines ungrafted?

Why might this be changing?

A

Phylloxera has not been a big threat in Argentina.

Grafting is becoming important for protecting against nematodes and choosing drought resistant rootstock

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25
Name the three pink Criolla varietals that typically dominated Argentina's wine production.
Cereza Criolla Grande Criolla Chica
26
What is the second most planted black grape in Argentina? Where is it commonly found?
Bornada Mainly found in San Juan and warmer areas of Mendoza
27
Bornada is ____ ripening and ____ yielding.
Late ripening | High yielding
28
What does Bornada typically add to blends? Which grapes would you expect it to be blended with?
``` Deep colour Red and black fruit flavours Medium (+) acidity Medium tannin Medium alcohol ``` Adds fruitiness to blends - not v. good with oak Tends to be blended with Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec
29
What price would you expect from single varietal Bornada wines? Where would these mostly be sold?
Inexpensive reds for domestic consumption
30
Malbec is a _____ grape and is ____ ripening
Vigorous | Mid ripening
31
Give a tasting note for a Malbec from warm, sunny conditions.
``` Deep coloured Ripe blackberry and black plum Medium acidity High levels of soft ripe tannins High alcohol Full bodied ```
32
Give a tasting note for a Malbec from cool conditions.
``` Deep coloured Fresh red and black fruit flavours with floral, herbal aromas Medium (+) acidity Medium (+) tannins Medium to high alcohol Full bodied ```
33
Cabernet Sauvignon is more susceptible to ____ ____ and ____ ____ than Malbec, meaning that site selection is very important
Temperature extremes and fungal disease
34
What aroma profile does Argentinian Cabernet Sauvignon typically show? Is blending with other varietals common?
Ripe blackcurrant and blackberry fruit, spice but no herbal notes. Typically blended with Malbec in top wines but there is an increasing number of single varietal top wines
35
Syrah is typically planted in hotter parts of Argentina, such as ____ and ____ ____
Mendoza and San Juan
36
What fermentation / maturation vessels were typically used in Argentina throughout the 19th and 20th century? How did this shift in the late 20th century? What type of red wines were produced in the late 20th
Large oak barrels were used Shifted to a more modern international style of wine making with more new oak and temperature controlled fermentations. Fruit was harvested later (riper). Full bodied, ripe, fruity wines with prominent oak flavours
37
How has winemaking for red varietals changed in the 21st century in Argentina? (6)
- Earlier picking for fresher fruit (higher acidity and lower potential alcohol) - Some experiments with spontaneous fermentations - Some wholebunch - Gentler extraction techniques - Experimenting with different fermentation vessels - Blending of differently treated parcels
38
Name 3 significant premium wine producers in Argentina
Catena Zapata Vina Cobos Archaval Ferrer
39
Which grape is now commonly used to make some good quality rose in Argentina?
Malbec Rose used to be a bi product but increasingly grapes are being grown specifically for rose production
40
Describe the type of wines produced using Pedro Gimenez
Simple, neutral, inexpensive wines for domestic consumption
41
Where would you expect to find high quality examples of Torrentes?
Cafayate Salta Some cooler sites in the Uco Valley
42
Torrentes is a natural cross of which grapes?
Muscat of Alexandria and Criolla Chica
43
What aromas are typical of Torrentes? What winemaking techniques can be used to make fresher and fruitier wines with lower alcohol levels?
Pronounced floral aromas (reminiscent of Muscat) Reducing yields Earlier harvest Careful temperature control
44
Torrentes is ____ yielding and ___ ripening: what is the effect of this?
High yielding: vigour needs to be controlled for better quality fruit Early ripening: heat means some wines are overly alcoholic, can lack acidity and have a bitter finish
45
Where would you expect to find cool climate premium Chardonnay growing in Argentina? Give a typical aromas.
Uco Valley Ripe stone and tropical fruit with subtle oak spice
46
In Argentina, what are the following three tiers of wine regulations: Indicación de Procedencia Indicación Geográfica DOC
Indicación de Procedencia : large area Indicación Geográfica: wines meet a certain quality and are made from a specific area capable of producing quality wines DOC: specific geographical area with legislated criteria: only Lujan de Cuyo and San Rafeal (Mendoza) currently exist
47
Which 3 provinces form a large GI called Cuyo?
Mendoza San Juan La Rioja
48
Mendoza province accounts for ___% of total Argentinian vineyard area and ___% of production.
75% of total Argentinian vineyard area and 66% of production.
49
Where are the highest elevations in Mendoza? What elevations are vineyards here?
Uco Valley 850 - 1,500m
50
Name the five distinct areas within Mendoza. Which is the only GI?
``` Northern Mendoza Eastern Mendoza Central Mendoza Southern Mendoza Uco Valley (the only GI) ```
51
Put the following in order of largest to smallest: ``` Province Department District Region GI inside distrist Subregion ```
``` Region Province Subregion Department District GI inside district ```
52
What type of wine production is dominant in Northern and Eastern Mendoza? What factors make this possible?
Large volumes of inexpensive wines - Warm conditions - Good access to irrigation water
53
What are the names of the rivers that Northern and Eastern Mendoza source irrigation water from?
Northern: Mendoza River Eastern: Tunyan River
54
Northern and Eastern Mendoza are situated on ____ in the _____ River Valley at elevations of ____m to ____m.
Plains in the Mendoza River Valley | Elevations of 500m to 700m
55
Name the two prestigious wine departments in Central Mendoza
Luján de Cuyo | Maipú
56
Which grape dominates production in Central Mendoza? What other three varietals do well here?
Malbec dominates Cab Sauvignon, Syrah and Tempranillo
57
What wines is Luján de Cuyo known for?
Old vine Malbec
58
Luján de Cuyo is south-west of _____ _____ where the ____ river emerges from the foothills of the ______.
South west of Mendoza City Mendoza River Foothills of the Andes
59
Vineyards in Luján de Cuyo are at what elevations?
900m-1,100m
60
What are the ageing requirements for DOC Luján de Cuyo? Is this commonly used?
Minimum 24 months ageing, 12 in oak Used only by a small number of wines, typically Malbec
61
Name two well known district level GIs within GI Luján de Cuyo.
Las Compuertas | Agrelo
62
Which district level GI in Luján de Cuyo has the highest altitude vineyards? What styles of wines are made here?
Las Compuertas Fruity full-bodied wines from Malbec and Bordeaux grapes with medium plus acidity and firm tannins, giving ageing potential Some elegant Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc
63
What type of soils are found in Agrelo? What styles of wines are made here?
Clay soils Riper red wines than Las Compuertas with structure for ageing (v.good - outstanding) Some fruity full bodied white wines, particularly Semillon
64
Maipú is east of ___ ___ ____ and south east of _____ ____.
East of Luján de Cuyo | South east of Mendoza City
65
How does altitude vary across Maipú? Is the climate here warmer or cooler than in Luján de Cuyo?
900m on the border with Luján de Cuyo, 600m further east Warmer than Luján de Cuyo
66
Describe the style of Malbec produced in Maipú in comparison with the other areas of Mendoza.
Large population of old vines. Malbecs are intensely fruity, full-bodied and with higher tannins than elsewhere in Mendoza
67
Where might inexpensive, volume wines be sourced from in Maipú?
From lower altitude, warmer sites
68
Name the three departments included within Uco Valley.
Tupungato Tunuyán San Carlos
69
The Uco Valley straddles the valleys of the ____ ____ in the foothills of the ____
Tunuyán River | Andes
70
Describe the growing conditions in Uco Valley (4) How does this affect grape growing? (5)
- Highest altitudes in Mendoza - Cool temperatures - Wide diurnal range - Intense sunlight - Grapes accumulate sugars slowly - Retain acidity - Deep colour - Ripe tannin - Fresh fruit flavours
71
Uco Valley is experiencing high levels of investment due to quality potential. What variety dominates, and which grapes have potential here?
Malbec dominates Potential for high quality white wines
72
Tupungato is found at the foot of which volcano?
Mount Tupungato
73
Which is the most northerly, highest altitude department in Uco Valley? What styles of wine are produced here (include varieties)?
Tupungato Fresh, full-bodied reds from Malbec, Cab Sauvignon, Cab Franc and Pinot Noir Crisp, elegant whites from Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc
74
What is the most recognised district in Tupungato? What altitude are vines found at here? What soils are found here?
Gualtallary 1,100m to 1,600m Limestone soils
75
Describe the style of Malbec produced in Gualtallary
Lighter in body, highrt acidity with herbal notes and red and black fruit
76
Which two grapes are commonly blended in Gualtallary?
Cabernet Franc and Malbec
77
Tunuyán is a department within which sub region? Describe how growing conditions vary in the department and how this affects wine styles produced here.
Uco Valley Range of altitudes Lower, warmer end of the valley: full-bodied, ripe structured red wines Higher site: some of the coolest in Mendoza, with premium whites and Pinot Noir
78
Which is the most southerly of the Uco Valley departments?
San Carlos
79
San Carlos produces quality red wines from which grape varieties?
Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah
80
What is the name of the GI within San Carlos?
Paraje Altamira
81
Describe the soils and elevation in Paraje Altamira
Based on an alluvial fan with varied soils High amounts of calcium carbonate and stony topsoils 1,000 to 1,200m above sea level
82
Describe how Malbec wines from Paraje Altamira compare with those from Gualtallary.
More intense with fuller body Acid and tannin structure for ageing
83
What altitude are vineyards in Southern Mendoza?
450 to 850m (lower elevations than the rest of Mendoza)
84
Describe the climatic conditions in Southern Mendoza
- More southerly location - Cooler - Longer summers - Slow ripening - Prone to summer hail
85
Are wines from Southern Mendoza highly sought after?
Does not have the same reputation as other areas, but some high quality. Grapes are often blended.
86
Red wines from Southern Mendoza are more _____ bodied than in the north with more ____ fruit
Medium bodied | Red fruit
87
What red grapes dominate in Southern Mendoza? Which white grape makes well-balanced fruity wines here?
Malbec Cab Sauvignon Syrah Bornada Chenin Blanc
88
Which province has seen a fall in area under vine in Argentina and why?
San Juan Typically a lot of pink skinned Criolla grapes were grown here which are now falling out of fashion
89
Which black grape in San Juan is the most planted and making good quality wines? Where are the best vines planted?
Syrah Best wines are from higher altitude sites in the foothills of the Andes
90
Name the high quality GI in San Juan producing high quality Syrah with high acidity and fresh fruit flavours
Pedernal Valley
91
At what altitudes would you find San Juan vineyards?
600 - 1,500m
92
What type of wines is La Rioja province known for?
Mostly high volume inexpensive wines from Fromatina
93
What is the largest producer of Fairtrade wines in the world?
La Riojana Co-op
94
What are the four most planted grapes in La Rioja?
Torrontes Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec Syrah
95
What is the most northerly wine region in Argentina? What altitudes are vineyards found at and how does this effect the grapes?
Salta Province 1,500m - 3,000m Low latitude and high altitude means high tannins and anthocyanin levels in grapes
96
What factor shortens sun exposure in Salta Province?
Mountains surrounding the valley providing shade
97
Why are vines in Salta typically lower yielding with thicker skinned grapes?
For protection from winds; the Zonda blows very strong here.
98
_____ is the dominant white grape in Salta, particularly i Cafayate in the south where vineyards at around ____m produced _____ ______ wines
Torrentes 1,700m Aromatic, unoaked wines
99
Patagonia's vineyards are at a _____ latitude and a _____ altitude than those in Mendoza, at elevations of____m
Higher latitude and lower altitude than Mendoza 400m
100
Describe the growing conditions in Patagonia in comparison to Mendoza.
- Lower temperatures in Patagonia - Less intense sunlight - Longer growing season
101
What is the most planted grape in the Patagonia region? What other grapes are gaining reputation?
Malbec is the most planted (floral character) ``` Pinot Noir Cabernet Franc Merlot Semillon Chardonnay Riesling ```
102
Where do the winds blow in from in Patagonia? What effect do these winds have on the grapes growing there? What type of trees are often planted to try and limit wind damge?
Blow across the arid Patagonian plateau from the Andes - Helps lower yields - Grapes have thick skins - Reduces disease pressure - Can disrupt flowering - Can damage vines Poplar trees
103
What are the names of the two main winemaking provinces in Patagonia? Which is the warmer of the two, producing riper wines?
Nequén Province (warmer and more arid) | Rio Negro Province
104
What is the annual production by volume in Argentina?
13 million hl
105
How many hectolitres did Argetina export in 2018?
2.8 million hl
106
Where is the biggest market for Argentinian wines by volume and value? What are the next biggest markets?
USA (22% of exports by volume, 31% by value) UK, Spain, Canada and Brazil
107
Why are other South American countries important for Argentina's wine exports?
Due to the Mercosur Free trade agreement
108
The weak peso in the 2000's fuelled Argentina's export boom, but explain why exports recently have fallen again.
- Rise in inflation has increased production costs - Low yields in 2016 (El Niño) - Spring frosts killed crop in 2017 - Government imposed restrictions on foreign land ownership, although these were lifted in 2016
109
What percentage of Argentina's exports is single variety Malbec? Explain why this may be problematic
60% If Malbec fell out of favour, it would be catastrophic for the Argentinian wine industry. Many producers are looking to diversify their bottlings
110
Name two organisations promoting wine in Argentina and some of their strategies.
WINES OF ARGENTINA - World Malbec Day (promote and retain interest in an increasingly diverse range of wines) - Looking to modernise the image of Argentina's wines COVIAR - Brings together local and national governments, growers and producers - Overseeing strategy 2020 to promote Argentinian wine further
111
What percentage of vineyards in Argentina are 5ha or less? What type of businesses dominate ownership?
60% Many vineyards are still family owned (some sell grapes, some make wine)

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