Argentina Geography Flashcards
What are the climatic influences on Argentinean viticulture?
The rain shadow of the Andes creates a very dry climate, which is exacerbated by the Zonda, a fierce, hot, afternoon wind that sweeps down from the mountains in late spring and early summer.
Vineyards are largely irrigated by snowmelt, and the region is prone to hail in the spring and summer.
What are the main viticultural hazards of Argentina?
Hail, frost, wind (inhibiting fruit set)
Describe the various meso-climates of Argentina from north to south
Jujuy is humid subtropical
Salta is subtropical highland
Tucuman/Catamarca/La Rioja are hot semi-arid, moving down into Mendoza which is arid continental.
San Juan is a desert
All winegrowing regions in Patagonia are semi-arid continental.
What is the general elevation for vineyards in Argentina?
900M
What is Argentina’s largest region in terms of output?
The Central Provinces of Cuyo, which includes Mendoza, accounting for 75% of acreage on its own.
Where is Salta? What is it known for?
The North Region of Argentina; known for high altitude Torrontés. Some red grapes are also grown.
Salta: elevation, natural features and major grapes
1280-3100M in elevation
Calchaqui Valleys, Andes
Torrontes Riojano, Cab Sauv, Malbec, Merlot, Tannat
Departmental IG’s (subregions) of Salta
Cachi
Molinos
San Carlos
CAFAYATE
What region sits between Salta and La Rioja? What are its subregions?
Catamarca
Santa Maria
TINOGASTA, Belén, Andalgata (unofficial)
Catamarca: Elevation, Natural Features, Major Grapes
1000-2100M in elevation
Andes, Ambaucán River
Majority plantings of Cereza; however, quality grapes are growing in number.
What and where is Fiambalá Valley?
A subsection of Tinogasta. 1500M in elevation, sheltered to the east and west by steep hillsides (rain shadow), irrigated by snowmelt.
What are the provinces of Cuyo, from north to south?
La Rioja
San Juan
Mendoza
La Rioja: major subregions, natural features, elevation
Famatina Valley, Chilecito, Felipe Varela
Sierras de Velasco (west), Sierra de Famatina (east)
935-1700M
What is significant about San Juan? What is its major product?
San Juan is the second largest province in Argentina by acreage (47,000ha to Mendoza’s 146,000ha). The climate is hot and much acreage is given to the pink skins; much production is brandy, vermouth, and sherry-styled wines, but there are some Syrah and Bondarda getting critical attention.
San Juan: Major Natural Features, Elevation
Andes, San Juan River (irrigates Tulum, Ullum, and Zonda, among others)
600-1350M
What is franco?
The local term for the alluvial soils of Mendoza.
What are the rivers of Mendoza?
Mendoza
Diamante
Tunuyan
Atuel
What is geographically significant about the Uco Valley?
Highest elevation vineyards in Mendoza.
What are the five sectors of Mendoza?
Northern, Central/Upper, Southern, Eastern, Uco Valley
What are the subregions of Central Mendoza?
Godoy Cruz
Maipú
Luján de Cuyo DOC
Luján de Cuyo: Subregions
Official: Agrelo, Las Compuertas
Unofficial: Ugarteche, Pedriel
Maipú: Subregions
Barrancas, Lunlunta, El Paraiso, Russell (unofficial)
What are the subregions of Uco Valley? Other than Malbec, what grapes are successful there?
Tupungato, Tunuyán, San Carlos (sub-subs La Consulta, Paraje Altamira)
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sémillon
What and where is Gualtallary?
An unofficial subregion of Tupungato, 1500M high, stony, limestone soils. Star district.
What are the departements of Southern Mendoza? What is the grape?
San Rafael DOC
General Alvear
Chenin Blanc
What are the two DOC’s of Argentina? What are they authorized for?
Luján de Cuyo DOC: 100% Malbec in Central Mendoza
San Rafael DOC: Chenin Blanc + others in Southern Mendoza, used solely by Valentín Bianchi for base wine.
What region lies between Mendoza and Río Negro?
La Pampa
What are the winemaking provinces of Patagonia?
Chubut (20ha)
La Pampa
Río Negro
Neuquén
Where is Jujuy IG? Climate, altitude, and what wines does it produce?
Far northwest Argentina, on the border with Bolivia and Chile.
Humid subtropical climate, average 1250M.
Best for Torrontes, but reds are “improving.” Rarely seen outside the region.
Where is Tucumán IG? Cimate, elevation, major grapes?
In the North Region of Argentina, bordering Salta to the Northwest and Catamarca to the Southwest
Hot semi-arid
1675-2500M in elevation
Torrontes Riojano
What is the subregion of Tucumán?
Tafi
Where is Valles Calchaquíes IG?
The North Region of Argentina, following the course of the Calchaqui River. Includes all departmental Igs of Salta, Catamarca, and Tucuman.
Where is Córdoba Argentina IG? Subregions?
The “Center Region” - essentially east of the central provinces of Cuyo, opposite San Juan.
Colón (with Colonia Caroya district), Cruz del Eje, San Javier
Which province is excluded from the traditional region of Cuyo (but included in “New Cuyo”)?
La Rioja
What are the major subregions of San Juan?
Tulum Zonda Ullum Calingasta Pedernal
What are the subregions of Northern Mendoza?
Lavalle
Las Heras
Guaymallén
(north to south)
What are the subregions of Eastern Mendoza?
San Martín Junín Rivadavia Santa Rosa La Paz (north to south, west to east)
Which winemaking province of Patagonia is not officially an IG?
La Pampa
What is the sole subregion of La Pampa?
25 de Mayo, on the border with Rio Negro
What are the subregions of Neuquén IG?
Añelo
Confluencia
Neuquen: Elevation, Natural Features
400-450M
Limay River, Neuquén River
What are subregions of Río Negro IG?
(west to east)
General Roca (main)
Avellaneda
Pichimahuida (north), General Conesa (south)
