Argentina Geography Flashcards

1
Q

What are the climatic influences on Argentinean viticulture?

A

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.

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2
Q

What are the main viticultural hazards of Argentina?

A

Hail, frost, wind (inhibiting fruit set)

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3
Q

Describe the various meso-climates of Argentina from north to south

A

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.

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4
Q

What is the general elevation for vineyards in Argentina?

A

900M

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5
Q

What is Argentina’s largest region in terms of output?

A

The Central Provinces of Cuyo, which includes Mendoza, accounting for 75% of acreage on its own.

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6
Q

Where is Salta? What is it known for?

A

The North Region of Argentina; known for high altitude Torrontés. Some red grapes are also grown.

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7
Q

Salta: elevation, natural features and major grapes

A

1280-3100M in elevation
Calchaqui Valleys, Andes
Torrontes Riojano, Cab Sauv, Malbec, Merlot, Tannat

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8
Q

Departmental IG’s (subregions) of Salta

A

Cachi
Molinos
San Carlos
CAFAYATE

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9
Q

What region sits between Salta and La Rioja? What are its subregions?

A

Catamarca
Santa Maria
TINOGASTA, Belén, Andalgata (unofficial)

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10
Q

Catamarca: Elevation, Natural Features, Major Grapes

A

1000-2100M in elevation
Andes, Ambaucán River
Majority plantings of Cereza; however, quality grapes are growing in number.

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11
Q

What and where is Fiambalá Valley?

A

A subsection of Tinogasta. 1500M in elevation, sheltered to the east and west by steep hillsides (rain shadow), irrigated by snowmelt.

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12
Q

What are the provinces of Cuyo, from north to south?

A

La Rioja
San Juan
Mendoza

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13
Q

La Rioja: major subregions, natural features, elevation

A

Famatina Valley, Chilecito, Felipe Varela
Sierras de Velasco (west), Sierra de Famatina (east)
935-1700M

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14
Q

What is significant about San Juan? What is its major product?

A

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.

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15
Q

San Juan: Major Natural Features, Elevation

A

Andes, San Juan River (irrigates Tulum, Ullum, and Zonda, among others)
600-1350M

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16
Q

What is franco?

A

The local term for the alluvial soils of Mendoza.

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17
Q

What are the rivers of Mendoza?

A

Mendoza
Diamante
Tunuyan
Atuel

18
Q

What is geographically significant about the Uco Valley?

A

Highest elevation vineyards in Mendoza.

19
Q

What are the five sectors of Mendoza?

A

Northern, Central/Upper, Southern, Eastern, Uco Valley

20
Q

What are the subregions of Central Mendoza?

A

Godoy Cruz
Maipú
Luján de Cuyo DOC

21
Q

Luján de Cuyo: Subregions

A

Official: Agrelo, Las Compuertas
Unofficial: Ugarteche, Pedriel

22
Q

Maipú: Subregions

A

Barrancas, Lunlunta, El Paraiso, Russell (unofficial)

23
Q

What are the subregions of Uco Valley? Other than Malbec, what grapes are successful there?

A

Tupungato, Tunuyán, San Carlos (sub-subs La Consulta, Paraje Altamira)
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sémillon

24
Q

What and where is Gualtallary?

A

An unofficial subregion of Tupungato, 1500M high, stony, limestone soils. Star district.

25
Q

What are the departements of Southern Mendoza? What is the grape?

A

San Rafael DOC
General Alvear
Chenin Blanc

26
Q

What are the two DOC’s of Argentina? What are they authorized for?

A

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.

27
Q

What region lies between Mendoza and Río Negro?

A

La Pampa

28
Q

What are the winemaking provinces of Patagonia?

A

Chubut (20ha)
La Pampa
Río Negro
Neuquén

29
Q

Where is Jujuy IG? Climate, altitude, and what wines does it produce?

A

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.

30
Q

Where is Tucumán IG? Cimate, elevation, major grapes?

A

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

31
Q

What is the subregion of Tucumán?

A

Tafi

32
Q

Where is Valles Calchaquíes IG?

A

The North Region of Argentina, following the course of the Calchaqui River. Includes all departmental Igs of Salta, Catamarca, and Tucuman.

33
Q

Where is Córdoba Argentina IG? Subregions?

A

The “Center Region” - essentially east of the central provinces of Cuyo, opposite San Juan.
Colón (with Colonia Caroya district), Cruz del Eje, San Javier

34
Q

Which province is excluded from the traditional region of Cuyo (but included in “New Cuyo”)?

A

La Rioja

35
Q

What are the major subregions of San Juan?

A
Tulum
Zonda
Ullum
Calingasta
Pedernal
36
Q

What are the subregions of Northern Mendoza?

A

Lavalle
Las Heras
Guaymallén
(north to south)

37
Q

What are the subregions of Eastern Mendoza?

A
San Martín
Junín
Rivadavia
Santa Rosa
La Paz
(north to south, west to east)
38
Q

Which winemaking province of Patagonia is not officially an IG?

A

La Pampa

39
Q

What is the sole subregion of La Pampa?

A

25 de Mayo, on the border with Rio Negro

40
Q

What are the subregions of Neuquén IG?

A

Añelo

Confluencia

41
Q

Neuquen: Elevation, Natural Features

A

400-450M

Limay River, Neuquén River

42
Q

What are subregions of Río Negro IG?

A

(west to east)
General Roca (main)
Avellaneda
Pichimahuida (north), General Conesa (south)