Argentina Growing Environment and Grape Growing climate Flashcards
How big is Argentina’s main wine-producing region?
1,500 km from Salta to Rio Negro in the south approx 24-38ºS
Where are the majority of the vineyards planted?
in the foothills of the Andes, in the West
what altitude are the majority of vineyards planted?
lowest around 500m, many above 1000m
highest at over 3000m (Salta)
Where is the exception for lower altitude sites?
Patagonia - Rio Negro and Neuquén
How does the Andes affect the climate?
However…?
Andes provide a rain shadow, rainfall is extremely low, but waters can be drawn from rivers from mountains.
Describe Irrigation in Argentina
Flood irrigation is widespread, but drip irrigation becoming more common
Frost? Bigger risk?
Spring frost can be a problem but Hail is the biggest risk, esp in Mendoza, can use netting
Organic?
Dry climate means few problems with rot/mildew, important producer for organic grape growing
What is the key effect of altitude?
Wide diurnal temperature - up to 20℃ in many places
What does the cooler night-time temperatures do?
extend growing season, allow grapes to retain acidity and aromas
Sunlight?
combination of low latitude and high altitude = intense sunlight, high proportion of UV radiation = higher level of tannins and anthocyanins.
What is the climate in Argentina?
Most areas have a Continental climate
Rainfall?
Very low due to rain shadow of Andes, irrigation essential
Wind?
Zonda - hot powerful wind in late spring/early summer = lower humidity, can induce water stress on vines, can reduce yields
What is used to help with wind?
planting of poplar trees
Other weather risk?
Hail - constant threat, can severely reduce yields, can be expensive to cover with netting, some only prized sites netted
Describe El Nino
2016 effect?
Argentina is affected by El Niño despite Andes protection.
Occurs every 2-10 yrs, much higher rainfall and hailstorms
= crop damage, disease risk and reduce harvest.
2016 reduction of 25% of grapes across the country, 40% in Mendoza
Soils in Argentina?
texture (3)?
most vineyards on alluvial soils deposited by rivers flowing down from andes
Higher Alt = calcareous deposits
Middle area = gravel & sand
Lower area = deep loamy clay
What is the effect of climate on the soils?
Effect on vines?
Low organic matter of decomposed flora/fauna = particularly poor soil
Poor soil optimum for naturally low-yielding vines and hi quality viticulture
What key notes have been observed about soils in Argentina?
3 areas? effect on wine?
Subtle differences in texture and composition of soil affects flavours and characteristics of the wine.
Deposits of Calcareous soils identified as areas such as
1) Gualtallary - Tupungato, Val de Uco, long narrow strip, hi quality distinctive Malbec wines
2) Paraje Altamira - San Carlos, Val de Uso, alluvial fan = intense FB Malbec hi acid, able to age
3) GI Pedernal Valley, San Juan Province, Syrah, hi acid, hi tannins, fresher fruit flavour = structure to age well
