Argentina Growing Environment and Grape Growing climate

Question 1

How big is Argentina’s main wine-producing region?

Answer 1

1,500 km from Salta to Rio Negro in the south approx 24-38ºS

Question 2

Where are the majority of the vineyards planted?

Answer 2

in the foothills of the Andes, in the West

Question 3

what altitude are the majority of vineyards planted?

Answer 3

lowest around 500m, many above 1000m
highest at over 3000m (Salta)

Question 4

Where is the exception for lower altitude sites?

Answer 4

Patagonia - Rio Negro and Neuquén

Question 5

How does the Andes affect the climate?
However…?

Answer 5

Andes provide a rain shadow, rainfall is extremely low, but waters can be drawn from rivers from mountains.

Question 6

Describe Irrigation in Argentina

Answer 6

Flood irrigation is widespread, but drip irrigation becoming more common

Question 7

Frost? Bigger risk?

Answer 7

Spring frost can be a problem but Hail is the biggest risk, esp in Mendoza, can use netting

Question 8

Organic?

Answer 8

Dry climate means few problems with rot/mildew, important producer for organic grape growing

Question 9

What is the key effect of altitude?

Answer 9

Wide diurnal temperature - up to 20℃ in many places

Question 10

What does the cooler night-time temperatures do?

Answer 10

extend growing season, allow grapes to retain acidity and aromas

Question 11

Sunlight?

Answer 11

combination of low latitude and high altitude = intense sunlight, high proportion of UV radiation = higher level of tannins and anthocyanins.

Question 12

What is the climate in Argentina?

Answer 12

Most areas have a Continental climate

Question 13

Rainfall?

Answer 13

Very low due to rain shadow of Andes, irrigation essential

Question 14

Wind?

Answer 14

Zonda - hot powerful wind in late spring/early summer = lower humidity, can induce water stress on vines, can reduce yields

Question 15

What is used to help with wind?

Answer 15

planting of poplar trees

Question 16

Other weather risk?

Answer 16

Hail - constant threat, can severely reduce yields, can be expensive to cover with netting, some only prized sites netted

Question 17

Describe El Nino
2016 effect?

Answer 17

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

Question 18

Soils in Argentina?
texture (3)?

Answer 18

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

Question 19

What is the effect of climate on the soils?
Effect on vines?

Answer 19

Low organic matter of decomposed flora/fauna = particularly poor soil
Poor soil optimum for naturally low-yielding vines and hi quality viticulture

Question 20

What key notes have been observed about soils in Argentina?
3 areas? effect on wine?

Answer 20

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