Argentina - Mendoza Flashcards
Describe Mendoza
Size
vineyard area vs Arg
Where planted?
DOC GIs?
Largest wine producing province in Arg
75% of total vineyard area in Mendoza
Extending into foothills of Andesed
Mendoza has the only 2 DOCs, many GIs vs other region
List the 5 different Divisions of Mendoza
1) Northern
2) Eastern
3) Central
4) Uco Valley (Valle de Uco)
5) Southern
What grape dominates Mendoza?
Plantings increased %?
Malbec
plantings doubled since 2000
Describe Northern/Eastern Mendoza
situated on the plains of the Mendoza River valley, low areas 500-700m, water for irrigation from Mendoza River
Warm conditions plus irrigation = hi volume inexpensive wine.
Some lower-yielding vines for quality wines from Tempranillo and Bonarda
Describe Central Mendoza
aka PRIMERA ZONA
Longest history of producing hi quality wine in Argentina
Leading producers base themselves here
Vineyards 600-1,100m = different grapes = different wines
1) Malbec 2) Cab Sav 3) Syrah 4) Temp
Most prestigious wine-producing departments 1) Luyán de Cuyo 2) Maipú
Describe Luyán de Cuyo
location
Malbec %?
South west of city of Mendoza
higher half of PRIMERA ZONA
50% planted with Malbec
Describe DOC Luyán de Cuyo
Ageing criteria?
First DOC in ARGENTINA
Wines must be aged min 24m, at least 12m in Oak
GI Luyán de Cuyo
small level district GIs
including Las Compuertas (highest)
Agrelo (lower clay soil)
describe Las Compuertas
grapes?
style?
white?
highest vineyard
fruit, FB reds from Malbec + Bdx varieties
med+ acidity (hi diurnal range)
firm tannins
potential for ageing
premium prices
Also elegant Chardonnays
Describe Agrelo
quality?
white?
lower clay soils
riper red wines
good and outstanding examples
structure for ageing
plus Semillon - fruity FB
Describe Maipú
location
altitude?
Tasting note
lies to east of Luyán de Cuyo to the south and east of Mendoza city
900 down to 600m east
warmer sites
Large population of OLD VINES =
Malbecs
intensely fruity
FB higher alc
softer tannins vs elsewhere in Mendoza
Describe Uco Valley
location
altitude, effect on growing
sunshine effect?
Grape?
investment?
in the foothills of Andes
highest vineyards in Mendoza 850-1,500m
Hi Altitude = cooler temperature = hi diurnal range = slower ripening
Intense sunshine = deep colour, ripe tannins
Malbec dominates
cool climate = good for whites
Investment = modern and technologically advanced vineyards, drip irrigation
Describe GI Val de Uco
Covers 3 Departments:
1) Tupungato
2) Tunuyán
3) San Carlos
Describe Tupungato
red style/grapes?
white style/grapes?
Most northerly and highest
foot of Tupungao Volcano
Produces fresh FB red from Malbec, Cab Sav, Cab Franc, Pinot Noir
Crisp elegant whites
Most recognised district of Tupungato?
describe vineyards?
increasingly recognised for?
What soil?
Malbec style?
Gualtallary.
Long narrow strip 1,100 1,600m alt
High quality distinctive and complex wines, red and white
Distinctive limestone soils
lighter body, higher acidity, red and black fruit + herbal flavour
