Argentina - Patagonia Region

Question 1

Where is the Patagonia region?

Answer 1

700km South of Mendoza 38-39ºS

Question 2

Why is it so different to the north?

Answer 2

highest vineyards around 400m

Question 3

Latitude effect?

Answer 3

higher latitude = lower temperatures, sunlight less intense, growing season is longer

Question 4

Rain in Patagonia?

Answer 4

less than 20cm a year = irrigation is essential

Question 5

Patagonia has a growing reputation for what?
Which grapes
Which is most planted grape?

Answer 5

High Quality wines
Pinot Noir
Cab Franc
Merlot
Semillon
Chardonnay
Riesling
Most planted still Malbec

Question 6

wind?

Answer 6

Constant winds, esp in Neuquen blow across arid Patagonia plateau, can disrupt flowing and cause damage
Poplar trees planted to shelter vines

Question 7

Where is Rio Negro province?
Vine age? grape?
climate influence?
effect on grapes

Answer 7

In Patagonia
along Rio Negro Valley
Old Vine - Semillon, P Noir, Malbec
cooling influence from Latitude + strong desert winds, low rainfall = low disease
Long daylight hours and cool nights (wide diurnal range) = wines with concentrated fresh fruit flavours, med-high acidity.

Question 8

What other grapes?
Quality?

Answer 8

Sav Blanc, P Noir, Malbec, Merlot, Reisling
Can produce elegant, well-balance wines

Question 9

Describe Neuquen province
size?
water?
style of wine
grapes?

Answer 9

Relatively new wine-producing region
small number of vineyards, close to Neuquen River
warmer, riper style of wine with
Malbec, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Sav Blanc