Argentina (South America) Flashcards
Argentina is what rank in worldly wine production?
5th
Argentina is South America’s largest wine producing region. True or False?
True
Who helped revitalizes vineyards in Argentina towards the end of the 19th century?
Italian and Spanish immigrants.
Where is Argentina located?
Eastern side of the Andes Mountains.
What effect do the Andes Mountains have on Argentina?
They create a rain shadow which offers protection from westerly winds/storms.
Creates a very dry, arid climate.
What is the climate in Argentina?
Very dry and arid.
Major diurnal swings between day/night.
Caused by a rain shadow (Andes).
Where are most of Argentina’s vineyards planted?
In the front range of the Andes at an average altitude of 3,000 feet above sea level.
What is the key to the success of viticulture in Argentina?
Elevation.
What are the main grape varietals of Argentina?
Torrontes (white)
Malbec, Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah (red)
What is the benefit of the dry, low humidity climate in Argentina?
Keeps vineyards free of fungal problems.
Snowmelt from the Andes provides plentiful water which is essential for _____ in Argentina?
Irrigation.
What is a frequent hazard for the vineyards in Argentina and how is it prevented?
Hail.
Producers employ hail nets to protect vines.
What are the Zonda?
Brutal winds that blow down from the Andes in late spring/early summer.
The wind can affect flowering of vines.
What is the Regional Wine Law of Argentina?
IGs (Indicaciones Geograficas)
DOC’s (Denominacion de Origen Controlada)
IGs (Indicaciones Geograficas)
Regions that are demarcated by political or geographical boundaries.
(Similar to AVAs)
DOC’s (Denominacion de Origen Controlada)
Specifies grape varieties, viticultural practices, and aging requirements.
(Similar to European appellation systems)
What are the important appellations of Argentina?
Salta IG
Mendoza IG
Patagonia IG
Where is Salta located?
Northernmost wine region in Argentina.
What is the climate in Salta?
Generally warm, but much cooler at higher elevations.
What are the main grape varietals of Salta?
Torrontes (white)
Malbec (red)
Which region is home to some of the highest altitude vine plantings in the world?
Salta @ almost 10,000 feet.
What is an important sub-region of Salta?
Cafayate IG
What is the climate like in Mendoza?
Continental and arid.
Elevation dependent.
What grapes are grown in Mendoza?
Malbec (reds)
What is the largest viticultural region in Argentina?
Mendoza
Where are a majority of Argentina’s vineyards planted?
Between 2,000 and 4,000 feet.
What method of irrigation is used in Argentina?
Traditional furrow or floor techniques.
The use of water from rivers directed through vineyards in channels.
Drop irrigation increasingly used.
How are many of the wines in Argentina aged?
New French or American oak barrels.
What are the important sub-regions of Mendoza?
Lujan de Cuyo DOC
Uco Valley IG
What is the climate of Patagonia?
Notably cool with some of Argentina’s southernmost vineyards.
What are the major grape varietals grown in Patagonia?
Torrontes (white)
Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir (reds)
Name a PRO and a CON for how the Zonda affects viticulture in Mendoza.
PRO: Prevents mold/mildew/fungal diseases from affecting the vines.
CON: It can affect the flowering of vines.
What is the primary red grape of Argentina?
Malbec
