Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

WSET Level 3 in Wines - Thirsty and Wise > Argentina - WSET L3 in Wines > Flashcards

Argentina - WSET L3 in Wines Flashcards

1
Q

How are Argentina’s wine regions influenced by geography?

A

Most vineyards are near the Andes, benefiting from altitude and dry desert conditions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are Argentina’s signature grape varieties?

A

Malbec for red and Torrontés for white.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is the altitude range of Argentina’s vineyards?

A

Most are above 600 meters, with some in Salta reaching over 2,000 meters.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

How does altitude influence Argentine wines?

A

Cooler temperatures at higher altitudes preserve acidity, enhance freshness, and add aromatic intensity.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

How do Argentine vineyards manage low rainfall?

A

Irrigation systems use water from Andes-fed rivers or subterranean aquifers.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What are the main climatic risks in Argentina?

A

Spring frosts and summer hail, which can damage vines and reduce yields.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What are the characteristics of Malbec from Argentina?

A

Deeply colored, full-bodied, with black fruit flavors, smooth tannins, and floral notes at higher altitudes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Where is Torrontés primarily grown?

A

Salta, especially in Cafayate, producing aromatic wines with floral and stone fruit notes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What are the characteristics of Bonarda?

A

Deep color, high acidity, and tannins, with fruity raspberry and blackberry flavors.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Which international black varieties are widely planted in Argentina?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the main use of Pedro Gimenez in Argentina?

A

For low-quality wines aimed at the domestic market.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the traditional vine training system in Argentina?

A

Pergola (parral), used to lift grapes away from the heat and provide shade.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is the modern vine training system in Argentina?

A

Vertical trellising, improving airflow and canopy management.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

How has irrigation evolved in Argentina?

A

Drip irrigation is replacing flood irrigation to use water more efficiently.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is Argentina’s wine classification system?

A

Geographical Indication (GI), with divisions into provinces and departments.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

How is blending used in Argentina’s wine production?

A

Grapes from different regions are blended to combine diverse characteristics.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is Salta known for in viticulture?

A

Home to some of the world’s highest vineyards, over 3,000 meters.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What are the main grape varieties in Salta?

A

Torrontés (white) and Malbec, with high purity and concentration.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is the key growing area in La Rioja?

A

The Famatina Valley.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is La Rioja’s specialty?

A

Torrontés, along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Bonarda.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What distinguishes San Juan from other regions?

A

Hotter and more arid, with altitudes ranging from 450 to 1,400 meters.

22
Q

What is San Juan particularly noted for?

A

High-quality Syrah.

23
Q

Why is Mendoza significant in Argentina’s wine industry?

A

It produces the majority of Argentina’s wine, with diverse sub-regions.

24
Q

What are the five divisions of Mendoza?

A

Northern, Eastern, Central, Uco Valley, and Southern Mendoza.

25
Q

What is Luján de Cuyo known for?

A

Premium Malbec from old vines, with soft tannins and sweet spice.

26
Q

What distinguishes Maipú?

A

Known for Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, with some high-volume production areas.

27
Q

What makes Uco Valley unique?

A

High-altitude vineyards (900–1,500 meters), producing fresh, aromatic wines.

28
Q

What is grown in Southern Mendoza?

A

Chenin Blanc and cooler-climate varieties due to its southerly location.

29
Q

What are the key provinces in Patagonia?

A

Río Negro and Neuquén.

30
Q

How does latitude influence Patagonia wines?

A

Cool nights and long daylight hours result in fresh, concentrated wines.

31
Q

What grape varieties are prominent in Patagonia?

A

Malbec, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc.

32
Q

How are premium Malbecs typically aged?

A

In new oak barrels, lending subtle spicy flavors.

33
Q

How is Torrontés typically fermented?

A

In inert vessels to preserve its floral and fruity aromas.

34
Q

What are the characteristics of high-altitude Malbec?

A

Fresher, more floral, with higher acidity and lighter body.

35
Q

What is the major climatic risk in Argentina?

A

Summer hail, which can damage vines and reduce yields.

36
Q

How do producers mitigate the risk of hail?

A

Use of protective netting or vineyard diversification across regions.

37
Q

Why is Argentina suited for organic viticulture?

A

The dry climate reduces the risk of rot and mildew, minimizing the need for chemical treatments.

38
Q

How does drip irrigation promote sustainability?

A

Conserves water and ensures efficient delivery directly to vine roots.

39
Q

How long is Argentina’s wine-growing region?

A

It spans 1,500 km, from Salta in the north to Patagonia in the south.

40
Q

What are the characteristics of Bonarda wines?

A

Deep color, high acidity, soft tannins, and flavors of blackberry and raspberry, often used for easy-drinking reds.

41
Q

Name three other white grape varieties grown in Argentina besides Torrontés.

A

Chardonnay, Viognier, Sémillon, Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc.

42
Q

What is the Geographical Indication (GI) system in Argentina?

A

A classification system that identifies specific regions, provinces, and departments for wine production.

43
Q

Which areas in Mendoza focus on high-volume production?

A

The Northern and Eastern Mendoza regions, growing grapes for inexpensive bulk wines.

44
Q

What defines Central Mendoza as a wine region?

A

It includes prestigious departments like Luján de Cuyo and Maipú, producing high-quality wines at altitudes of 800–1,100 meters.

45
Q

How does altitude influence Uco Valley wines in Mendoza?

A

High-altitude vineyards (900–1,500 meters) produce fresh, aromatic wines with high acidity and fine tannins.

46
Q

What are the key climatic factors in Patagonia?

A

Cooler temperatures, strong winds, and long daylight hours because of higher latitude, wide diurnal range, creating fresh, concentrated wines.

47
Q

What is the altitude range of vineyards in Patagonia?

A

Typically 200–300 meters, benefiting from cooler nights and balanced ripening.

48
Q

What grape varieties thrive in Patagonia?

A

Pinot Noir, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, and Merlot.

49
Q

Why is Malbec significant across Argentina’s regions?

A

It adapts well to diverse climates and altitudes, producing a wide range of styles.

50
Q

How does the GI system help Argentine wines?

A

Provides regional identity and helps differentiate wines based on geography and terroir.

WSET Level 3 in Wines - Thirsty and Wise (45 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions