Argentine Flashcards

1
Q

What is the main natural feature of Argentina wine country?

A

Andes Mountains

Most vineyards are at high altitude (600+ meters), some as high as 2000m above the sea level.

The Andes create a rain shadow in Argentina.

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2
Q

What are the two signature varieties of Argentina?

A

White: Torrontés
Red: Malbec

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3
Q

What is the distance between the northernmost and the southernmost vineyards of Argentina?

A

1,500 Km separate Salta province and Neuquén in Patagonia.

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4
Q

The Salta province in Argentina is located at a latitude inhospitable (read: too hot) for grape growing.

How do Argentinian wine growers produce wine in this region?

A

By growing their vines at very high altitudes.

Most vineyards are planted at least 2,000m asl. Some of the highest vineyards in the world are located on near the town of Cafayate, rising over 3,000m above sea level.

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5
Q

What is the local name for the pergola system in Argentina?

A

Parral

Situated high off the ground, the canopy protects clusters from the hot sun and ensures shade for the grapes.

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6
Q

What grape variety is still grown using the Parral trellising system?

A

Torrontés

Today most black/red grapes are trellised using VSP (Vertical Shoot Positioning)

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7
Q

Is the rainfall in Argentina high or low?
Are vine growers allowed to irrigate their vineyards?

A

Rainfall in Argentina is low thanks to the rain shadow of the Andes.
Yes, irrigation is a must in Argentina. Luckily there is plenty of snowmelt which is used in spring and early summer flood irrigation.

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8
Q

What forms of irrigation are used in Argentina?

A

Flood irrigation - water comes from mountain rivers or underground aquifers; used to be more common but is less so today;
Drip irrigation - more efficient and easier to control throughout parcels; more common in newer vineyards.

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9
Q

What are the weather hazards facing Argentinian vineyards?

A

Spring Frost
Summer Hail - a lot of producers use netting to protect their vineyards

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10
Q

What is the benefit of Argentina’s lack of rain and arid climate?

A

Low fungal disease pressure

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11
Q

What are the 3 most planted red varieties in Argentina?

A

Malbec (most planted)
Bonarda (second most planted)
Cabernet Sauvignon

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12
Q

What is the most planted white grape variety in Argentina?

A

Pedro Gimenez

Not related to Pedro Ximénez of Spain.

Pedro Gimenez is best known for producing grocery store wine.

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13
Q

What system does Argentina use to classify their wines?

A

Argentina uses a GI system.

Three big regions in Argentina are divided into provinces and then departments.

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14
Q

What are the 4 most important wine production provinces of Argentina?

A

Mendoza (most important)
San Juan (2nd most important)
La Rioja Province (3rd most important)
Salta (highest elevation)

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15
Q

What is the northernmost province or region of production in Argentina?

A

Salta province – it’s near the Bolivian border

Salta has some of the highest elevation vineyards in the world.

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16
Q

Some of the best examples of Argentinean Torrontés come from high-elevation vineyards in this department located within this Province.

A
17
Q

What is the third largest area of production of Argentina?

A
18
Q

What is the principal vineyard area in La Rioja Province?

A
19
Q

What wine province is located between Mendoza and La Rioja Province?

A
20
Q

What are the most planted varieties of San Juan?

A
21
Q

What are the 5 subregions of Mendoza?

A
22
Q

What is the name of the river that flows through Northern and Eastern Mendoza?

A
23
Q

What are the 2 most important GIs of the Central Mendoza region?

A
24
Q

Which is higher altitude: Luján de Cuyo or Maipú?

A
25
Q

Which Mendoza subregion has the highest altitude vineyards?

A
26
Q

What is the department within Uco Valley that is producing higher quality wines?

A
27
Q

What is the southernmost wine region of Argentina?

A
28
Q

Name the two provinces of Patagonia.

A
29
Q

Why do the wines of Patagonia display such freshness, intensity and bright acidity?

A
30
Q

What grape varieties have significant plantings in Argentina’s Patagonia wine region?

A