Argentine Flashcards
What is the main natural feature of Argentina wine country?
Andes Mountains
Most of Argentina’s vineyards lie close to the Andes, in a series of irrigated oases in what is otherwise desert.
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.
What are the two signature varieties of Argentina?
White: Torrontés
Red: Malbec
What is the distance between the northernmost and the southernmost vineyards of Argentina?
1,500 Km separate Salta province and Neuquén in Patagonia.
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?
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.
What is the local name for the pergola system in Argentina?
Parral
Situated high off the ground, the canopy protects clusters from the hot sun and ensures shade for the grapes.
What grape variety is still grown using the Parral trellising system?
Torrontés
Today most black/red grapes are trellised using VSP (Vertical Shoot Positioning)
Is the rainfall in Argentina high or low?
Are vine growers allowed to irrigate their vineyards?
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.
What forms of irrigation are used in Argentina?
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.
What are the weather hazards facing Argentinian vineyards?
Spring Frost
Summer Hail - a lot of producers use netting to protect their vineyards.
What is the benefit of Argentina’s lack of rain and arid climate?
Low fungal disease pressure
What are the 3 most planted red varieties in Argentina?
Malbec (most planted)
Bonarda (second most planted)
Cabernet Sauvignon
then Syrah, Merlot, and some Pinot Noir / tempranillo
Premium wines tend to show concentrated ripe fruit flavours, usually
with toasty notes from oak.
What is the usual style of an Argentinian malbec?
Deeply coloured, full-bodied wines with notes of black fruit and often high levels of smooth tannins.
A number of winemakers are now extracting more gently in the winery to create more elegant styles.
Most high-quality Malbecs are matured in new oak, lending subtle spicy flavours.
Lower altitudes: fuller-bodied, with richer black fruit .
Higher altitude: more elegant, displaying fresher, more floral aromas.
Malbec is mostly produced as a varietal + leading role in some premium blends (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and/or Petit Verdot)
What style for a Bonarda Argentinian wine?
Late ripening variety, deeply coloured grapes with high acidity and tannins.
- high yields easy-drinking wines with medium to deep colour and
fruity raspberry and blackberry aromas.
- When yields are controlled and the fruit is allowed to ripen fully, it can produce wines of greater concentration and structure.
It is mainly grown in Mendoza and San Juan
What is the most planted white grape variety in Argentina?
Pedro Gimenez
Not related to Pedro Ximénez of Spain.
Pedro Gimenez is best known for producing cheap grocery store wine.
Besides Torrontes (in Salta, La Rioja, San Juan and Mendoza) and Pedro Gimenez, what other white varieties are grown?
Chardonnay is widely planted and made in a range of styles. Premium wines tend to be matured in oak barrels, a proportion of which is often new.
Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Viognier
