C37 - Argentina Flashcards
Describe the general locations of most of Argentina’s vineyards
They lie close to the Andes in a series of irrigated oases in what is otherwise desert
Over what range are the vineyards of Argentina spread?
More than 1500km
Between where and where are the vineyards of Argentina spread?
From Salta in the north to Río Negro and Neuquén in the Patagonia
Describe altitude in Argentina’s vineyards
What are the notable exceptions?
Most vineyards lie 600m or above sea level
With the exception of Río Negro and Neuquén
Where is Salta?
Close to the town of Cafayate in the far north of Argentina
Where are the highest vineyards in Argentina? How high are they?
Salta
They regularly extend to 2000m or more
What is it about Argentina’s high vineyards that makes the country unique?
It allows for suitably cool sites to be found close to the equator
How were Argentinian vineyards historically planted? Why?
In the Pergola system
Due to the heat
What is the pergola system known as in Argentina?
Parral
Why was the pergola system needed in the heat of Argentina?
Lifted grapes away from searing heat close to the ground
Provided shade for the grapes as they hung beneath the leaf canopy
For which grape in Argentina is parral still commonly used?
Torrontés
How are many black grapes NOW grown in Argentina?
Using vertical trellises (though the canopies still need to shade the fruit from the intense fruit)
What is rainfall like in Argentina?
Extremely low (in the rain shadow of the Andes)
How is drought commonly treated in the vineyards of Argentina?
Traditionally, flood irrigation was widespread, but drip irrigation is more common in newer vineyards now
Where does water for irrigation come from in Argentina?
Rivers flowing down from mountains
Subterranean aquifers
Describe and explain irrigation in Argentina
Flood irrigation was widespread, but drip irrigation is more common in newer vineyards as it uses scarce water more efficiently
Besides drought, which other seasonal problems are a threat in Argentina?
Spring Frosts
Summer hail
Of seasonal problems in Argentina, which is the biggest threat/problem?
Summer hail
Where in Argentina is summer hail the biggest problem?
Mendoza
How do most producers in Mendoza deal with the threat of summer hail? What is the disadvantage of this?
They use netting to protect their vines
The expense
What is the traditional method of risk management for grape-growers in Argentina? Why will this remain in practice?
To own vineyards in several different areas
It brings considerable advantages at the blending stage
To which viticultural problems is Argentina generally not susceptible? Why?
Rot or mildew
The dry climate
What is Argentina’s role in ethical winemaking?
It’s an important producer of organically grown grapes
What is the flagship grape variety of Argentina?
Malbec
How significant is Malbec in Argentina?
It has the largest plantings of the grape worldwide
Describe the overall style of Malbec in Argentina
Full-bodied
Deeply coloured
Black fruit
High levels of smooth tannins
What is the new style of Malbec in Argentina? How is it produced?
More elegant
Using gentler methods of extraction
What is the role of oak in Argentinian Malbec?
It is used for most high-quality Malbecs in Argentina
What is the effect of oak in Argentina’s premium Malbecs?
It lends subtle, spicy flavours
Where is Malbec grown in Argentina? What is the result on the flavour?
It has been grown in every wine-producing area of Argentina
Regional differences can be noticed in the wines
Describe the differences which can be noticed in Malbec based on where it’s grown in Argentina
When made at lower altitude, they’re fuller bodied with richer black fruit
When made at higher altitude, they tend to be more elegant, displaying fresher more floral aromas
How may Malbec be used in blended wines?
It can play a leading role in some premium blends
With which varieties is Malbec most commonly blended?
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Cabernet Franc and/or Petit Verdot
What is the second most planted variety in Argentina?
Bonarda
Describe Bonarda’s general characteristics
Late ripening
Deeply coloured
High acidity
High tannins
Describe the two major styles of Bonarda in Argentina
At high yields: Easy drinking wines, medium to deep colour and fruity raspberry and blackberry aromas
Controlled yields and proper ripening: Greater concentration and structure
Where is Bonarda mainly grown?
Argentina, in Mendoza and San Juan
Besides Malbec and Bonarda, which other black varieties are widely planted?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot
Smaller volumes of Tempranillo and Pinot Noir
What traits do premium reds of Argentina tend to share in common?
Concentrated ripe fruit flavours, usually with toasty notes from oak
What is often seen as Argentina’s signature white variety?
Torrontés
Where is Torrontés widely planted?
In Argentina, in Salta, La Rioja, San Juan and Mendoza
Where do many of the best examples of Torrontés come from in Argentina?
High-altitude vineyards in the Cafayate region of Salta Province