Chapter 37 - Argentina

Question 1

What are some key climactic factors impacting the vineyards of Argentina?

Answer 1

• Most vineyards lie close to the Andes
• Most vineyards lie 600 meters or more above sea level, with some as far as 2000 meter
• Rain shadow of the Andes
• Spring frosts are an occasional problem
• Summer hail is a regular hazard, particularly in Mendoza.

Question 2

What is a traditional trellising system used in Argentina?

Answer 2

Parral - aka Pergola system, used to lift the grapes away from the searing heat close to the ground, and with grapes hanging down below the leaf canopy, also provided some shade from the intense sunshine.

Question 3

What are the key Black grape varieties of Argentina?

Answer 3

Malbec
Bonarda
Cabernet Sauvignon
Syrah
Merlot

Question 4

What are the key white grape varieties of Argentina?

Answer 4

Torrontes
Chardonnay
Pedro Gimenez

Question 5

What are some of the key winemaking provinces of Argentina?

Answer 5

Salta Province
La Rioja Province
San Juan Province
Mendoza Province
Patagonia Region

Question 6

Torrontes is the dominant grape where within the Salta Province?

Answer 6

Cafayate Region

Question 7

Which department within the Mendoza Province has a reputation for producing very fine Malbec?

Answer 7

Lujan de Cuyo

Question 8

In which department of Mendoza Province do Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon perform particularly well?

Answer 8

Maipu Department

Question 9

Where are the highest vineyards in Mendoza?

Answer 9

The Uco Valley

Question 10

What is considered Argentina’s signature variety?

Answer 10

Torrontes