D4.C19. Argentina Flashcards
When did sparkling wine production start in Argentina?
In 1959 from Moët & Chandon’s decision to base its first overseas subsidiary in Mendoza
How did the trend for sparkling wine production change in recent years
Overall production of sparkling wine in the country remained limited until recent years, since when there has been a rapid increase in production as other producers have entered the field
Which methods are used to produce sparkling wines in Argentina?
- Tank (mostly)
- Carbonation
- Traditional
What is the approximate number of wineries that are producing sparkling wines in Argentina?
160 wineries
Where are most of the wineries that are producing sparkling wines in Argentina located?
Majority in Mendoza and a few in Neuquén, Rio Negro and San Juan
Tasting notes for a tank method sparkling wine from Argentina?
Fruity and off-dry to medium-dry
What is the quality range for tank method sparkling wines of Argentina?
Acceptable to good quality
Which grape varieties are used for the traditional method sparkling wines in Argentina?
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Noir
Tasting notes for a traditional method sparkling wine from Argentina?
- Ripe apple and lemon fruit
- Light autolytic notes
- Made in a Brut style
What is the quality/price range for traditional method sparkling wines of Argentina?
- Good to very good in quality
- Mostly inexpensive, but some wines are mid- to premium-priced
Where are the grapes sourced for
a. Inexpensive carbonated or tank method
b. Higher quality
sparkling wines in Argentina?
a. Warm parts of Mendoza
b. Sub-regions such as Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley
Which properties of the regions make them ideal for the production of sparkling wines in Argentina?
- Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley: High altitude
- Neuquén and Rio Negro in Patagonia: Southerly latitude and high diurnal range (due to continentality)
Why is blending wines from different vineyard sites with slight differences in climate is often necessary for producing sparkling wines in Argentina?
To achieve a suitable base wine for sparkling wines
Do most of the wineries producing sparkling wines in Argentina produce or outsource the grapes?
Some wineries have their own vineyards, but many also rely on independent grape growers that sell their grapes
Which grape varieties are used to produce sparkling wines in Argentina?
- Pedro Giménes (predominant but decline over 10 years)
- Chardonnay (increase more than 30% in this century)
- Pinot Noir (increase nearly 80% in this century)
What are the main viticultural hazards in Argentina?
- Hail
- Spring frost
- Nematodes
Why is relatively little spraying is required against fungal diseases in Argentina?
Due to the dry climate
What are the properties of sparkling wines that are made with carbonation in Argentina?
- Inexpensive
- Made from Pedro Gimenés, Chenin Blanc and Semillion
- Carbonation is also used to produce sparkling wines with additional fruit flavourings, typically strawberry
What are the properties of sparkling wines that are made with tank method in Argentina?
- It is used for mid-priced products
- Made with a wide range of varieties, including Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
What are the properties of sparkling wines that are made with traditional method in Argentina?
- Mid-priced to premium wines
- Made from grapes sourced from the best sites
- Typically planted with Chardonnay and/or
Pinot Noir - Can be vintage or non-vintage
- Vast majority spend at least 12 months on the lees
Tasting notes for a traditional method sparkling wine from Argentina
- Ripe apple and lemon fruit
- Autolytic aromas
- Medium to medium (+) acidity
- Medium to medium (+) body
- Medium alcohol
- Great majority are white
How are the super-premium sparkling wines are produced in Argentina?
- Made with the selection of the best fruit
- Made with slightly longer time on lees than
other traditional method wines (e.g. 18 months)
What is the reason for the big boost for sparkling wine sector in the decade after 2005 in Argentina?
Removal of a domestic tax of 12% on sales in return for investment in sparkling wine by the industry by the national wine trade body
What is the percentage of domestic consumption for Argentinean sparkling wine?
The domestic market consumes virtually all Argentinian sparkling wine
What is the most popular style of sparkling wine in Argentina?
Most popular style is Seco (64 per cent), which in Argentina means less than 11g/L (equivalent to the upper end of Brut in the EU)
What are the leading companies producing sparkling wines?
- Moët Hennessy (includes Chandon and ‘Baron B’ brands)
- Llorente
- Mumm (part of Pernod Richard)
- Norton
What are the large European companies that have invested in Argentina to produce still and sparkling wines for the South
American market?
- Freixenet
- Sogrape (Finca Flichman)
