Grapes and wines of Argentina

Question 1

Describe the climate of Argentina and effect on grape growing

Answer 1

Most vineyards are close to the Andes in a series of irrigated oases within a desert.
Most are at high altitude (600m) except Río Negro and Neuquén. Highest reach 2000m or more around Cafayate = suitable cool sites despite proximity to equator
Historically, pergola training (parral) used to combat heat - lifted grapes away from searing heat from ground and shade from canopy from intense sunshine.
Torrontés grape is still frequently trained in pergola, but many vineyards are now planting grape varieties with vertical trellises (with some arrangement to shade)
In shadow of Andes, rainfall is extremely low: water drawn from rivers from mountains or subterranean aquifers. Flood irrigation was widespread but now drip irrigation is more common.
Spring frosts occasional problem, but summer hail is regular hazard e.g. Mendoza
Netting is used to protect, while more commonly producers own vineyards in multiple areas to manage risk.
Dry climate = low risk of rot or mildew. High practice of Organic growing.

Question 2

What is the flagship grape of Argentina? Describe the range of styles and blending partners

Answer 2

Malbec - largest plantings worldwide
Deeply-coloured, full-bodied wines, notes of black fruit and high levels of smooth tannins
More gentle extraction = more elegant
Most are matured in new oak, lending subtle spicy flavours
Regional differences in styles
Generally: lower altitude = fuller-bodied, richer black fruit. Higher altitude=elegant, fresher, floral aromas
Varietal or leading in blends with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot

Question 3

What is the second most planted variety of Argentina? Describe the range of styles with notable regions

Answer 3

Bonarda - mainly in Mendoza (S/E Maipu) and San Juan
Late ripening
Deeply coloured grapes, high acidity, tannin
High-yield: easy-drinking, medium to deep colour, fruity raspberry and blackberry aromas
Controlled-yield with full-ripening: greater concentration and structure

Question 4

What international black varieties are planted? Describe premium examples

Answer 4

Cabernet Sauvignon
Syrah
Merlot
Tempranillo
Pinot Noir
Premium wines show concentrated ripe fruit flavours, usually with toasty notes from oak

Question 5

What is considered to be the signature white grape variety of Argentina? Give examples of style and notable regions

Answer 5

Torrontés - Salta, La Rioja, San Juan, Mendoza (Uco Valley)
Best examples in higher altitudes: Cafayate - Salta Province
Intense fruity, floral perfume, medium body and acidity, flavours of stone fruit, melon
Aromatic - usually fermented in inert, temperature-controlled vessels, released from winery same year of harvest

Question 6

List international white varieties and style

Answer 6

Chardonnay - premium examples are matured in oak barrels with a proportion of new
Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Viognier
White variety with most plantings (albeit in decline) is Pedro Gimenez = cheap domestic wines

Question 7

What white variety has the greatest plantings?

Answer 7

Pedro Gimenez

Question 8

Describe how the GI system is divided in Argentina

Answer 8

Three broad regions (note only Patagonia is widely seen on labels), divided into provinces, divided into more specific departments

Question 9

Describe the landscape of Salta Province and corresponding wines produced

Answer 9

Some of the highest altitude vineyards in the world, up to 3km
Extreme climate = great purity and concentration
Torrontés produces highly aromatic wines e.g. Cafayate (large investment in region from Mendoza and some major European wine companies)
Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon

Question 10

Describe the landscape of La Rioja and corresponding wines produced

Answer 10

In Famatina valley - irrigated valley floors produce large volumes
Torrontés
Cabernet Sauvignon
Syrah
Bonarda

Question 11

Describe the landscape of San Juan Province and corresponding wines produced

Answer 11

Vineyards at 450-1400m (similar to Mendoza) 
High-quality Syrah
Malbec
Cabernet Sauvignon
Bonarda
Chardonnay
Viognier

Question 12

Describe the landscape of Mendoza

Answer 12

Desert conditions, Andes mountains and Argentine Pampas shelter from rain
Often blend grapes from different divisions (Northern, Eastern, Central, Uco Valley, Southern)

Question 13

Describe the landscape of Patagonia and corresponding wines produced

Answer 13

Río Negro and Neuquén Provinces
200-250m altitudes - so cooling influence is latitude.
Strong desert winds
Low rainfall and wide diurnal range = low disease
Long daylight hours, cool nights = concentrated but fresh fruit flavours, medium to high acidity
Premium examples of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Malbec and Merlot in Río Negro

Question 14

What sort of wine is produced in Northern and Eastern Mendoza?

Answer 14

High-volume inexpensive wine, irrigation from Mendoza river

Question 15

Describe Central Mendoza landscape and wine styles

Answer 15

Known for high-quality wines (most famous producers)
Notable departments: Luján de Cuyo, Maipú

Luján de Cuyo produces very fine Malbec from old vines grown at high altitudes (900-1100m)

Maipú = lower altitudes and warmer, produces Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon. NOTE Eastern and lower parts produce high-volume inexpensive wines but ALSO old-vine Bonarda and Tempranillo

Question 16

Describe the Uco Valley landscape and corresponding wine styles

Answer 16

Highest altitude in Mendoza = high quality fruit retaining acidity and fresh fruit, sometimes with floral notes.
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Torrontés, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot.

Pinot Noir can be grown in coolest sites in Tupungato department.

Question 17

Describe Southern Mendoza landscape and corresponding wine styles

Answer 17

Low altitude relative to the rest of Mendoza, but is cool because of southerly latitude.
Notable region is San Rafael department - most significant plantings of Chenin Blanc in Argentina.