L3 - Argentina - Chapter 37 Flashcards
What is the climate and geography of Argentina?
Argentina lies close to the Andes mountains at a high altitude.
Vineyards are spread over 1500 kilometers from the province of Salta in the north to Rio Negro and Neuquen in Patagonia.
Most vineyards lie 600 meters above sea level (near town of Cafayate) -allowing for sites cool enough to be found near the Equator.
Dry climate. Rainfall is a big problem here, as the vineyards are in the rain shadow of the Andes mountains.
What techniques are commonly used for grape growing and vineyard management in Argentina?
Most vineyards were historically planted using the pergola system (known locally as parral).
The parral system allows grapes to be lifted from the heat (which is closer to the ground) and leaf canopies provide shade.
Although parral is still commonly used for Torrontes grapes, many vineyards of black grapes now plant using vertical trellising so that grapes can be shielded from intense sunshine.
Due to low rainfall, flood irrigation is widespread but drip irrigation which is more efficient, is becoming more common.
Organic farming is common.
What are the biggest risks to grapes in Argentina?
How is this mitigated?
Spring frosts (which is an occasional problem)
Summer hails (which is regular)
Hail is mitigated with netting (which is expensive).
Vineyards are also grown on different parcels of land in different areas to protect against these risks and allow for advantages at blending stage.
What are the primary black grape varieties in Argentina?
- Malbec
-Bonarda
-Cabernet Sauvignon
-Syrah
-Merlot
Describe the styles of Argentinian Malbec.
How does altitude play a role?
Malbec (Argentina)
-Flagship variety
-Argentina has the largest plantings of it in the world
Typical characteristics:
-deeply colored
-full-bodied
-Notes of blackfruit
-high levels of smooth tannins
-High quality Malbec matured in oak to add subtle spicy flavors
-flavors depending on altitude
Lower altitude:
-fuller bodied
-richer black fruit
Higher altitude:
-more elegant
-displaying fresher & more floral aromas
For more elegant styles, winemakers are using more gentle extraction techniques
Typically produced as a varietal but can be used in high quality blends
Describe the styles of Argentinian Bonarda.
How does yield play a role?
Bonarda is the 2nd most planted varietal
Typical characteristics:
-late ripening
-deep color
-high acidity
-high tannins
-flavors depend on yields
When at a high yield flavors produces:
-easy drinking wines
-med to deep color
-fruit raspberry & blackberry aromas
When at “controlled” yield flavors produce:
-fruit ripens more fully,
greater concentration and structure
mostly grown in Mendoza and San Juan.
What are the primary white grape varieties in Argentina?
Torrontes
Chardonnay
Describe the Torrontes varietal.
How is it typically fermented?
When is it meant to be drunk?
Torrontes is Argentina’s signature white varietal
-planted in La Salta, La Rioja, San Juan and Mendoza
-high altitude vineyards have best examples
Typical characteristics:
-fruity,
-floral, perfumey
-med body
-med acidity
-flavors of stone fruit and melon
Typically fermeneted in inert, temperature controlled vessels
meant to drink young in the year of harvest.
Where is the Salta province and what wine is it known for?
The Salta province is the most northernly vineyard in Argentina, border of Bolivia.
Some of the highest altitude vineyards in the world.
-Extreme climate produces wines of great purity and concentration
Torrontes is the dominant grape, producing high quality aromatic wines.
Where is the La Rioja province and what is it known for?
La Rioja Argentina is the 3rd largest area of production
Large volumes of grapes can be grown on the irrigated valley floors
Torrontes, Cab Sauv, Syrah and Bonarda
Where is the San Juan province and what is it known for?
San Juan is Argentina’s second most important wine area
located 450 to 1400 meters above sea level (similar to Mendoza) but not as hot or arid
Known for quality Syrah
Where is the Mendoza province and what is the climate?
Mendoza dominates Argentian winemaking.
Vineyards are planted in desert conditions, protected from rain by the Andes mountains in the west and the Argentine Pampas in the east
Hot and arid climate
What are the 5 divisions of Mendoza province?
Mendoza is split in 5 divisions: Northern Eastern, Central, Uco Valley, Southern
Northern/Eastern-high volume and inexpensive (provided water by teh Mendoza river and irrigation)
Central Mendoza (longest history of producing high quality wines/most famous producers here). Lujan de Cuyo dept is here, and known for very fine Malbec (old vines -concentrated and complex wines). This sub-region lies at around 900 to 1100 meters in altitude. Foothills of Andes.
Maipu -known for Syrah & Cab Sauv. Provides high volume and inexpensive wine
Uco valley- lies southwest of Mendoza. High quality fruit.
-900 to 1500 meters (highest vineyards in Mendoza)
-Cool nights retain acidity & fresh fruit flavor (sometimes floral notes). Some sites cool enough to grow Pinot Noir
Describe the Patagonia region
Patagonia -situated at 200 to 250 meters - the cooling influence is latitude. Southernmost regoin in Argentina
Rio Negro and Neuquen provinces are here.
Long daylight hours and cool nights provide wines with concentrated but fresh fruit flavors, medium to high acidity
