Mexico Flashcards
Mexico Wine History
Mexico is the oldest wine industry outside of Europe. 1520s Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés defeated the Aztec Empire claiming it for Spain. Orders from King of Spain to plant vines per each native slave.
In 1595 winemaking in New Spain (Mexico) was prohibited by Spanish law until Mexican Independence in 1821.
Early 1900s Russian Molokans settle. 1924 Don Angelo Cetto arrives in MX from his native Trentino, Italy. 1965 Camillo Magoni arrives at L.A. Cetto. 1987 Monte Xanic is founded.
Mexico
Topography - water on either side with mountain spine. Pacific Ocean (W), Gulf of Mexico (E), Belize and Guatamala (S).
Climate: Arid climate, Some high altitudes providing diurnal shifts – cool nights
Soil: Mainly granite-based alluvial (sandy)
Viticulture: lack of water, mainly irrigation
Grapes: French, Spanish, and Italian
Mexico Wine Law
Currently there are no specific designated protected regions or laws.
No rules, no laws, allows for creativity and experimentation in this very new frontier.
Baja California
Location: S of San Diego, in Valle de Guadalupe River
Climate: High elevation, Mediterranean climate, Cooled by Pacific breezes and fog rolling in through the valley
Topography: Southwest to northeast valleys
Grapes: French, Spanish, and Italian
