Module 11: Chapters 17-18 (thru Australia) - Southern Hem

Question 1

What is the portion of South America that pushes through the temperate wine growing latitudes?

Answer 1

The Southern Cone, containing three major wine producing countries: Argentina, Chile, Brazil.

Question 2

What are the three wine exporting countries of South America?

Answer 2

Argentina and Chile are major exporters, while Uruguay also produces wine for export.

Question 3

Which country occupies the largest portion of viticultural land and produces the most wine in South America?

Answer 3

Argentina

Question 4

What is the primary market for Argentine wine?

Answer 4

The city of Buenos Aires, though the country’s wine industry has become increasingly export oriented.

Question 5

Where did a large portion of Argentina’s population originate, and what effect does this have on consumption?

Answer 5

Italy and Spain, making wine and important part of daily life and Argentine culture.

Question 6

What are the two dominant geographical features of Argentina?

Answer 6

The Andes mountains in the west, forming the border with Chile, and the Atlantic on the east.

Question 7

What effect do the Andes have on viticulture in Argentina?

Answer 7

They create and enormous rain shadow that keeps much of western Argentina very day, while blocking the prevailing westerly winds.
The combination of dry air, plentiful irrigation water from Andean snowmelt, high elevations, and almost unlimited sunshine produce exceptional winegrowing conditions in Argentina’s western foothills.

Question 8

What is the general climate of Argentina?

Answer 8

Continental, in the wine regions. Summers are hot, but lack of humidity causes temps to drop at night, helping to retain acidity. Winters are cold, but not typically severe. Around harvest time, the greatest threat is posed by hailstorms.

Question 9

What are the Zonda winds?

Answer 9

Fierce winds which can damage leaves and fruit, and bring the risk of frost damage when followed by a cold front.

Question 10

What are “mission grapes”?

Answer 10

Historically, the grapes around which Argentina’s wine industry was built. Grapes descended from the original vines brought by European missionaries in the 16th century, including Criolla Grande, Criolla Chica, and Cereza. They were mainly used for local consumption and bulk export.

Question 11

What has the production focus changed to recently in Argentina?

Answer 11

High quality production, centered around two main grapes, Malbec and Torrontes.

Question 12

Describe Argentine Malbec.

Answer 12

Deeply colored, often inky black, with corresponding black fruit flavors of blackberry and plum. Imported long ago, it is now the country’s signature red grape.

Question 13

Describe Argentine Torrontes.

Answer 13

Less well known than Malbec, produces a light bodied white wine with pronounced floral aromas.
There are three distinct varieties: Mendocino, Riojano, and Sanjuanino. Riojano is by far the most widely grown.

Question 14

What are the other leading red grapes of Argentina?

Answer 14

Long and varied list, with international varieties represented, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Bonarda (genetically identical to Douce Noir in France and Charbono in California).

Question 15

What are the other leading white grapes of Argentina?

Answer 15

Chardonnay, Moscatel de Alejandria, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Viognier.
Pedro Gimenez is also grown, but predominantly used in fortified wines and bulk wines.

Question 16

When was Argentina’s three-level appellation system enacted?

Answer 16

1999. They are European style regulations, enforced by a local consejo, or council.
      The three levels are:
      Indicacion de procedencia or IP (table wines and regional wines)
      Indicacion Geografica or IG (quality wines below the DOC level
      Denominacion de origen controlada or DOC (the highest level), which spell out geographic boundaries, permissible varieties, planting densities, and other requirements.

Question 17

How many DOCs are there in Argentina?

Answer 17

The system is still in its developmental stages. At present there are only two in the Mendoza subregions:
Lujan de Cuyo (for Malbec)
San Rafael (For Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay)

Question 18

What is the INV in Argentina?

Answer 18

Instituto Nacional de Vitivinicultura.
It places strict controls, including pricing requirements, on the best wines of Argentina, called vinos finos.
Vinos finos must be produced using premium grapes, which typically excludes wines from the Cereza and Criolla varieties.

Question 19

How much of a varietal labeled Vinos fino must be that grape? What are aging requirements for Reserva and Gran Reserva?

Answer 19

85%
Reserva and Gran Reserva may ONLY be used on the labels of vinos finos, beginning in 2011.
Reserva: Minimum of six months aging for whites, and one year for reds
Gran Reserva: One year aging minimum for whites, 2 years for reds.

Question 20

How much of Argentina’s wine production is vinos finos?

Answer 20

About 20%

Question 21

Describe the Jujuy region.

Answer 21

Way up in the northwest corner of Argentina, in the Andes mountains. Has some of the highest elevation vineyards in the world. Only 65 acres of commercial vine acreage, with very little rain, lots of sunshine, and a wide diurnal shift.

Question 22

What is the Moya Vineyard?

Answer 22

The highest vineyard in Argentina, some 10,922 feet above sea level.

Question 23

Describe the Salta region.

Answer 23

More high elevation vineyards, between 5000 and 10200 feet above sea level. Home to 8300 acres.
The Cafayate subregion is home to a majority of the vineyards, and well known for high altitude Torrontes Riojano, alongside Cab Sauv and Malbec.
The Molinos subregion has another ultra-high elevation vineyard, Altura Maxima, at 10,206 feet (Malbec)

Question 24

Describe the Tucuman region.

Answer 24

Densely populated, high altitude region. Only 280 acres, primarily in the Calchaqui Valley, which stretches across parts of Salta an Catamarca as well.
The majority of plantings are Cab Sauv, Merlot, and Torrontes Riojano.

Question 25

Describe the Catamarca region.

Answer 25

6200 acres, planted 40% to Criolla varieties. Quality wine, including some unique ones based on Criolla varieties, is expanding. Most vineyards are in high-elevation river valleys between mountain ridges, with warm days, cool nights, and abundant sunshine. Torrontes Riojano is primary export, followed by Cab Sauv, Merlot, and Syrah.

Question 26

Describe the La Rioja region of Argentina.

Answer 26

South of Catamarca, with warm day, cool nights, and a tendency to drought conditions. Most vineyards are in the Famatina Valleys on either side of the Famatina mountain range, Planted to 51% red grapes, with Cab Sauv, Malbec, Bonarda, and Syrah abundant. Torrontes Riojano is overall leader at 32% of all plantings.

Question 27

Describe the San Juan region of Argentina.

Answer 27

The next region to the south of La Rioja, very warm and dry. Second largest grape producing region (17% of Argentina's total), with 82,200 acres relatively evenly divided between red, white, and Criolla varieties. Syrah, Malbec, Bonarda, and Cab Sauv are important reds. Torrontes Sanjuanino is leading white, followed by Torrontes Riojano, Chardonnay, Torrontes Mendocino, Chenin Blanc, Sauv Blanc, and Viognier.

Question 28

Describe Mendoza.

Answer 28

The largest producer in Argentina, situated at the perfect latitude for wine production. Responsible for 75% of vineyard acreage. Most vineyards are planted between 2000 and 4000 feet. 61% of the 372,500 acres are planted to reds. Malbec Bonarda, Cab Sauv, Tempranillo, and Syrah. Leading whites are Chardonnay, Torrontes Riojano, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Question 29

How many subregions is Mendoza divided into?

Answer 29

5. Uco Valley, Primera Zona, Northern Oasis, East Mendoza, and South Mendoza.

Question 30

What are the 2 DOCs located in Mendoza?

Answer 30

Lujan de Cuyo DOC and San Rafael DOC.

Question 31

Describe the Cordoba region of Argentina.

Answer 31

East of La Rioja, in almost the geographic center of the country, has a history going back to the Jesuits in the 1600s. Established estancias (working ranches) until being expelled by the Spaniards in 1767, stagnating wine production until a wave of Italian immigration in the 1870's. No the moderate elevation vineyards are planted to Merlot, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Question 32

Where is Neuquen, and what does it do?

Answer 32

South of Mendoza, considered part of Argentine Patagonia. Vineyards are mostly in the moderately elevated Limay and Neuquen River valleys in the southeast, that have a windy and dry climate, warm to hot days, and desert-like cold and brisk nights. 85% is planted to reds, led by Malbec, Cab Sauv, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. Whites of the region have an excellent reputation, led by Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillon.

Question 33

Where is La Pampa, and what does it do?

Answer 33

La Pampa is gently undulating plain to the northeast of Neuquen, with an average elevation of 1000 feet. It's 680 acres are planted to 50% Malbec with Cab Sauv, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cab Franc, and Chardonnay. The vineyard are in 60 mile long fan-shaped valleys with moderate continental climate (warm summers, mild autumns and springs, cold winters).

Question 34

Describe the Rio Negro region of Argentina.

Answer 34

Vineyards are planted across a series of east-west valleys along the Colorado and Rio Negro rivers, and are some of the lowest elevation vineyards in Argentina. Topping out at 1214 feet in the west and ending at 13 ft where the rivers meet the Atlantic, the 3750 ares are planted to primarily Malbec, Pinot Noir, and all three versions of Torrontes.

Question 35

Where is the Chubut region of Argentina, and what does it do?

Answer 35

South of Rio Negro, and currently the southernmost wine producing region in the country. Most of the vineyards are planted in the steppes close to the Atlantic coast, with 60% of its 180 acres planted to red. Pinot Noir leads, followed by Chardonnay, Merlot, Malbec, and Torrontes Riojano.

Question 36

What is unique about the Sarmiento Vineyard?

Answer 36

It sits below the 45th south parallel, one of the southernmost vineyards in the world.

Question 37

Describe the Buenos Aires region.

Answer 37

The region contains less than 400 acres in the easternmost area of the country, with Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay leading the way. Reds are diverse, led by Pinot Noir.

Question 38

What is the Chapadmalal GI?

Answer 38

Area 200 miles southeast of Buenos Aires with the easternmost vineyards in the country, some just a few miles from the Atlantic. The region is ocean-influenced and much cooler and rainier than any other Argentine region.

Question 39

Where is much of Chile's wine produced?

Answer 39

In an 800 mile stretch between 30 and 40 south latitude.

Question 40

How much wine does Chile produce?

Answer 40

Much more than it consumes, and much of that is specifically intended for export to other countries as a national revenue source.

Question 41

Where is Chile?

Answer 41

On the western coast of South America, running more than half of its Pacific coastline, between the ocean on the west and the Andes on the east.

Question 42

Describe the geography of Chile.

Answer 42

A long, thin country that is rarely wider than 100 miles for most of its length. On the north is Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on earth, and to the south is the frozen archipelago of Tierra del Fuego.

Question 43

What is rare about winegrowing in Chile?

Answer 43

Because of its natural barriers and strict quarantine laws, Chile is phylloxera-free.

Question 44

Where is the majority of the vines found?

Answer 44

In the long Central Valley, along with the capital city of Santiago. The valley lies between low coastal mountains and the Andes and has conditions very similar to some of the prime winegrowing areas of California.

Question 45

What flows along the shore of Chile?

Answer 45

The Humboldt Current, a cold ocean current from the polar seas. The prevailing westerly winds bring in cool, moist air, and the areas directly influenced have less sunshine and low average temperatures.

Question 46

What is the climate of the Central Valley?

Answer 46

The coastal hills block much of the fog and chilly air, leading the vineyards warm, dry, and sunny throughout the growing season, resulting in an overall Mediterranean climate. The rain falls mostly in the winter, and summer temps rarely exceed 90 degrees with low humidity.

Question 47

What divides the Central Valley?

Answer 47

A series of rivers flowing out of the Andes to the ocean, bringing ample snowmelt for irrigation, and dividing the Valley into regions that get cooler from north to south.

Question 48

Where did many of the vines come from in Chile?

Answer 48

Many were brought from Bordeaux in the mid-1800s, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Merlot. Syrah and Chardonnay are also planted.

Question 49

What is the most planted in Chile?

Answer 49

Cabernet Sauvignon, that many believe Chile ideally placed for world class production of.

Question 50

What lesser known Bordeaux grape thrives in Chile?

Answer 50

Carmenere. It was common in France pre-phylloxera, but not re-planted after.

Question 51

What was Carmenere thought to be for a long time, and when was it determined to be Carmenere?

Answer 51

It was often mistaken for a particularly spicy version of Merlot, called Merlot Chileno. In 1994, Professor Jean-Michel Boursiquot of the Montpellier School of Oenology determined it was actually Carmenere.

Question 52

Describe Chilean Carmenere.

Answer 52

Because it takes a lengthy season to reach full maturity, it was not suited to Bordeaux. Chile is much more suited, and Carmenere there is rich in color, full of red fruit, spice, and berries, with softer tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon.

Question 53

What is the majority of Chile's acreage planted to?

Answer 53

Mostly to red varieties, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay have notable plantings as well. For a long time Chilean Sauvignon Blanc was actually Friulano, but much of that has been replanted to true Sauv Blanc.

Question 54

When did Chile's wine labeling system come into effect, and what does it resemble?

Answer 54

It came into effect in 1995, and is called the Denominacion de Origen system. It resembles the AVA system in the USA in that there are no subcategories for lower quality wines

Question 55

What are the minimum requirements under Chilean wine law?

Answer 55

For place of origin, vintage, and variety are all 75%, though many of the export-oriented wineries use the higher 85% standard for eligibility to export to the EU.

Question 56

How does Chile define its place of origin designations?

Answer 56

The DOs are based primarily on the progression of valleys southward through the Central Valley.

Question 57

How are Chile's DO's subdivided?

Answer 57

The largest are called viticultural regions, then subdivided into subregions, zones, and areas.

Question 58

Recently geographical districts based on Chile's east-west geography were also approved. What are these, and why?

Answer 58

Costa (Coast), Entre Cordilleras (between the mountains), and Andes. These are designed to reflect the influence of the ocean and Andes, and may be added to the label only if 85% of the grapes are grown in the designated district.

Question 59

What are the six main wine regions of Chile from north to south?

Answer 59

Atacama, Coquimbo, Aconcagua, Central Valley, Del Sur (southern regions), Austral Region. Austral Region is just beginning to be planted, at the southernmost extreme of winegrowing in Chile. The Atacama, at the other, typically grows table grapes and wine grapes used for Pisco.

Question 60

How many subregions are within the Coquimbo, and where is Coquimbo?

Answer 60

Coquimbo is the farthest north fine wine region, skirting the southern end of the Atacama desert. - Elqui Valley: Traditionally specialized in table grapes and other fruit, but new high-altitude vineyards are making excellent cool-climate Syrah, as well as Cab Sauv, Merlot, Carmenere, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. - Limari Valley: Cooled by the Humboldt current and its attendant fogs, makes for an ideal location producing mineral-driven whites, led by Chardonnay. - Choapa Valley: At the narrowest point of the country, not a lot of vineyards, making small amounts of Cab Sauv and Syrah in desert-like conditions (less than 5 inches of rain per year).

Question 61

How many subregions does the Aconcagua have?

Answer 61

3. The Aconcagua Valley, Casablanca Valley, and San Antonio Valley. Aconcagua Valley is the warmest, with a Mediterranean climate. The coastal portions feature white grapes. The interior features Cab Sauv, Merlot, and Syrah. Casablanca Valley is cool, and is the most coastal wine area in Chile. The frequent morning fogs make it natural that white wines are a specialty, 75% of all plantings, particularly Chardonnay and Sauv Blanc, while Pinot Noir is gaining in reputation. San Antonio Valley has a cool, ocean influenced climate as well. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc lead the way. Leyda valley, a zone within San Antonio, is highly regarded for mineral driven, complex wines due to its granitic soils and windy climate.

Question 62

How much of Chile's wine area is in the Central Valley?

Answer 62

More than 80%, running 230 miles from Santiago south.

Question 63

How many subregions are in Central Valley?

Answer 63

4. From north to south as follows: Maipo Valley: Surrounds Santiago, the historical heart of the country and center of winemaking. The specialty is well-balanced Cabernet Sauvignon, with lesser plantings of Merlot, Chardonnay, Carmenere, Sauv Blanc, and Syrah. Rapel Valley: Made up of Cachapoal and Colchagua Valleys, it focuses on reds. Cachapoal for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and cArmenere. Colchagua for Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Carmenere of fuller body. Curico Valley: Farther inland, with no maritime influence, and is more even planted since the 1970s with Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Carmenere. Maule Valley: Farthest south, and the largest subregion. The mild, dry climate encourages organic farming, producing Pais, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Malbec, Carmenere, and a variety of other reds.

Question 64

Why is the Southern Region cooler?

Answer 64

Latitude rather than maritime influence.

Question 65

How many primary valleys in the Southern Regions? (Del Sur)

Answer 65

2. Bio Bio and Itata Valley. Long have both been dedicated to Pais and Moscatel, but recently have expanded into Pinot Noir and Riesling as well.

Question 66

What do the subregions specialize in?

Answer 66

Itata specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Bio Bio gets the most rainfall in the country, but little humidity because of windy conditions, allowing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to flourish. A secondary valley called Malleco also produces Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Question 67

Where does Brazil rank in South American wine?

Answer 67

It is the largest country in land mass, but third in overall wine production. Traditionally producing light, fruit forward wine for local consumption, there has been expanded focus on vinifera-based vineyards and modern winery facilities allowing for increased export of higher quality wines.

Question 68

How many wine classifications are in Brazil?

Answer 68

2. Denominacao de Origem (DO) and Indicacao de Origem. DO is the higher of the two.

Question 69

How many main wine producing regions are there in Brazil?

Answer 69

6, 4 of which are in the southeastern state of Rio Grande do Sul.

Question 70

What is produced in Serra Gaucha?

Answer 70

85% of the country's wine is produced here, settled largely by Italian immigrants. Largely focused on reds, its sparkling is increasing in quality and reputation. Leading varieties include Merlot, Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, and Tannat. Malvasia and Moscato are used in Charmat Method sparkling wines, while Classic Method use Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Question 71

What is the first, and to date only DO in Brazil? Where is it and what does it do?

Answer 71

Vale dos Vinhedos, in Serra Gaucha. DO regulations require use of vinifera grapes, with Merlot and Chardonnay designated as flagship varieties.

Question 72

Where is Campanha in Brazil?

Answer 72

A small area within Rio Grande do Sul, on the southern border very close to Uruguay. Some of the oldest vineyards in Brazil, with a warm climate and limestone/granite soils ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, and Tannat.

Question 73

Where is Campos de Cime da Serra?

Answer 73

Within Rio Grande do Sul, directly north of Serra Gaucha. Has a relatively long and cool growing season, planted mainly to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Tannat on the red side, with aromatic whites like Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Gewurtztraminer as well.

Question 74

Where is Serra do Sudeste?

Answer 74

Within Rio Grande do Sul. Viticulture is new here, introduced in the 1970's, but large scale plantings only in early 2000s. Most grapes here are transported to production facilities in Serra Gaucha.

Question 75

Where is Planalto Catarinense?

Answer 75

North of Rio Grande do Sul, in the state of Santa Caterina. Just 741 acres are planted to vinifera vines, in the highest elevation areas of the country. Cab Sauv, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc lead the way.

Question 76

Where is Vale do San Francisco?

Answer 76

Located in northeastern Brazil, in the state of Bahia. Vineyards are at 9 degrees south latitude, in a climate classified as tropical semi-arid. Vines produce two harvests a year, making vine management very difficult Region makes single-variety wines and red blends, along with sparkling by both traditional and tank methods.

Question 77

Where does Uruguay fall in South American wine production?

Answer 77

4th. Much of the country is highly humid and subtropical, making winegrowing challenging. Most of the vineyards are located in the southern portion of the country near the capital of Montevideo.

Question 78

Why is the southern portion of Uruguay better suited to winegrowing?

Answer 78

The proximity of the Southern Atlantic and Rio de la Plata estuary moderate the climate somewhat ore than in the rest of the country.

Question 79

The majority of the wine grapes in Uruguay are vinifera. What are the leading red and white varieties?

Answer 79

The overall leader is Tannat, with Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, and Merlot. Primary whites include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier. Black Muscat is planted as well, and produces rose, most of which is consumed domestically or shipped to Brazil.

Question 80

What is the alternative name for Tannat in Uruguay?

Answer 80

Harriague, in honor Pascual Harriague, the Frenchman who helped to spread the grape throughout Uruguay.