North America - México

Question 1

Where’s Mexico?

Answer 1

Mexico is part of North America. It is bordered to the north by the United States and to the southeast by Guatemala and Belize.

Question 2

What’s Mexico’s climate?

Answer 2

Hot Mediterranean to Semi-desert

Question 3

Physical features of Mexico?

Answer 3

Pacific Ocean: Provides climate moderating fog and cooling breezes.

Mountains: Cooler at higher elevations, diurnal shifts with cooler nights.

Question 4

Soil type?

Answer 4

Mixed with lots of sand

Question 5

Grape growing info?

Answer 5

Water is in short supply. Irrigation is essential in the hot, arid climate. A melting pot of Italian, French and Spanish grape varieties.

Sandy soils keep away phylloxera

Question 6

Name the white grape varieties.

Answer 6

Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc

Question 6

Winemaking info?

Answer 6

Non-traditional blends. The goal to produce premium wine, some new is oak is used.

Question 7

Name the red grape varieties.

Answer 7

Tempranillo, Nebbiolo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Grenache, Barbera

Question 8

Wine laws?

Answer 8

No laws o__o

Question 9

Wine appellations?

Answer 9

Baja California- Valle de Guadalupe: 90% of Mexican wine production

• Mediterranean climate
• Produces 90% of Mexico’s Wine
• Southwest to northeast valleys cutting through the mountains bringing in fog and cooling Pacific Ocean breezes.
• 3704 feet/1129 meters of elevation
• Exciting wine region and tourist destination, modern winemaking.

Question 10

Style of wine?

Answer 10

White wines can range from crisp and dry to round and full-bodied depending on the grape variety. The red wines are fruit-driven, deeply colored and have elevated alcohol due to the warm climate.

Question 11

Tell me about Mexican winemaking history.

Answer 11

Early History:
Missionaries and Conquistadors Mexico is the oldest wine industry outside of Europe.1520s Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés defeated the Aztec Empire claiming it for Spain.Orders from The King of Spain degreed planting vines per each native slave. 1595 winemaking in New Spain (Mexico) was prohibited by Spanish law until Mexican Independence in 1821.

Modern History:
Despite the region’s long history, the advance of modern Mexican wine is as recent as the 1970s.