North America: Mexico Flashcards
What are the two climate types of Mexico?
Hot Mediterranean
Semi-desert
What are the geographical features that influence Mexican viticulture?
Pacific Ocean: cooling breezes and moderating fog
Mountains: cooler temperatures at higher elevations, diurnal shifts with cooler nights.
What is the dominant soil type in Mexico?
Sand
What are the four main white varieties used in Mexico?
Chenin Blanc
Chardonnay
Viognier
Sauvignon Blanc
What are the 7 main red grapes used in Mexico?
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Zinfandel
Grenache
Barbera
Nebbiolo
Tempranillo
T or F: Wine law is very strict on Mexican viticulture and viniculture.
False. There are NO WINE LAWS!!!
In which appellation does 90% of all Mexican viticulture take place?
Baja California- Valle de Guadalupe
What is the climate of Valle de Guadalupe?
Mediterranean
Would you describe Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe wine region as “high elevation” or “low elevation”
High. the vineyards are near 3,700 feet above sea level!
T or F: Mexico is the newest wine industry outside of Europe.
False. It is the oldest.
How did viticulture come to Mexico?
Conquistador Hernan Cortes defeated the Aztec Empire in the 1520s and claimed it for Spain. The King of Spain decreed planting vines per each native slave.
