South America Flashcards
What are the key climatic influences in South American wine regions?
Andes Mountains (cooling influence), Pacific Ocean (Humboldt Current), and desert-like conditions in some areas.
How do the Andes and Pacific Ocean affect South American wine regions?
The Andes provide altitude for cooling, while the Humboldt Current cools coastal vineyards, reducing excessive heat.
What is the Chilean wine law system?
DO (Denominacion de Origen) system, classifying wines by geographic origin with few restrictions on grape variety or winemaking.
What are the six main wine regions of Chile?
Atacama, Coquimbo, Aconcagua, Central Valley, Southern Chile, Austral.
What are the key sub-districts of the Casablanca Valley?
Las Dichas, Lo Ovalle, Tapihue.
What are the key sub-districts of the Maipo Valley?
Alto Maipo, Central Maipo, Pacific Maipo.
What are the key sub-districts of the Rapel Valley?
Colchagua Valley, Cachapoal Valley.
What are the principal grape varieties of Chile?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Merlot, Syrah (reds); Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay (whites).
What are the principal grape varieties of Argentina?
Malbec, Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah (reds); Torrontes, Chardonnay (whites).
Which regions in Chile are known for red wine production?
Maipo, Colchagua, Cachapoal, Curico, Maule Valley.
Which regions in Chile are known for white wine production?
Casablanca Valley, San Antonio Valley, Limari Valley.
Which regions in Argentina are known for red wine production?
Mendoza, La Rioja, San Juan, Salta.
Which regions in Argentina are known for white wine production?
Salta (Torrontes), Mendoza (Chardonnay), Patagonia (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc).
What are the sub-regions of Coquimbo?
Limari Valley, Elqui Valley, Choapa Valley
What are the sub-regions of Aconcagua?
Valle del Aconcagua, Valle Casablanca, San Antonio
What are the sub-regions of Central Valley?
Maipo Valley, Rapel Valley, Curico Valley, Maule Valley
What are the key sub-districts of Mendoza?
Lujan de Cuyo, Uco Valley, Maipo.
What are Argentina’s native grape varieties?
Malbec, Torrontes, Bonarda, Criolla Chica.
