South America Flashcards
1
Q
Who brought winemaking to the New World?
A
Spanish conquistadores in the 16th century
2
Q
Where was viticulture first established in the Americas?
A
Mexico
3
Q
What year did the Portuguese bring the vine to Brazil?
A
1532
4
Q
What was the impact of the 17th century Spanish law on South American viticulture?
A
Restricted wine production in favor of Iberian producers
5
Q
Which countries gained independence in the early 1800s, becoming leading wine producers?
A
- Argentina
- Chile
- Brazil
6
Q
What contributed to the rapid expansion of viticulture in Argentina during the 19th century?
A
Influx of European immigration and development of a national rail system
7
Q
What significant event helped Chilean viticulture in the late 1800s?
A
The country was phylloxera-free and capitalized on Europe’s vineyard devastation
8
Q
What challenges did the wine industries in Chile and Argentina face in the 20th century?
A
Political and economic difficulties
9
Q
How did domestic wine consumption in Argentina change from the early 1970s to the late 1990s?
A
Dropped by over half
10
Q
What was the effect of foreign investment in Chile during the 1980s?
A
Chile began to aggressively export its wines
11
Q
What grape is Argentina known for that has gained international reputation?
A
Malbec
12
Q
What is the identity of the black Mission grape according to modern DNA research?
A
Identical to Listán Prieto from the Canary Islands
13
Q
What was the most planted grape in Chile until the 21st century?
A
País
14
Q
What is Criolla Chica known as in Argentina?
A
Malbec
15
Q
Which two related grapes are on the decline but still significant in Argentina?
A
- Cereza
- Criolla Grande
16
Q
What international variety is rapidly increasing in Chile?
A
Cabernet Sauvignon
17
Q
What unique crossing is Torrontés Riojano?
A
Criolla Chica x Muscat of Alexandria
18
Q
Which two varieties may be labeled as ‘Torrontés’ but produce lower quality wines?
A
- Torrontés Mendocino
- Torrontés Sanjuanino
19
Q
What confusion exists regarding Chile’s Sauvignon Blanc?
A
Much is actually Sauvignon Vert or Friulano
20
Q
What grape is often mistaken for Merlot in Chile?
A
Carmenère
21
Q
What has prevented Carmenère from capturing the public imagination in Chile?
A
Pronounced green flavors
22
Q
A
23
Q
A
24
Q
What is the total length of Chile along the west coast of South America?
A
Nearly 3,000 miles
25
What separates Chile from the remainder of the continent?
The Andes Mountains
26
How many regional Denominations of Origin (DOs) are there in Chile?
Six
27
List the six regional Denominations of Origin (DOs) in Chile.
* Atacama
* Coquimbo
* Aconcagua
* Valle Central (Central Valley)
* Sur (the Southern Regions)
* Austral Region
28
Which region in Chile is known for the most suitable vineyards for fine wine?
Central Valley
29
What climatic influence cools the nighttime temperatures in the Central Valley?
Proximity of the Andes
30
What is the role of the Humboldt Current in Chile's viticulture?
Cools the vines by forcing cool sea air inland
31
In which regions of Chile is irrigation essential for viticulture?
Central Valley and Aconcagua
32
What is the significance of rainfall in the southernmost areas of viticulture in Chile?
Higher rainfall and a cooler, shorter growing season
33
What law was established in Chile in 1995 regarding wine labeling?
The 75% rule
34
What does the 75% rule in Chilean wine law stipulate?
Vintage, variety, and denomination of origin must comprise a minimum 75% of the blend if listed
35
What is the minimum alcohol content required for wines in Chile?
11.5%
36
What is the minimum alcohol content for wines labeled Reserva Especial?
12% abv
37
Which grape varieties are leading in Chile after Cabernet Sauvignon?
* Sauvignon Blanc (and Sauvignon Vert)
* Merlot
* Chardonnay
* Carmenère
* Syrah
38
What percentage of total acreage in Chile do red grapes account for?
Over 70%
39
What is the primary method of viticulture in Atacama?
Irrigation
40
What type of production is prominent in Coquimbo?
Pisco and table grape production
41
Which two northern valleys in Coquimbo are developing a reputation for their wines?
* Elqui
* Limarí
42
What grape variety is gaining attention in Elqui's cool, high-altitude vineyards?
Syrah
43
What is notable about the soils and climate of coastal Limarí?
Limestone soils and cooler climate are suitable for Chardonnay
44
What does the Aconcagua DO take its name from?
The Aconcagua River
45
Which subregion of Aconcagua is home to Errázuriz, a prominent estate?
Panquehue
46
What is the name of Errázuriz's iconic Bordeaux-style blend?
Seña
47
What significant event did Errázuriz’s 'Seña' achieve in 2004?
Placed ahead of Château Lafite and Château Margaux in the Berlin Tasting
48
Which subregions of Aconcagua are known for cooler climates and new winemaking?
* Casablanca
* San Antonio
49
What type of wines is Casablanca known for producing?
Fresh, crisp and fruity Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay
50
What promising grape variety is showing results in San Antonio?
Pinot Noir
51
52
What is the Central Valley DO?
Chile’s oldest and most established winemaking region
## Footnote
Located between the Andes and the hills and ranges along the coast
53
What are the subregions of the Central Valley DO?
Maipo Valley, Rapel Valley, Curicó, Maule Valley
## Footnote
Organized from north to south
54
Which valley is known as Chile’s most famous winemaking area?
Maipo Valley
## Footnote
Also the classic region for Cabernet Sauvignon
55
What percentage of the Central Valley DO is devoted to Cabernet Sauvignon?
Over 50%
## Footnote
More than 10,000 hectares in the region
56
What grape varieties follow Cabernet Sauvignon in the Central Valley DO?
* Merlot
* Syrah
* Carmenère
## Footnote
Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant grape
57
Which wine producers are based in the Maipo Valley?
* Concha y Toro
* Santa Rita
* Cousiño Macul
## Footnote
Concha y Toro is Chile’s largest producer
58
What are the notable Cabernet Sauvignon wines from the Puente Alto subregion?
* Don Melchor
* Viñedo Chadwick
* Almaviva
## Footnote
Almaviva is a joint project between Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Concha y Toro
59
What is the significance of the 2000 'Viñedo Chadwick'?
Took first place in the 2004 Berlin Tasting
## Footnote
Highlights the quality of Chilean wines
60
What are the two divisions of the Rapel Valley?
Cachapoal and Colchagua
## Footnote
Located to the south of Maipo
61
What grape is growing in importance in the Rapel Valley?
Carmenère
## Footnote
May soon eclipse Merlot as the valley’s second most cultivated grape
62
What characterizes the Colchagua subregion?
Warm climate and fertile soils
## Footnote
Historically a bulk wine region
63
What areas were elevated to DO status in 2018?
* Los Lingues
* Apalta
## Footnote
Apalta is known for premium wines
64
What are some iconic Bordeaux-style blends from Colchagua?
* Clos Apalta
* Alpha M
## Footnote
Produced by Casa Lapostolle and Viña Montes respectively
65
Which grape variety dominates the Maule Valley?
Cabernet Sauvignon
## Footnote
Recently overtook País as the most planted grape
66
What is the status of Curicó in terms of wine production?
Achieved international recognition
## Footnote
Notably after Miguel Torres set up operations there
67
What grape varieties are represented in Curicó?
* Cabernet Sauvignon
* Sauvignon Blanc
* Chardonnay
## Footnote
Includes a range of red and white grapes
68
Which valleys make up Chile’s Southern Regions DO?
* Itata
* Bío Bío
* Malleco
## Footnote
Contains sparser cultivation
69
What are the most planted grapes in Itata and Bío Bío?
* País
* Muscat de Alexandria
## Footnote
Muscat accounts for nearly 6,000 acres
70
What is the size of the Malleco region?
Tiny region
## Footnote
Contains just a few hectares of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
71
What new DOs were approved in 2024?
* Rapa Nui DO
* Chiloé DO
## Footnote
Located in new portions of the country
72
What is the orientation of the mentioned DOs?
North-south orientation
## Footnote
Important for viticulture
73
What amendments were made to Chilean wine law in 2012?
Three new geographic terms: Costa, Entre Cordilleras, Andes
## Footnote
Allows producers to append DOs with these designations
74
What does 'Entre Cordilleras' mean?
Between mountains
## Footnote
Describes valley areas between the coastal range and the Andes
75
What is required for a wine to qualify for the new designations?
At least 85% of the grapes must be harvested in the appropriate region
## Footnote
Ensures authenticity of the designation
76
True or False: The sea and mountains have no influence on viticulture in Chile.
False
## Footnote
They significantly impact viticulture
77
78
What is Argentina's rank in the world for wine production as of 2018?
Fifth largest wine producer
## Footnote
Argentina is also the tenth largest wine exporter.
79
Where are Argentina's vineyards primarily located?
In the western sector, near the Andes
## Footnote
This region experiences a continental climate.
80
What climatic condition affects Argentina's wine producing regions?
Very dry conditions
## Footnote
This is exacerbated by the Zonda wind.
81
What is the Zonda?
A fierce, dusty, hot afternoon wind
## Footnote
It blows down from the Andes and can adversely affect flowering.
82
How does the general lack of humidity benefit Argentinean vineyards?
Keeps vineyards free of fungal problems
## Footnote
Snowmelt also provides plentiful water for irrigation.
83
What adverse weather condition can affect vineyards in Argentina during spring and summer?
Hail
## Footnote
The little moisture that precipitates often comes in this form.
84
What is the average elevation of Argentinean vineyards?
Approximately 900 meters above sea level
## Footnote
Higher elevation vineyards help mitigate temperature extremes.
85
What is the significance of Salta in Argentine wine production?
Home to some of the world's highest vines
## Footnote
Donald Hess’ Colomé estate is located here.
86
List the top three red grape varieties in Argentina.
* Malbec
* Bonarda
* Cabernet Sauvignon
87
What is Bonarda genetically distinct from?
The Northern Italian grape of the same name
## Footnote
It is identified as Savoie's Corbeau.
88
What is the most planted white grape in Argentina?
Pedro Giménez
## Footnote
It is unrelated to Spain’s Pedro Ximénez.
89
What is the second most planted white grape variety in Argentina?
Torrontés
## Footnote
It is known for its distinctive floral characteristics.
90
What is the Mendoza Chardonnay clone known for?
Greater skin-to-juice ratio
## Footnote
It was developed at the University of California at Davis.
91
What are Reserva and Gran Reserva designations related to?
Aging requirements for wines
## Footnote
Introduced in 2008 to limit maximum yields.
92
What are the aging requirements for Reserva wines?
* 6 months for white wines
* 1 year for red wines
93
What are the aging requirements for Gran Reserva wines?
* 1 year for white wines
* 2 years for red wines
94
Which province produces approximately three-quarters of Argentina's wine?
Mendoza
## Footnote
Located in the Cuyo region.
95
What grape variety is gaining a reputation in Salta?
High-altitude Torrontés
## Footnote
This variety is prone to high alcohol levels.
96
Which department within Salta is known for its Torrontés?
Cafayate
## Footnote
Susana Balbo’s “Crios” is a notable example.
97
Name two prominent wineries based in Cafayate.
* Etchart
* Yacochuya
98
What grape varieties lead in acreage in Catamarca?
* Torrontés
* Syrah
* Malbec
* Cabernet Sauvignon
99
What provinces comprise Cuyo?
Mendoza, La Rioja, and San Juan
100
Which province is the northernmost in Cuyo?
La Rioja
101
What is the most famous wine region in La Rioja?
Famatina Valley
102
Which grape is the most cultivated in La Rioja?
Torrontés
103
What grape follows Torrontés in cultivation in La Rioja?
Malbec
104
How does La Rioja's wine production compare to Mendoza and San Juan?
La Rioja’s output is dwarfed by Mendoza and San Juan
105
What is the second-largest wine-producing province in Argentina?
San Juan
106
How many hectares are under vine in San Juan?
More than 45,000 hectares
107
Which valleys are included in San Juan's wine production?
Tulum, Zonda, Ullum, Jáchal, Calingasta, Pedernal, and Fértil
108
What types of grape varieties have historically been grown in San Juan?
Pink-skinned varieties
109
Which two grape varieties are gaining attention in San Juan?
Syrah and Bonarda
110
What climate is ideal for grapes destined for brandy and vermouth production in San Juan?
Hot summer climate
111
What is the primary division of Mendoza's wine regions?
North, Central (Primera Zona), South, East, and Uco Valley
112
What type of soil is commonly found in Mendoza?
Loose, alluvial sand over clay
113
What irrigation techniques are used in Mendoza?
Furrow irrigation and drip irrigation
114
What percentage of Mendoza's vineyard acreage is planted with red grapes?
Over half
115
How many hectares does Malbec cover in Mendoza?
Around 35,000 hectares
116
What unique characteristics does Mendoza Malbec exhibit?
Brambly black and red mountain fruit tones, rich texture, and sweet floral tones
117
What type of oak treatment do Mendoza wines typically undergo?
French and/or American oak treatment
118
Which two departments in Central Mendoza are known for Malbec wines?
Luján de Cuyo and Maipú
119
Name a few highly regarded estates in Mendoza.
* Catena
* Susana Balbo’s Dominio del Plata
* Bressia
* Achával Ferrer
120
What percentage of vineyard acreage in Mendoza is Cabernet Sauvignon?
Roughly 7%
121
Which white grapes are successfully cultivated in Uco Valley?
* Chardonnay
* Sémillon
122
What is the principal grape in Southern Mendoza's San Rafael and General Alvear?
Chenin Blanc
123
What percentage of Mendoza's plantings do Criolla Grande and Cereza account for?
About 20%
124
Which provinces comprise Patagonia's wine-producing regions?
Río Negro, Neuquén, and Chubut
125
What climate characteristics define Patagonia's wine regions?
Markedly cooler than regions to the north
126
Which white grapes perform well in Patagonia's soils?
* Torrontés
* Sémillon
127
What notable estate emerged in Patagonia in the mid-2000s?
Bodegas Chacra
128
What type of wine is Bodega Noemía de Patagonia winning acclaim for?
Malbec
129
What province is an emerging area for wine adjacent to Río Negro?
La Pampa
130
131
What countries in South and Central America are gaining prominence in viticulture beyond Chile and Argentina?
Brazil and Uruguay
## Footnote
These countries are emerging as significant players in the wine industry.
132
What is the predominant type of wine production in Brazil?
Red wine
## Footnote
Nearly a quarter of Brazil's output is sparkling wine.
133
Which Brazilian state is the primary location for viticultural activity?
Rio Grande do Sul
## Footnote
This state is located on the Argentinean border.
134
What percentage of Brazilian wine is produced in the Serra Gaúcha region?
Approximately 90%
## Footnote
Serra Gaúcha is the most developed viticultural region in Brazil.
135
Name three other southern regions of Brazil where viticulture occurs.
* São Joaquim
* Serra do Sudeste
* Campanha
## Footnote
These regions also contribute to Brazil's wine production.
136
What is unique about the São Francisco Valley in Brazil?
It is a tropical winegrowing region where growers can harvest twice a year
## Footnote
This allows for increased production cycles.
137
What is the significance of the Origin Indications system in Brazil?
It restricts yields and grape varieties similar to European appellations
## Footnote
This system is unique among New World countries.
138
What was the first subregion in Brazil to receive an Origin Indication and when?
Vale dos Vinhedos in 2002
## Footnote
It is located within the Serra Gaúcha region.
139
Which international grape varieties are planted in Brazil?
* Bordeaux grapes
* Other international grapes
* Iberian varieties like Aragonez and Touriga Nacional
## Footnote
This diversity supports the wine quality in Brazil.
140
What is the dominant red grape variety in Uruguay?
Tannat
## Footnote
It is also referred to as Harriague, named after the Frenchman who introduced it.
141
What is the status of Uruguay in terms of wine production in South America?
It is the fourth largest producer
## Footnote
Uruguay exports over half of its wine production to Brazil.
142
List some other countries in South America with smaller wine industries.
* Paraguay
* Peru
* Bolivia
* Ecuador
## Footnote
These countries also participate in viticulture, though on a smaller scale.
143
What countries in South and Central America are gaining prominence in viticulture beyond Chile and Argentina?
Brazil and Uruguay
## Footnote
These countries are emerging as significant players in the wine industry.
144
What is the predominant type of wine production in Brazil?
Red wine
## Footnote
Nearly a quarter of Brazil's output is sparkling wine.
145
Which Brazilian state is the primary location for viticultural activity?
Rio Grande do Sul
## Footnote
This state is located on the Argentinean border.
146
What percentage of Brazilian wine is produced in the Serra Gaúcha region?
Approximately 90%
## Footnote
Serra Gaúcha is the most developed viticultural region in Brazil.
147
Name three other southern regions of Brazil where viticulture occurs.
* São Joaquim
* Serra do Sudeste
* Campanha
## Footnote
These regions also contribute to Brazil's wine production.
148
What is unique about the São Francisco Valley in Brazil?
It is a tropical winegrowing region where growers can harvest twice a year
## Footnote
This allows for increased production cycles.
149
What is the significance of the Origin Indications system in Brazil?
It restricts yields and grape varieties similar to European appellations
## Footnote
This system is unique among New World countries.
150
What was the first subregion in Brazil to receive an Origin Indication and when?
Vale dos Vinhedos in 2002
## Footnote
It is located within the Serra Gaúcha region.
151
Which international grape varieties are planted in Brazil?
* Bordeaux grapes
* Other international grapes
* Iberian varieties like Aragonez and Touriga Nacional
## Footnote
This diversity supports the wine quality in Brazil.
152
What is the dominant red grape variety in Uruguay?
Tannat
## Footnote
It is also referred to as Harriague, named after the Frenchman who introduced it.
153
What is the status of Uruguay in terms of wine production in South America?
It is the fourth largest producer
## Footnote
Uruguay exports over half of its wine production to Brazil.
154
List some other countries in South America with smaller wine industries.
* Paraguay
* Peru
* Bolivia
* Ecuador
## Footnote
These countries also participate in viticulture, though on a smaller scale.
155
156
How many departments in Uruguay produce wine?
16 out of 19 departments produce wine.
157
What organization organizes the wine-producing departments in Uruguay?
INAVI organizes the departments into regions.
158
Name the six wine regions of Uruguay.
* Northern Riverside
* Southern Riverside
* Central
* Metropolitan
* Oceanic
* Eastern
159
Which department is part of the Northern Riverside region?
* Artigas
* Salto
* Paysandú
* Northern
* Rivera
* Tacuarembó
160
Which department is part of the Southern Riverside region?
* Soriano
* Colonia
161
List the departments included in the Central region of Uruguay.
* Florida
* Durazno
* Treinta y Tres
* Lavalleja
162
What departments are found in the Metropolitan region?
* Canelones
* Montevideo
* San José
163
Which departments are part of the Oceanic region?
* Maldonado
* Rocha
164
Fill in the blank: INAVI organizes the wine-producing departments into _______.
six regions.
165
166
What is Brazil's rank in wine production in the Southern Hemisphere?
Fifth largest
167
How many kilograms of grapes does Brazil produce annually?
700 million kilograms
168
What percentage of grape plantings in Brazil consist of Lambrusca and hybrid varieties?
90%
169
What is the remaining percentage of grape plantings in Brazil that consists of Vitis vinifera?
10%
170
Which state in Brazil is responsible for 85% of the country's wine production?
Rio Grande do Sul
171
What percentage of Brazil's wine production is divided among the states other than Rio Grande do Sul?
15%
172
What are the two types of Geographical Indications (GIs) in Brazil?
* Indication of Origin (IP)
* Denomination of Origin (DO)
173
What does Indication of Origin (IP) signify?
Regions that have become renowned in wine production
174
What is the definition of Denomination of Origin (DO)?
Wines have qualities or characteristics that are essentially because of the geographical environment, including natural and human factors
175
What was the first Indication of Origin (IP) recognized in Brazil and in what year?
Vale dos Vinhedos in 2002
176
When was Vale dos Vinhedos transformed into the first Denomination of Origin (DO) in Brazil?
2012
177
Name one Indication of Origin (IP) from Bahia.
Vale de Sao Francisco IP
178
Which state has Vinhos de Bitruana as an Indication of Origin (IP)?
Paraná
179
List two Indications of Origin (IP) from Santa Catarina.
* Vales da Uva Goethe IP
* Vinhos de Altitude de Santa Catarina IP
180
What is the Denomination of Origin (DO) found in Rio Grande do Sul?
Altos de Pinto Bandeira DO
181
Name one Indication of Origin (IP) from Rio Grande do Sul.
* Altos Montes IP
* Campanha Gaúcha IP
* Farroupilha IP
* Monte Belo IP
* Pinto Bandeira IP
182
Fill in the blank: The first Indication of Origin (IP) recognized in Brazil was _______.
[Vale dos Vinhedos]
