South America Flashcards
From north to south, name the six regional Denominations of Origin (DOs) in Chile.
Atacama Coquimbo Aconcagua Valle Central (Central Valley) Sur Austral Region
Which two DOs of Chile feature a dry, desert-like climate?
The two northernmost:
Atacama
Coquimbo
Which Chilean mountain range lies between the Valle Central and the Pacific Ocean?
The Coastal Range
Which current helps moderate the climate of Chile?
The Humboldt Current
What are the Chilean wine laws in regards to vintage, varietal, and denomination of origin must, if listed on the bottle?
75% across the board.
Many wineries observe an 85% minimum to comply with EU export regulations.
Chilean law requires all wines to show a minimum alcohol content of…?
Reserva and Reserva Especial?
Reserva Privada and Gran Reserva?
11.5%
12%
12.5% and mandatory oak aging.
Which Chilean red blend outplaced Chateau Lafite and Chateau Margaux in the 2004 Berlin Tasting?
Which DO of Chile is it from?
Errázuriz’s “Seña,”
It is from Aconcagua Valley (Aconcagua DO)
What is is Chile’s oldest and most established winemaking region?
Valle Central (Central Valley)
Which Chilean winery is a joint project between Baron Philippe de Rothschild (Mouton-Rothschild) and Concha y Toro?
Almaviva
Their “Vinedo Chadwick” won first place in the 2004 Berlin tasting.
Name the 4 subregions of the Valle Central from north to south.
Maipo Valley
Rapel Valley
Curicó
Maule Valley
What are the two subdivisions of the Rapel Valley, from north to south?
Cachapoal
Colchagua
Where do they make Viña Montes “Alpha M,”?
Apalta, in eastern Colchagua
Which region of Chile is becoming more known for production of Carmenere?
The Rapel Valley, specifically in Colchagua.
What is the name of the Carmenere made by Viña Montes?
Purple Angel
What are the three most planted white grapes of Chile, listed in order of prominence?
Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc (Sauvignon Vert) Muscat
What do the terms Costa, Entre Cordilleras, and Andes signify on a Chilean wine label?
They are designations which signify the proximity of a vineyard to the coast (Costa) or to the mountains.
Costa - Coastal
Entre Cordilleras - describes the valley areas between the coastal range and the Andes
Andes - in the eastern portion of Chile, nearest the Andes
Describe the general climate of Argentina.
It is continental and dry, with rainshadow provided by the Andes mountains in the west.
What are the 3 most planted red grapes of Argentina, listed in order of prominence?
Malbec
Bonarda
Cabernet Sauvignon
What grape did Argentinian Bonarda actually turn out to be?
Savoie’s Corbeau, known as Charbono in the U.S.
What are Reserva and Gran Reserva aging requirements in Argentina?
(White and Red)
Red:
Reserva - 1 year aging
Gran Reserva - 2 years aging
White:
Reserva - 6 mo aging
Gran Reserva - 1 year aging
Name the 3 groups of Argentinian wine provinces from north to south.
The Northwestern Provinces
Cuyo
Patagonia
Name the 3 provinces of Cuyo from north to south.
La Rioja
San Juan
Mendoza
What is furrow irrigation?
A technique developed centuries ago by the Incas, in which the rivers’ water, swelled by Andes snowmelt, is directed through the vineyards in channels
Describe the general soil composition of Mendoza and what its benefits are.
It is mostly loose, alluvial sand over clay, a structure that, when coupled with the gale-force Zonda wind, helps to keep phylloxera and other diseases at bay
Name a famous Argentinian blend.
Cheval des Andes
Where is the Uco Valley and what is its claim to fame?
It is in Argentina, in the Cuyo provinces, in Mendoza, in the western portion. It is home to the highest elevation vineyards in Mendoza.
