South America Flashcards

1
Q

Two “signature” grapes of Argentina

A

Malbec

Torrontes

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2
Q

Three specific varieties of Torrontes

A

Torrontes Mendocino
Torrontes Riojano
Torrontes Sanjuanino

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3
Q

Red grape known in France as Douce Noir

A

Bonarda (known in California as Charbono)

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4
Q

Pink-skinned grape varieties widely grown in Argentina

A

Criolla
(Criolla Grande and Criolla Chica)

Cereza

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5
Q

Three levels of wine classification used in Argentina

A
  1. Denominacion de origen controlada (DOC) – the highest level
  2. Indicacion geografica (IG) – quality wines below the DOC level
  3. Indicacion de procedencia (IP) – table wines, regional wines
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6
Q

Two DOCs of Argentina

A

Lujan de Cuyo

San Rafael

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7
Q

Most prolific wine-producing province of Argentina

A

Mendoza

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8
Q

Four wine-making provinces of Argentina’s Northern Regions

A

Jujuy
Salta
Tucuman
Catamarca

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9
Q

Three wine-making provinces of Argentina’s Cuyo (Central) Regions

A
Mendoza
San Juan
La Rioja (La Rioja Argentina)
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10
Q

Single wine-making province of Argentina’s “Center”

A

Cordoba

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11
Q

Four wine-making provinces of Argentina’s Patagonia Region

A

Chubut
Neuquen
Rio Negro
La Pampa

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12
Q

Province of Argentina considered part of the “Atlantic” viticultural area

A

Buenos Aires

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13
Q

Four subregions of Salta

A

Cachi
Cafayate (Valley)
Molinos
San Carlos

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14
Q

Ultra-high-altitude vineyard located in Jujuy

A

Moya Vineyard

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15
Q

Ultra-high-altitude vineyard located in Molinos

A

Altura Maxima

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16
Q

Multi-province GI that includes parts of Tucuman, Catamarca, & Salta

A

Calchaqui Valley (Valles Calchaquies)

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17
Q

Five main sub-regions of Mendoza

A
Uco Valley
Northern Oasis
Primera Zona
East Mendoza
South Mendoza
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18
Q

Two main rivers of the Neuquen Province

A

Limay and Neuquen

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19
Q

Province located in the middle of Argentina, east of the Andes, known for grassland (plains)

A

La Pampa

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20
Q

Southernmost wine-producing province of Argentina

A

Chubut

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21
Q

The easternmost GI of Argentina

A

Chapadmalal GI

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22
Q

Capitol city of Uruguay

A

Montevideo

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23
Q

Leading grape variety of Uruguay

A

Tannat

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24
Q

Alternative name for Tannat (in honor of an early adopter) used in Uruguay

A

Harriague (in honor of Pascual Harriague)

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25
Q

Red grape widely used in Uruguay for rose (exported to Brazil)

A

Black Muscat

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26
Q

Chile’s cold ocean current

A

Humboldt Current

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27
Q

Very dry desert located at the northern end of Chile’s viticultural areas

A

Atacama Desert

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28
Q

Leading grape variety of Chile

A

Cabernet Sauvignon

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29
Q

Chilean name(s) for the Friulano grape

A

Sauvingon Vert, Sauvinonasse

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30
Q

Geographical terms for Chile’s wine regions, as defined west-east

A

Costa (Coast)
Entre Cordilleras (Between the Mountains)
Andes

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31
Q

Grape variety previously though to be Chilean “Merlot”

A

Carmenere

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32
Q

Six main viticultural regions of Chile

A
Atacama
Coquimbo
Aconcagua
Central Valley
Del Sur (Southern Regions)
Austral
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33
Q

Three subregions of the Coquimbo Region

A

Elqui Valley
Choapa Valley
Limari Valley

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34
Q

Three subregions of the Aconcagua Region

A

Aconcagua Valley
Casablanca Valley
San Antonio Valley

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35
Q

Subregion of the Aconcagua Region best-known for cool-climate white varieties

A

Casablanca Valley

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36
Q

Zone located within the San Antonio Valley subregion – known for granite soils

A

Leyda Valley

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37
Q

Wine region surrounding the city of Santiago de Chile

A

Maipo Valley

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38
Q

Two zones of Chile’s Rapel Valley

A

Colchagua Valley

Cachapoal Valley

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39
Q

3 subregions of Chile’s “Southern Regions” viticultural area

A

Itata Valley
Bio-Bio Valley
Malleco Valley

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40
Q

2 subregions of Chile’s “Austral Region” viticultural area

A

Cautin Valley

Osorno Valley

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41
Q

Brazilian state best-known for wine production

A

Rio Grande do Sur

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42
Q

Brazil’s only DO

A

Vale de Vinhedos DO

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43
Q

Brazil’s six main wine-production regions

A
Serra Gaucha
Vale do Sao Francisco
Serra do Sudeste
Campos de Cima da Serra
Planalto Catarinense
Campanha
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44
Q

Where does the majority of the South American continent lie?

A

In the tropics, although the Southern Cone at the bottom of the coninent pushes through the temperate winegrowing latitudes

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45
Q

What are the three major wine-producing countries of South America?

A

Argentina, Chile, and Brazil

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46
Q

Who are the major wine exporters of South America?

A

Argentina and Chile; Uruguay’s production is smaller but still does produce wine for export

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47
Q

Which country occupies the largest portion of suitable viticultural land in South America and makes the most wine?

A

Argentina

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48
Q

Where is the primary market for Argentinian wine?

A

Buenos Aires, but the country’s wine industry has become increasingly export-oriented

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49
Q

What is one of the keys to understanding Argentina’s wine industry and culture in general?

A

The bulk of its population is of European origin, and a large percentage originated in Italy and Spain. So wine is an important part of Argentine culture and daily life.

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50
Q

What borders Argentina to the west?

A

The long chain of the Andes Mountains

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51
Q

What borders Argentina to the east?

A

Atlantic Ocean

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52
Q

What does the Andean ridgeline do for Argentina?

A

Forms a border with Chile; creates a formidable barrier to the prevailing westerly winds and results in a significant rain shadow that keeps western Argentina very dry.

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53
Q

What contributes to Argentina’s western foothills exceptional winegrowing conditions?

A

Dry air
Plentiful irrigation water from Andean snowmelt
High elevations
Almost unlimited sunshine

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54
Q

What is the climate of Argentina?

A

Continental; Summers are hot, but the lack of humidity causes nighttime temperatures to drop rapidly, helping to retain acidity in the grapes. Winters are cold but not typically severe.

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55
Q

What are the winds that often shake the vineyards of Argentina?

A

Zonda winds

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56
Q

What effects do the Zonda winds have on Argentina’s vines?

A

Can damage leaves and fruit and, when followed by a cold front, bring the risk of frost damage.

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57
Q

What is the greatest threat in Argentina at harvest time?

A

Hailstorms which can severely damage vineyard crops

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58
Q

What grape varieties were the original focus of Argentina’s wine industry?

A

Range of grape varieties including Criolla Grande, Criolla Chica, and Cereza descended from the original vines (known as Mission Grapes) brought into South America by European missionaries in the 16th century

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59
Q

What are Mission Grapes?

A

Range of grape varieties including Criolla Grande, Criolla Chica, and Cereza descended from the original vines brought into South America by European missionaries in the 16th century

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60
Q

Why were Mission Grapes grown historically?

A

Mainly to be used in inexpensive everyday wines for local consumption or for bulk export.

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61
Q

What did Argentina shift to more recently in terms of grape varieties?

A

Higher-quality production emphasizing two key grapes: Malbec and Torrontes

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62
Q

Two key grapes of Argentina

A

Malbec and Torrontes

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63
Q

Red Grapes of Argentina

A
Malbec
Bonarda (Douce Noir)
Cabernet Sauvignon
Syrah
Tempranillo
Merlot
Pinot Noir
Tannat
Cabernet Franc
Petit Verdot
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64
Q

White Grapes of Argentina

A
Torrontes Riojano
Torrontes Mendocino
Torrontes Sanjuanino
Chardonnay
Moscatel de Alejandria
Chenin Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc
Viognier
Pedro Gimenez
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65
Q

Alternate name for Bonarda

A
Douce Noir (France)
Carbono (California)
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66
Q

Are Cereza, Criolla Grande, and Criolla Chica still widely grown in Argentina?

A

Yes, although they are not typically approved for use in vinos finos

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67
Q

What is Argentina’s signature red variety?

A

Malbec

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68
Q

Argentina Malbec profile

A

Deeply colored, often inky black, and hae corresponding fruit flavors of blackberry and plum

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69
Q

Second most exported grape of Argentina

A

Torrontes

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70
Q

Argentina Torrontes profile

A

Light-bodied wine with pronounced floral aromas

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71
Q

3 leading reds besides Malbec in Argentina

A

Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah

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72
Q

What are the three distinct varieties of Torrontes?

A

Torrontes Mendocino
Torrontes Riojano
Torrontes Sanjuanino

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73
Q

Which variety of Torrontes is the most grown?

A

Torrontes Riojano

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74
Q

What is the widely grown Pedro Gimenez used for in Argentina?

A

Fortified wines and Bulk wines

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75
Q

When was Argentina’s appellation system enacted?

A

1999

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76
Q

How many levels are in Argentina’s appellation system?

A

3

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77
Q

What are the 3 levels of Argentina’s appellation system from highest to lowest?

A

Denominacion de origen controlada (DOC)
Indicacion geografica (IG)
Indicacion de procedencia (IP)

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78
Q

What is the IP level used for in Argentina?

A

Table wines and regional wines

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79
Q

Who enforces Argentina’s DOC laws?

A

a local consejo, or council

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80
Q

What do the DOC regulations entail?

A

Geographic boundaries
Permissable grape varieties
Planting densities
Other Requirements

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81
Q

How many DOCs are in Argentina?

A

2

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82
Q

What are the 2 DOCs in Argentina?

A

Mendoza subregions of Lujan de Cuyo and San Rafael

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83
Q

What can be produced in the Lujan de Cuyo DOC?

A

Malbec

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84
Q

What can be produced in the San Rafael DOC?

A

Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay

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85
Q

What is the Instituto Nacional de Vitivinicultura?

A

INV; Regulating body of wine in Argentina that places strict controls, including pricing requirements, on the best wine of Argentina

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86
Q

What are the best wines of Argentina called?

A

Vinos finos

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87
Q

How much of total production is vinos finos?

A

20% of all wine produced

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88
Q

What are the requirements for vinos finos?

A
Premium grapes (typically excludes wine produced from the Cereza or Criolla grape varieties)
Varietal wines must contain 85% of stated variety
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89
Q

What took effect in 2011 in regards to vinos finos?

A

Defining of terms such as Reserva and Gran Reserva

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90
Q

Reserva requirements for vinos finos

A

White wines - 6 mos aging

Red wines - 1 yr aging

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91
Q

Gran Reserva requirements for vinos finos

A

White wines - 1 yr aging

Red wines - 2 yrs aging

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92
Q

Where is the Jujuy region in Argentina?

A

Located in the extreme northwest of Argentina; tucked deep into the Andes Mountains and as such contains some of the highest elevation vineyards in the world

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93
Q

What is the highest vineyard in Argentina?

A

Moya Vineyard (10, 922 ft/3,330 m) above sea level

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94
Q

What is the climate of Jujuy?

A

Very little rain, abundant sunshine, and a wide diurnal temperature swing

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95
Q

What is the total acreage of Jujuy?

A

A mere 65 acres (26 ha)

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96
Q

What is the acreage of Salta?

A

Approximately 8,300 acres (3,365 ha)

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97
Q

What is Salta known for?

A

High-elevation vineyards which range from 5,000 to 10,200 ft above sea level

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98
Q

What region in Salta is home to a majority of the region’s vineyards?

A

Cafayate

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99
Q

What is Cafayate known for?

A

High-altitude Torrontes Riojano in addition to Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon

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100
Q

What is the ultra-high elevation vineyard found in Molinos within Salta?

A

Altura Maxima (“Maximum Height”) - 10,206 ft/3,111 m

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101
Q

What is Altura Maxima planted to?

A

Malbec

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102
Q

What is Tucuman?

A

Sun-drenched, high-altitude, densely populated region in Argentina that is home to just over 280 acres of vines

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103
Q

Where are most of the vines of Tucuman located?

A

Calchaqui Valley (Calles Calchaquies)

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104
Q

Where does the Calchaqui Valley extend?

A

Tucuman and across parts of Catamarca and Salta

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105
Q

What makes up the majority of the plantings in the Calchaqui Valley?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Torrontes Riojano

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106
Q

How many acres of vines does Catamarca have? What is nearly 40% planted to?

A

6,200 acres (2,500 ha); Native Criolla grape varieties (some of which are used for bulk wine or table grapes), although quality wine production – including unique wines based on Criolla varieties – is rapidly expanding

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107
Q

What is the leading export variety of Catamarca?

A

Torrontes Riojano followed by Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Syrah

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108
Q

Where are the majority of the Catamarca’s vineyards located?

A

In a succession of high-elevation river valleys tucked between mountain ridges – where warm days, cool nights, and sunshine are abundant

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109
Q

Where is La Rioja?

A

South of Catamarca

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110
Q

What is La Rioja’s climate?

A

Warm days and cool nights, as well as a tendency for drought conditions.

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111
Q

Where are the majority of the vineyards of La Rioja?

A

Famatina Valleys, located to either side of the Famatina mountain range

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112
Q

What is La Rioja planted to?

A

51% Red grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Bonarda, and Syrah
32% - Torrontes Riojano is by far the single most widely-planted grape of the region

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113
Q

What is the most widely planted grape variety of La Rioja?

A

Torrontes Riojano

114
Q

What percentage of Argentina’s vines are in San Juan?

A

17% making it the second largest grape-producing province in the country (after Mendoza)

115
Q

Grape varieties of San Juan

A

Somewhat equally divided between red, white, and Criolla varieties

Syrah, Malbec, Bonarda, and Cabernet Sauvignon are the leading red varieties

Range of white grapes, led by Torrontes Sanjuanino plus Torrontes Riojano, Chardonnay, Torrontes Mendocino, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier

116
Q

How much of Argentina’s vineyard acreage is in Mendoza?

A

Nearly 75%, it is home to many of the internationally renowned Argentine wineries

117
Q

What mountain range does Mendoza take advantage of?

A

Andes mountains, with most of its vineyards planted between 2,000 and 4,000 ft (610 to 1,220 m) above sea level

118
Q

How much of Mendoza’s vines are planted to red grapes?

A

Over 61% – led by Malbec, Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Tempranillo

119
Q

What are the leading white grapes of Mendoza?

A

Chardonnay, Torrontes Riojano, and Sauvignon Blanc

120
Q

What are the five large sub-regions of Argentina?

A
Uco Valley
Primera Zona
Northern Oasis
East Mendoza
South Mendoza
121
Q

2 DOCs located in Mendoza

A
Lujan de Cuyo (Primera ZOna)
San Rafael (South Mendoza)
122
Q

Where is Cordoba located?

A

Almost in the geographic center of Argentina, to the east of La Rioja

123
Q

Who settled Cordoba in the early 1600s?

A

Jesuit missionaries hailing from Spain settled in the province in the early 1600s and established several estancias (working ranches) complete with schools, churches, orchards, and vineyards.

124
Q

What are estancias?

A

Working ranches

125
Q

When did Jesuits stop producing wine in Argentina?

A

1767, when the Spanish crown expelled them from Argentina. At this point most of the vineyards of Cordoba were abandoned and wine production stagnated in the area

126
Q

When did the wine industry of Cordoba come back to life? Why?

A

1870s when a strong wave of Italian immigrants brought the industry back to life

127
Q

What is the topography of Cordoba?

A

Located east of the Andes, contains a series of moderate-elevation mountain ranges in its western portion and an extensive plain covering much of the east

128
Q

What are the leading grape varieties of Cordoba?

A

Merlot, Pinot Noir, Malbec, and Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc

129
Q

Where is Neuquen?

A

The Neuquen Province is located south of Mendoza and considered part of Argentine Patagonia

130
Q

Where are the majority of the vineyards of Neuquen?

A

In the basins of the Limay and Neuquen rivers, in the southeastern part of the province

131
Q

What is the climate of Neuquen?

A

An area of moderate elevation (between 886 ft and 1,363 ft) with a typically windy and dry climate. Days tend to be warm-to-hot, followed by brisk, desert-like cold nights

132
Q

How much of Neuquen is planted to red grapes?

A

Nearly 85% of the vines, led by Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir

133
Q

What are the leading white varieties of Neuquen?

A

Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillon

134
Q

Where is La Pampa?

A

To the northeast of Neuquen and in the center of the country. It is a gently undulating plain – at an average elevation of 1,000 ft – with 60 mile long fan-shaped valleys running from west to east

135
Q

What is the climate of La Pampa?

A

Moderate continetnal climate with mild autumns and springs, warm summers, and cold winters

136
Q

What accounts for nearly 50% of the plantings of La Pampa?

A

Malbec, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlto, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay being the other leading varieties

137
Q

Where are the vineyards of Rio Negro?

A

Planted across a series of west-east valleys located along the Colorado and Negro Rivers; They stretch from teh inland valleys in teh western section of the province (where they top out at 1,214 ft and continue to the east, almost to the point where the rivers meet the Atlantic Ocean

138
Q

Are the vineyards of Rio Negro planted at high elevations?

A

No, they are actually some of the lowest elevation viney

139
Q

How many acres of vines are in Rio Negro?

A

Nearly 3,750 acres (1,515 ha)

140
Q

What are the leading grapes of Rio Negro?

A

Malbec, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and all three versions of Torrontes

141
Q

What is the southernmost wine-producing province in Argentina?

A

Chubut

142
Q

What is the name of the vineyard in Chubut that is one of the southernmost vineyards in the world?

A

Sarmiento – it sits below the 45th parallel (South)

143
Q

Where are many of the vineyards of Chubut planted?

A

In the steppes (relatively flat, grassland areas) close to the Atlantic Coast

144
Q

How much of Chubut’s 180 acres are planted to red varieties?

A

Nearly 60%

145
Q

What is the leading grape of Chubut?

A

Pinot Noir, followed by Chardonnay, Merlot, Malbec, and Torrontes Riojano

146
Q

What region has joined the ranks of emerging wine regions as Argentine wine producers have extended the limits of viticulture to the east?

A

Buenos Aires

147
Q

How many acres are in Buenos Aires?

A

Less than 400 acres (160 ha)

148
Q

What are the leading grape varieties of Buenos Aires?

A

Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay

although a diverse selection of red grapes including Pinot Noir are also grown

149
Q

What GI, located near the town of Mar del Plata, contains the easternmost vineyards in Argentina?

A

Chapadmalal GI

150
Q

How does Chapadmalal GI compare to the rest of Argentina’s vineyards?

A

As they are in Buenos Aires, just a few miles from the Atlantic Ocean – this ocean-influenced region is much cooler and receives more rainfall than many of Argentina’s other vineyard areas.

151
Q

How large is Chile?

A

Chile stretches along South America’s Pacidic Coast for almost 2700 miles, with viticulture involved in nearly 800 miles of that length (mostly between the latitudes of 30S and 40S)

152
Q

Why is much of Chile’s wine specifically intended for sale to consumers in other countries as a national revenue source?

A

Chile produces much more wine than its modest domestic market can absorb.

153
Q

How much of Chilean wine is exported?

A

2/3rds of total production

154
Q

What is Chile situated between?

A

Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains

155
Q

What is in the northern part of Chile?

A

Atacama Desert – one of the earth’s driest places

156
Q

What is in the south of Chile?

A

Tierra del Fuego – frozen archipelago

157
Q

Due to the Andes, Atacama Desert, and Tierra del Fuego – Chile holds what distinction?

A

Thanks to those natural barriers and Chile’s strict quarantine laws – it is phylloxera-free

158
Q

Where are the majority of the vines of Chile?

A

Central Valley (which also contains the capital city of Santiago)

159
Q

What does the Central Valley lie between?

A

Low coastal mountains and the Andes

160
Q

What are the growing conditions of the Central Valley of Chile similar to?

A

Some of the prime winegrowing areas of California

161
Q

What is the Humboldt Current?

A

Cold ocean current flowing along its shores from the polar seas

162
Q

What does the Humboldt Current do?

A

The prevailing westerly winds bring cool, moist air inland which results in the areas direcly influenced by these breezes have low average temperatures and less sunshine

163
Q

What are the conditions of the majority of the Central Valley in Chile? (Not affected by Humboldt Current)

A

Coastal hills block the fog and chilly air, so the vineyards are warm, dry, and sunny throughout the growing season

164
Q

What is the climate in Central Valley of Chile?

A

Mediterranean, and most of the rain falls during the winter. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 90F (32C) and humidity is low

165
Q

What divides the Central Valley of Chile?

A

The north-south Central Valley is cut longitudinally by several rivers running westward from the mountains to the ocean

166
Q

What do the rivers in the Central Valley of Chile do?

A

Besides providing ample snowmelt water for irrigation, divides the long Central Valley into a series of smaller valley basins that get progressively cooler from north to south

167
Q

Where are many of Chile’s vines from?

A

They were brought from Bodeaux during the mid-1800s, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc

168
Q

What is the most planted grape in Chile?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon, many people believe that Chile is ideally suited for the production of world-class Cabernet Sauvignon

169
Q

Red Grape varieties of Chile

A
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Carmenere
Syrah
Cabernet Franc
Carignan
Cinsault
Pais (Listan Prieto)
Pinot Noir
170
Q

Another name for Pais in Chile

A

Listan Prieto

171
Q

White Grape Varieties of Chile

A

Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
Viognier
Semillon

172
Q

Why is Carmenere no longer abundant in Bordeaux?

A

While it was utilized in pre-phylloxera Bordeaux red blends, little was replanted after phylloxera

173
Q

What was Carmenere mistaken for in Chile?

A

A spicy Merlot – hence it was referred to as Merlot Chileno

174
Q

When was Chilean Merlot determined to be Carmenere?

A

1994

175
Q

Who determined Chilean Merlot was Carmenere?

A

Jean-Michel Boursiquot of the Montpellier School of Oenology

176
Q

Why is Carmenere not well suited to Bordeaux?

A

It requires a lengthy season to reach full maturity which Bordeaux doesn’t really offer

177
Q

Style of Chilean Carmenere

A

Rich in color, redolent of red fruits, spice, and berries, and has softer tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon

178
Q

Does Chile focus on more red or white varieties?

A

Red, although plantings of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are notable

179
Q

What has recent research shown much of Chile’s previous Sauvignon Blanc vines to be?

A

A less aromatic grape known as Sauvignon Vert (also known as Sauvinonasse or, in Italy, Friulano) – most have been replanted with true Sauvignon Blanc. The two varieties are still not always clearly defined – both being referred to simply as Sauvignon

180
Q

When did Chile’s wine labeling system come into effect?

A

1995

181
Q

What is Chile’s wine labeling system similar to?

A

That of the United States it is essentially identical to the United States’ system of American Viticultural Areas in that there are no subcategories for lower-quality wines as there are in Europe

182
Q

Do the wine laws of Chile follow the European model of quality designations

A

No

183
Q

What are the name of Chile’s wine law designations?

A

Denominacion de Origen (DO)

184
Q

How are the place-of-origin designations of Chile based?

A

Primarily on the progression of valleys south-ward through the middle of the country

185
Q

Place-or-origin designations in Chile from big to small

A

Viticultural Regions
Subregions
Zones
Areas

186
Q

How are the geographical districts based on Chile’s east-west geography labelled?

A

Costa (Coast)
Entre Cordilleras (Between the Mountains)
Andes

187
Q

What is the purpose of the geographical district labelling in Chile?

A

They are designed to reflect the overwhelming influence of the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains on Chilean viticulture

188
Q

What are the requirements for labeling under Chilean wine law?

A

Minimum requirements for place of origin, vintage, and variety are all set at 75%

189
Q

Why do Chilean wineries often exceed the 75% minimum and operate at 85% instead?

A

To confine to the requirements for export to the European Union

190
Q

What is the requirement to utilize the Costa, Entra Cordilleras, or Andes designation?

A

May be appended to existing DOs if a minimum of 85% of the grapes are grown in the stated district

191
Q

From north to south, what are the six main wine regions of Chile?

A
Atacama
Coquimbo
Aconcagua
the Central Valley
Del Sur (Southern Regions)
the Austral Region
192
Q

What two regions in Chile have limited plantings?

A

Austral Region – which is located at the southernmost extreme of Chile and just beginning to be planted with vines

Atacama – northernmost region which has limited acreage

193
Q

What is most of the limited acreage of Atacama utilized for?

A

Table grapes and wine grapes distilled into Pisco

194
Q

What is the northernmost fine wine region in Chile?

A

Coquimbo

195
Q

What subregion of Coquimbo skirts the southern edge of the Atacama desert?

A

Elqui Valley

196
Q

What is grown in Elqui Valley in Chile?

A

While the Elqui Valley has historically specialized in table grapes and other fruits, new high-altitude vineyards are producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carmenere, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc

197
Q

What is Elqui Valley’s best-known wine

A

Cool-climate Syrah

198
Q

What makes Limari Valley in Coquimbo the ideal location for mineral-driven whites?

A

Cooling Pacific Ocean fogs and the influence of teh Humboldt Current

199
Q

What is the leading grape variety of Limari Valley?

A

Chardonnay

200
Q

What subregion is located at Chile’s narrowest point where there is virtually no distinction between the Andes and the Coastal Mountains?

A

Choapa Valley

201
Q

What are the weather conditions of Choapa Valley?

A

Desert-like conditions, often receiving less than 5 inches (12.7 cm) of rain per year

202
Q

What does the Choapa Valley produce?

A

Small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah

203
Q

What is the Aconcagua region named after?

A

The river that runs through it

204
Q

What are the three subregions of Aconcagua?

A

Aconcagua Valley
Casablanca Valley
San Antonio Valley

205
Q

What is the warmest subregion of Aconcagua?

A

Aconcagua Valley – it has a distinctly Mediterranean climate

206
Q

What grape varieties are in Aconcagua?

A

Coastal plantings feature white grapes, while the much hotter interior is home to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah

207
Q

Why is the Casablanca Valley quite cool?

A

It is the most coastal wine area within Chile, and its proximity to the ocean provides it with the benefits of a maritime climate including frequent morning fogs

208
Q

What is primarity grown in Casablanca Valley?

A

White varieties which make up 75% of all plantings particularly Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The area is also gaining a reputation for its Pinot Noir

209
Q

What are the grape varieties of San Antonion Valley?

A

As it is close to the Pacific OCean and also possesses a cool climate which allows for a slow ripening of the grapes – Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Suavignon Blanc are the leading varieties

210
Q

What is the zone located within in San Antonio Valley?

A

Leyda Valley

211
Q

What is the Leyda Valley highly regarded for?

A

Wines with minerality and complexity due to the granite soils and very breezy climate

212
Q

How much of Chile’s current winegrowing area is contained in the Central Valley?

A

80%

213
Q

What are the subregions of Central Valley from north to south?

A

Maipo Valley
Rapel Valley
Curico Valley
Maule Valley

214
Q

What subregion is located around Santiago?

A

Maipo Valley

215
Q

What subregion is the historical heart of Chile and the central of Chile’s winemaking culture?

A

Maipo Valley

216
Q

What does Maipo Valley produce?

A

Well-balanced reds including its specialty of Cabernet Sauvignon, with lesser plantings of Merlot, Chardonnay, Carmenere, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah

217
Q

What makes up the Rapel Valley?

A

Cachapoal and Colchaguea Valleys

218
Q

What is Rapel Valley focused on?

A

Red wine producttion

219
Q

What does Cachapoal produce?

A

As it has a warm, but not hot, climate it mainly produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Carmenere

220
Q

What does the more southern Colchagua produce?

A

Full-bodied, premium reds form Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Carmenere

221
Q

Where is Curico Valley located?

A

Further inland and without any maritime influence

222
Q

When was Curico Valley planted? When was there a renewed interest in it?

A

mid-1800s; 1970s

223
Q

What is planted in Curico Valley?

A

More evenly planted with red and white varieties, particularly Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Carmenere

224
Q

What is Chile’s largest subregion and also one of its oldest?

A

Maule Valley

225
Q

Where is Maule Valley located? What is its climate?

A

Southern end of the Central valley where the valley floor broadens

Located in western Chile, Maule enjoys a cooling ocean influence, and a mild, dry climate

226
Q

What does the mild, dry climate permit many producers to do?

A

Practice organic viticulture

227
Q

What does Maule Valley produce?

A

Pais, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Malbec, Carmenere, and a variety of other red wines

228
Q

Why is their a cooler climate in Del Sur (Southern Regions)?

A

More because of latitude than of the maritime influence

229
Q

What are the two primary valleys of Del Sur (Southern Regions)?

A

Itata Valley

Bio-Bio Valley

230
Q

What have Itata Valley and Bio-Bio Valley long been dedicated to?

A

Pais and Moscatel, but they have recently begun experimenting with varieties such as Pinot Noir and Riesling as well as with other international varieties

231
Q

What does Itata Valley specialize in?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot

232
Q

What is unique about Bio-Bio Valley?

A

It has the highest rainfall in Chile, but little humidity due to the windy conditions, so Pinot Noir and Chardonnay flourish

233
Q

What grape varieties are mostly planted in the more southern Malleco Valley?

A

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

234
Q

What is the largest country in South America in terms of landmass?

A

Brazil

235
Q

What does Brazil rank in terms of wine production?

A

Third

236
Q

What has Brazil had in terms of of producers?

A

Hundreds of small, family-owned wineries producing light, fruit -driven wine for local consumption

237
Q

Why has Brazilian wine seen significant growth?

A

Due predominantly to increasing investments in vinifera-based vineyards and modern winery facilities – thus Brazilian wineries are producing high-quality wine for export

238
Q

When did Brazil start awarding geographical indication status to certain wineproducing areas?

A

2002

239
Q

What are the classifications of Brazilian wine regions from the highest to lowest?

A

Denominacao de Origem (DO)

Indicacao de Origem (IO)

240
Q

How many wine producing regions are in Brazil?

A

6

241
Q

How many of Brazil’s wine producing regions are in the state of Rio Grande do Sul

A

Four

242
Q

What wine-producing state is found in the southeastern portion of Brazil and considered to be Brazil’s main wine-producing state?

A

Rio Grade do Sul

243
Q

What are the 6 regions of Brazil?

A
Serra Gaucha
Campanha
Serra do Sudeste
Campos de Cima da Serra
Planalto Catarinense
Vale do Sao Francisco
244
Q

What region in teh Rio Grade do Sul is considered to be the cradle of Brazilian wine production?

A

Serra Gaucha

245
Q

How much of Brazil’s wine production is in Serra Gaucha?

A

Over 85%

246
Q

Who settled Serra Gaucha and brought the culture and industry of wine there?

A

Italian immigrants

247
Q

What is Serra Gaucha largely focused on?

A

Red wines, although its sparkling wines are increasing in quality and reputation

248
Q

What are the leading vinifera grape varieties of Serra Gaucha?

A

Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Franc
Tannat

249
Q

What grape varieties are used for Charmat Method sparkling wines of Serra Gaucha?

A

Malvasia

Moscato

250
Q

What grape varieties are used for Traditional Method sparkling wines of Serra Gaucha?

A

Chardonnay

Pinot Noir

251
Q

What is Brazil’s first and only DO?

A

Vale dos Vinhedos (which is in Serra Gaucha)

252
Q

What do the DO regulations require in Brazil?

A

Use of vinifera grapes with Merlot and Chardonnay specified as flagship varieties

253
Q

What IO status regions are in Serra Gaucha?

A

Montes
Pinot Bandeira
Monte Belo do Sul
Farroupilha

254
Q

What region in Brazil is located on the southern border of Brazil close to Uruguay?

A

Campanha

255
Q

What region has some of the oldest vineyards in Brazil?

A

Campanha

256
Q

What are the climate/soils of Campanha?

A

Warm climate; Soils of maily granite and limestone – which makes it an ideal region for ripening sturdy red grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, and Tannat

257
Q

Is Serra do Sudeste one of the older growing regions of Brazil?

A

No, viticulture is fairly new – being introduced in the 1970s, but only experiencing significant plantings since the early 2000s

258
Q

What happens to most of the grapes grown in Serra do Sudeste?

A

Transported to wine producing facilities in Serra Gaucha

259
Q

What are the 4 regions in Rio Grande do Sul?

A

Serra Gaucha
Campanha
Serra do Sudeste
Campos de Cima da Serra

260
Q

Climate/plantings of Campos de Cima da Serra

A

Relatively cool climate and long growing season

Mainly to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Tannat, as well as aromatic white grapes such as Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Gewurztraminer

261
Q

What state is Planalto Catarinense located within?

A

Santa Caterina

262
Q

How many acres are dedicated to vinifera in Planalto Catarinense?

A

741 acres (300 ha)

263
Q

Where are the highest elevation vineyards in Brazil?

A

Planalto Catarinense – with elevations of 2900 to 4600 ft (900 to 1400 m) above sea level

264
Q

What are the leading grape varieties of Planalto Catarinense?

A
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Pinot Noir
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
265
Q

What does Vale do Sao Francisco mean?

A

Valley of Saint Francis

266
Q

What state is the Vale do Sao Francisco located within?

A

Bahia

267
Q

What is unique about Vale do Sao Francisco?

A

The vineyards in this region are located at 9 degrees south latitude with a climate classified as tropical semi-arid – which allows for 2 harvests per year, making vine management quite challenging

268
Q

What is produced in Vale do Sao Francisco?

A

Single-variety wines and red blends, along with sparkling wines produced by both traditional and tank methods

269
Q

What is South America’s fourth largest wine producer?

A

Uruguay

270
Q

What is the climate of Uruguay?

A

The country falls just within the boundary of the temperate zone in terms of latitude, and much of the country experiences high humidity and subtropical temperatures

271
Q

Where are most of the vineyards of Uruguay located?

A

Southern part of the country particularly near the capital city of Montevideo

272
Q

Why are many of the vineyards in the southern part of the country?

A

As this area has a somewhat milder climate than the rest of the country due to poximity to the Southern Atlantic OCean and the Rio de la Plata estuary

273
Q

What are the majority of Brazil’s grapes?

A

Vinifera

274
Q

What is the leading grape variety of Brazil?

A

Tannat

275
Q

Profile of Tannat

A

Hearty, tannic red

276
Q

Where did the Tannat of Brazil come from?

A

French and Spanish Basque Country

277
Q

What is Tannat known as in Brazil? Why?

A

Harriague; in honor of Pascual Harriague, a Frenchman who helped spread the grape variety throughout Uruguay

278
Q

Leading Grape Varieties of Uruguay

A
Tannat
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Franc
Merlot
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
Viognier
Black Muscat
279
Q

What is Black Muscat used for in Uruguay?

A

Rose

280
Q

Is the Black Muscat Rose of Brazil purely consumed domestically?

A

No, it is also exported to Brazil