South America - Argentina Flashcards
Location of Argentina
Located in South America, east of the Andes Mountain Range and west of the Atlantic Ocean.
What is the climate of Argentina
Continental to arid desert
White grapes of Argentina
Torrontès
Chardonnay
Red Grapes of Argentina
Malbec
Cabernet Sauvignon
Bonarda
Tempranillo
Syrah
Pinot Noir
Argentina Physical Features
(-) Andes Mountains are an average of 900 meters / 3,000 feet above sea level and create a rain shadow
Salta Physical Features
1500-2000 meters / 5,000-6,000 feet in elevation, the highest in Argentina
Mendoza Physical Features
600-1200 meters / 2,000-4,000 feet in elevation
What European group had a large influence in Argentine Wine making?
Italians and due to the mass emigration of Europeans to Argentina similar to what happened to the United States
also spanish immigrants
Irrigation in Argentina
(-) Essential and flood irrigation or modern drip irrigation is used
(-) Melted snow from the Andes provides a water source
(-) Major diurnal shifts
Argentine Malbec color details
Malbec can have an electric purple color due to increased sun exposure at higher elevations causing intense pigmentation.
Winemaking in Argentina
(-) Torrontés commonly has no oak influence
(-) New or used, French or American oak are all common for Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon
How does the law work in regards to the labeling of wine regions in Argentina
At least 85% of the grapes must have been grown in the listed region
What do they typically age torrontès in?
Stainless steel tanks - to maximize the fresh stone fruit and citrus characteristics
Salta subregion
Subregion: Cafayate known for Torrontés
Mendoza subregions
Subregions: Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley known for Malbec.
How do most of the vines in Argentina get water?
The melted snow from the Andes
Climate in Patagonia
Cool due to southern latitude
Patagonia grapes
Malbec
Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Noir
Describe Torrontes
A highly aromatic grape with soapy, floral, and fruity flavors. It has medium-plus to high acidity making it unique amongst other varieties.
What is the most important wine region in Argentina?
Mendoza located in southern Argentina
Mendoza makes up what percentage of Argentina wine production?
70%
The best Torrontès are made in what region of Argentina?
Northern region of Salta
What are the main grapes of the Salta Region?
White : Torrontès
Red: Cabernet Sauvignon
Classification systems
IG: Indicación Geográficas, GIs in English
DOC: Denominación de Origen Controlada system
Service of Beverage Argentina
Some high-end Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon can
benefit from decanting
Food and Beverage pairing Argentina
Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon pair well with steak and chimichurri.
What is Argentina’s second largest wine producing province
San Juan (Cuyo)
Mendoza is divided up into how many areas
5
Northern
Central (Upper)
Southern
Eastern
Uco Valley
What is the main soil type of Mendoza
Comprised of loose, alluvial sand over clay
Is oak used in Mendoza
Wines in Mendoza usually undergo some degree of French and American oak treatment
