South America - Argentina

Question 1

Location of Argentina

Answer 1

Located in South America, east of the Andes Mountain Range and west of the Atlantic Ocean.

Question 2

What is the climate of Argentina

Answer 2

Continental to arid desert

Question 3

White grapes of Argentina

Answer 3

Torrontès
Chardonnay

Question 4

Red Grapes of Argentina

Answer 4

Malbec
Cabernet Sauvignon
Bonarda
Tempranillo
Syrah
Pinot Noir

Question 5

Argentina Physical Features

Answer 5

(-) Andes Mountains are an average of 900 meters / 3,000 feet above sea level and create a rain shadow

Question 6

Salta Physical Features

Answer 6

1500-2000 meters / 5,000-6,000 feet in elevation, the highest in Argentina

Question 7

Mendoza Physical Features

Answer 7

600-1200 meters / 2,000-4,000 feet in elevation

Question 8

What European group had a large influence in Argentine Wine making?

Answer 8

Italians and due to the mass emigration of Europeans to Argentina similar to what happened to the United States

also spanish immigrants

Question 9

Irrigation in Argentina

Answer 9

(-) Essential and flood irrigation or modern drip irrigation is used
(-) Melted snow from the Andes provides a water source
(-) Major diurnal shifts

Question 10

Argentine Malbec color details

Answer 10

Malbec can have an electric purple color due to increased sun exposure at higher elevations causing intense pigmentation.

Question 11

Winemaking in Argentina

Answer 11

(-) Torrontés commonly has no oak influence
(-) New or used, French or American oak are all common for Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon

Question 12

How does the law work in regards to the labeling of wine regions in Argentina

Answer 12

At least 85% of the grapes must have been grown in the listed region

Question 13

What do they typically age torrontès in?

Answer 13

Stainless steel tanks - to maximize the fresh stone fruit and citrus characteristics

Question 14

Salta subregion

Answer 14

Subregion: Cafayate known for Torrontés

Question 15

Mendoza subregions

Answer 15

Subregions: Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley known for Malbec.

Question 16

How do most of the vines in Argentina get water?

Answer 16

The melted snow from the Andes

Question 17

Climate in Patagonia

Answer 17

Cool due to southern latitude

Question 18

Patagonia grapes

Answer 18

Malbec
Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Noir

Question 19

Describe Torrontes

Answer 19

A highly aromatic grape with soapy, floral, and fruity flavors. It has medium-plus to high acidity making it unique amongst other varieties.

Question 20

What is the most important wine region in Argentina?

Answer 20

Mendoza located in southern Argentina

Question 21

Mendoza makes up what percentage of Argentina wine production?

Answer 21

70%

Question 22

The best Torrontès are made in what region of Argentina?

Answer 22

Northern region of Salta

Question 23

What are the main grapes of the Salta Region?

Answer 23

White : Torrontès

Red: Cabernet Sauvignon

Question 24

Classification systems

Answer 24

IG: Indicación Geográficas, GIs in English
DOC: Denominación de Origen Controlada system

Question 25

Service of Beverage Argentina

Answer 25

Some high-end Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon can benefit from decanting

Question 26

Food and Beverage pairing Argentina

Answer 26

Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon pair well with steak and chimichurri.

Question 27

What is Argentina's second largest wine producing province

Answer 27

San Juan (Cuyo)

Question 28

Mendoza is divided up into how many areas

Answer 28

5 Northern Central (Upper) Southern Eastern Uco Valley

Question 29

What is the main soil type of Mendoza

Answer 29

Comprised of loose, alluvial sand over clay

Question 30

Is oak used in Mendoza

Answer 30

Wines in Mendoza usually undergo some degree of French and American oak treatment