South America - Argentina Flashcards
Where’s Argentina?
Located in South America, east of the Andes Mountain Range and west of the Atlantic Ocean.
Climate category of Argentina?
Continental to arid desert
Physical features of Argentina?
Andes Mountains are an average of 900 meters / 3,000 feet above sea level and create a rain shadow.
Salta is 1500-2000 meters / 5,000-6,000 feet in elevation, the highest in Argentina. Mendoza is 600-1200 meters / 2,000-4,000 feet in elevation.
Grape growing information?
Irrigation is essential and flood irrigation or modern drip irrigation is used. Melted snow from the Andes provides a water source. Major diurnal shifts.
Malbec can have an electric purple color due to increased sun exposure at higher elevations causing intense pigmentation
Winemaking info?
Torrontés commonly has no oak influence.
New or used, French or American oak are all common for Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon.
White grape variety names?
Torrontés
Chardonnay
Red grape variety names?
Malbec
Cabernet Sauvignon
Bonarda
Tempranillo
Syrah
Wine laws?
85% min to list the grape variety on a label.
Appellation info?
Salta:
Subregion:
Cafayate known for Torrontés.
Mendoza:
Subregions: Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley known for Malbec.
Patagonia: Cool due to southern latitude. Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir
Style of Argentinian wine?
Torrontés is a highly aromatic grape with soapy, floral, and fruity flavors. It has medium-plus to high acidity making it unique amongst other varieties.
Classification info?
IG: Indicación Geográficas, GIs in English
DOC: Denominación de Origen Controlada system
Producers/proprietary brands?
Catena. And know a couple of producers for service exam recommendations**
History of Argentinian winemaking?
Vineyards were revitalized by Italian and Spanish immigrants.
Service of Argentinian wines?
Some high-end Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon can benefit from decanting.
Food and beverage pairings?
Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon pair well with steak and chimichurri.
