South America - Chile and Argentina Flashcards
This country is the 5th largest wine producer in the world and is only second to the United States in the New World
Argentina
What is the climate of Argentina
Temperate Warm
Main white grape of Argentina
Torrontès
Main Red Grape of Argentina
Malbec
Cabernet Sauvignon
What is the top region of Argentina
Mendoza
What food does do most Argentines eat and how most wines are made to pair with?
Beef
When did wine come to Argentina?
In the 1500’s during the Spanish Conquest
Who planted the first wine grapes in Argentina and what were they?
Spanish Monks
Criolla - also known as Pais in Chile and Mission is California
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
What wine law system does the Argentine follow?
Laws are similar to the United States:
- Loose Based
- Unrestrictive and Relax
- Can grow anything you want and anywhere
How are Argentina Wines labeled?
By grape variety, and if so at least 80% of grape used to make the wine must be listed on the label
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
Where does most winemaking take place in Argentina
In the shadows and countryside of the Andes Mountains
What is the biggest problem facing Argentine winemakers
Irrigation due to the rain shadow effect from the Andes Mountains leaving the country mostly dry
How do most of the vines in Argentina get water?
The melted snow from the Andes
What is ideal location for growing wine grapes in Argentina?
Elevated places - top Vineyards are located in the foothills of Argentina
What is he usually elevation range of Argentine Vineyards?
2500 - 4000 feet in elevation and some even reach as high as 7000 feet in elevation
How does high elevations effect the grapes in Argentina?
The high elevations drops the temperature at night causing the grapes not to over ripen
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
What ancient group created the irrigation system still used today for Vineyards
The Huarpe Indians then later developed by the Spanish
Torrontés Riojano and Torrontés Sanjuanijo are crossings of what two grapes
Criolla Chica x Muscat of Alexandria
From North to South:
Atacama
Coquimbo
Aconcagua
Valle Central ( Central Valley)
Sur (the southern region)
Austral Region
These are the 6 regional Denominations of Origins (DOs) of what country
Chile
What is the main climate of Chile
Maritime
What is the name of the current that cools the Vines of Chile
Humboldt Current
- forces cool sea air inland through the river valleys to affect the Central Valley Vineyards during your day
The best vineyards in Chile are located where
Valle Central (Central Valley)
What is the law of 75%
The vintage, varietal and denomination of origin must, if listed on the bottle comprise a minimum 75% of the blend
When was Chilean wine law established
1995
Can you use hybrid grapes in wines in Child
No, they are forbidden
What is the minimum alcohol content for Chilean wines
11%
Wines labeled Reserva and Reserva Especial must have a minimum alcohol content of
12%
Wines labeled Reserva Privada and Gran Reserva must have a minimum alcohol content of
12.5
What level wines in Chile have a mandatory requirement of time in Oak
Reserva Especial
Gran Reserva
What is the leading grape of Chile
Cabernet Sauvignon 🔴
País 🔴
What are some secondary Red grapes of Chile
Merlot 🔴
Carmenère 🔴
Syrah 🔴
Pinot Noir 🔴
Cabernet Franc 🔴
What are some white grapes of Chile
Sauvignon Blanc ⚪
Sauvignon Vert⚪
Sémillon ⚪
Muscat of Alexandria ⚪
Chardonnay ⚪
What type of grapes account for approximately 73% of the total acreage in Chile
Red grapes 🔴
What is the northern most winegrowing region in Chile
Atacama
What region in Chile is the second most northern region? Has two valleys Elqui and Limarí
Coquimbo
Where is Syrah very prominent in Chile
Coquimbo - Elqui Valley
The Aconcagua DO is named after
The Aconcagua River
What are the main soil of Aconcagua Valley
Alluvial
What are the main grapes of Aconcagua Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon 🔴
Merlot 🔴
Who is Errázuriz and where are they located
One of Chile’s most prominent estates and winemaking families
- located in the commune of Panquehue, in the Aconcagua DO
What is Seña
Errázuriz iconic Bordeaux style blend
- placed ahead of both Château Lafita and Château Margaux in the 2004 Berlin Tasting
What is the oldest and most established winemaking region in Chile
Central Valley ( Valle Central)