WINES OF THE WORLD 🇦🇷 Argentina Flashcards
Climate of Argentina
Mainly continental climate. Very high diurnale range (20+°C). Very low rainfall due to the Andes rain shadow. Zonda wind (hot, dry and powerful, in late spring and early summer) lowers humidity and can induce water stress in the vine, if too strong can affect flowering and fruit set or damage grapes. El Niño phenomenon can bring higher rainfall (2016).
Where the vineyards in Argentina are located
Long region. High altitude is essential for low latitude sites. Vineyards are mainly in the foothills of the Andes (W of the country), exception for Patagonia, the lowest at 500 m. Possibility to have flat or gently sloping sites at high altitude.
Type of soils in Argentina
Vineyards are mainly located on alluvial soils. Larger stones with calcareous deposits on the higher altitudes closer to the Andes (Gualtallary and Paraje Altamira in the Uco Valley and Pedernal Valley in San Juan). Gravel, sand and silt in the middle areas. Deeper loamy-clay soils, rich in nutrients, in the lower areas. Little organic matter from decomposed flora and fauna. Poor soils in the higher areas.
Main grape varieties of Argentina
30% old vines. 20% historical pink varieties such as Cereza, Criolla Grande, and Criolla Chica. More blacks than whites, while in the past it was the opposite. Malbec, Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Tempranillo, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Tannat. Pedro Giménez, Torrontés (Riojano, Sanjuanino and Mendocino), Chardonnay. Sémillon, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier.
Hazards in Argentina
Low risk of disease due to the dry air and winds. Hail in the summer (vineyards in different sites to minimise the risk). Frost in some areas of Mendoza (2017). New platings with rootstock to protect against nematodes and provide tolerance against drought (most vines are ungrafted).
Main regions within Argentina
- The North
- Cuyo
- Patagonia
Main provinces of Cuyo, Argentina
- La Rioja
- San Juan
- Mendoza
Main provinces of The North, Argentina
- Salta
Main provinces of Patagonia, Argentina
- Río Negro
- Neuquén
Main sub-regions of Mendoza
- Northern and Eastern Mendoza
- Central Mendoza (Primera Zona)
- Uco Valley
- Southern Mendoza
Main departments of Central Mendoza
- Luján de Cuyo
- Maipú
Main departments of Uco Valley
- Tupungato
- Tunuyán
- San Carlos
Main departments of Southern Mendoza
- San Rafael
DOCs in Argentina
Luján de Cuyo and San Rafael.
How many DOCs are in Argentina
2
Main districts of Luján de Cuyo
- Las Compuertas
- Agrelo
Main districts of Tupungato
- Gualtallary
How irrigation is managed in Argentina
Irrigation is needed (sourced from rivers and distributed by a network of dams and irrigation channels). Mainly flood irrigation (70% vineyards, network of dams and irrigation channels, can be stored in reservoirs) because of free-draining soil, cheap to operate. Increase in drip irrigation systems (possibility of water shortage in Mendoza, La Rioja and San Juan). Most irrigation in winter and low amounts in the growing season.
Main training systems in Argentina
Traditionally, the training system was high pergola (parral) in order to protect grapes from the heat, giving some shade to the fruits. It’s still used in warmer areas for Torrontés. VSP is increasing.
Harvest for wines from Argentina
Traditionally, by hand. Now, more mechanisation due to the difficulty of paying workers.
Key winemaking operations for red wines in Argentina
Traditionally, fermentation and maturation in large oak barrels, hint of oxidation. Shift with the arrival of foreign investment and winemakers, so later harvesting, temperature controlled, new oak. Now, earlier harvesting, natural fermentation, whole bunch/berry fermentation, gentler extractions. Significant growth.
Key winemaking operations for Torrontés wines in Argentina
Some ferment a small % in oak. Usually as a single varietal, possibility to blend with Sauvignon Blanc.
Key winemaking operations for Chardonnay wines in Argentina
Small % in oak.
Differences related to Malbec clones between those from Argentina and France
Malbec clones in Argentina have smaller berries and bunches and softer tannins than those in France.
Three-tier-system of geographical indicators in Argentina
- IP (Indicación de Procedencia), large geographical areas but not all of the country;
- IG (or GI, Indicación Geográfica), for quality wines from a specific geographical area;
- DOC, for wines from a specific geographical area with legislated winemaking criteria, only two (Luján de Cuyo and San Rafael).
Requirements for “Reserva” wine from Argentina
Ageing 12 months for reds and 6 months for whites and rosés.
Requirements for “Gran Reserva” wine from Argentina
Twice Reserva, ageing 24 months for reds and 12 months for whites and rosés.
Types of businesses that operate in Argentina
Small vineyard plantings (60% have less than 5 ha). Many vineyards are family-owned, some growers sell grapes to larger producers. Catena Zapata, and Familia Zuccardi as significant producers. FeCoViTa (29 co-operatives) and Grupo Peñaflor account a significant % of Argentinian wine production. Some investors.
Zonda wind
Wind in Argentina, from the Andes. Hot, dry and powerful, in late spring and early summer. It lowers humidity and can induce water stress in the vine, if too strong can affect flowering and fruit set or damage grapes.
Types of wines made in Argentina
Traditionally, inexpensive wines. Now a large increase in premium red wines, both blends and single varietal. Rosés are also increasing (mainly from Malbec).
Main grape varieties of Mendoza
Blacks mainly with Malbec, some pinks and whites. Bonarda. Syrah (hottest sites). Pinot Noir (high sites). Torrontés.
Northern and Eastern Mendoza
Mendoza’s divisions. Plains in the Mendoza River valley, low areas. Water for irrigation from the Mendoza River and the Tunuyán River. Mainly large volumes of inexpensive wines, some higher-quality wines from Tempranillo and Bonarda.
Southern Mendoza
Mendoza’s division. Mainly in the department of San Rafael, cooler and longer summers, and hailstorms in summer. No the same reputation as the other parts of Mendoza. More medium-bodied wines and more red fruits. Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Bonarda, Chenin Blanc. GI is more used than DOC.
% of vineyards in Mendoza compared to the country
75%
Luján de Cuyo
Department of Central Mendoza. SW of Mendoza, the higher half of the Primera Zona (900-1100 m). 50% Malbec, also old vines. DOC Luján de Cuyo was the first Argentinian DOC, ageing 24+ months (12+ months oak), small use, typically only for Malbec. GI Luján de Cuyo contains many well-known smaller district-levels GIs such as Las Compuertas (highest vineyards, ideal for Malbec, Bordeaux varieties, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc) and Agrelo (lower clay-soil vineyards, Sémillon).
Maipú
Department of Central Mendoza. Between Luján de Cuyo and Mendoza, lower altitudes, warmer climate. Large plantings of old vines. Large volumes of inexpensive wines in the lowest and warmest sites. Good source for Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Syrah and old vine Bonarda.
Tupungato
Department of Uco Valley. The most N and highest, at the foot of the Mount Tupungato volcano. Fresh full bodied reds from Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir and crisp and elegant whites from Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Gualtallary is the most recognised district, long and narrow strip of vineyards between 1100 and 1600 m, distinctive and complex wines, limestone soils. Malbec results with red and black fruit (often with herbal notes), higher acidity, lighter body. Also blend with Cabernet Franc.
Tunuyán
Department of Uco Valley. S of Tupungato, wide range of altitudes. Fuller bodied from lower and warmer end of the valley, premium white wines and Pinot Noir in the higher sites.
San Carlos
Department of Uco Valley. S of the three departments, recognised for its old vine plantings and quality-reds from Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah. It includes GI Paraje Altamira, based on alluvial fan with high presence of calcium carbonate and a stony topsoil. Vineyards at 1000-1200 m. Lower than Gualtallary, Malbec is more intense, fuller bodied, ageing potential.
Types of wines made in La Rioja, Argentina
High-volume and inexpensive wines from Famatina Valley.
Main grape varieties of La Rioja, Argentina
Torrontés, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Syrah.
Types of wines made in San Juan
Inexpensive wines from pink varieties but it’s starting to develop a reputation for better-quality wines.
Main grape varieties of San Juan
Mainly Syrah (hottest sites), then Malbec and Bonarda.
Types of wines made in Salta
Tiny production. Highly concentrated and full bodied wines, fresh and fragrant.
Main grape varieties of Salta
Mainly Malbec, then Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda and Syrah, Tannat. Torrontés.
GI Cafayate
GI in Salta, S of Salta, 1700 m, successful for Torrontés, aromatic and usually unoaked wines.
Hazards in Patagonia
Disrupting of flowering and fruit set due to strong winds.
Climate of Patagonia
Lower temperatures, less sunlight, low rainfall. Constant winds from the Andes.
Main grape varieties of Patagonia
Mainly Malbec, then Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Sémillon, Chardonnay, Riesling.
Río Negro
Province of Patagonia. Old vines of Sémillon, Pinot Noir and Malbec. Viticulture at the upper end of the valley. Elegant and well-balanced Pinot Noir, Malbec, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling.
Neuquén
Province of Patagonia. New wine region, small vineyards, lack of water, warmer and arider than Río Negro. Malbec, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc.
Torrontés is a cross of
Muscat of Alexandria x Criolla Chica
How GIs or DOCs in Argentina are regulated
Wines labelled as GI or DOC must be made from grapes of that area. If vintage wine, 85+% grapes from that vintage. If single varietal, 85+% of that variety. If two or three varieties, 85+% of those varieties.
Levels of GI division in Argentina
Region - Province - Sub Region - Department - District- GI inside District
Where the vineyards in Mendoza are located
Mainly at the base of the Andes (valley of the River Mendoza), increase into the foothills. Vineyards from 500 to 1500 m.
Main grape varieties of Central Mendoza
Mainly Malbec, also Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Tempranillo.
Where the vineyards in Central Mendoza are located
Vineyards between 600 and 1100 m.
The reason because Central Mendoza is called Primera Zone
It has the longest history in high-quality wine production.
Types of wines made in Central Mendoza
Wide range of wines in different styles.
Where the vineyards in the Uco Valley are located
In the foothills of the Andes, the highest vineyards in Mendoza (850-1500).
Climate of the Uco Valley
Cooler temperatures due to the high altitude.
Main grape varieties of the Uco Valley
Mainly blacks with Malbec.
Where the vineyards in San Juan are located
From 600 to 1500 m. Lower sites for inexpensive wines from pink varieties.
Climate of San Juan
Lower sites are hotter.
GI Pedernal Valley
GI in San Juan. Wines of the highest quality from high altitude.
Where the vineyards in Salta are located
Vineyards along the valley of the Calchaquí River, very low latitude (close to the Equator) so high altitude (1500-3000 m).
Climate of Salta
Mountains provide shade during the day avoiding extreme exposure to sunlight. Zonda wind has a strong influence from the mountain.
Types of wines made in Patagonia
High reputation for Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Sémillon, Chardonnay, and Germanic whites.
Where the vineyards in Patagonia are located
700 km S of Mendoza, lower altitudes.
How to protect against the strong winds in Argentina
Planting rows of poplar trees.
