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.