Argentina - Wine law/regulations

Question 1

Describe the 3-tier system

Answer 1

1. IP = large geographical area
2. IG or GI - wines that meet certain quality from specific geographical area producing quality wines
3. DOC - specific geographical area with legislated winemaking criteria
   Only 2 created so far
   1) Luyan de Cuo 2) San Rafael (both Mendoza)

Question 2

Most GIs correspond to Political Divisions
List the 6 Levels

Answer 2

1. Region (Cuyo)
2. Province (Mendoza)
3. Sub-Region (Uco Valley)
4. Department (San Carlos)
5. District (La Consulta)
6. GI inside district (Paraje Altamira)

Question 3

What has happened recently with GIs?

Answer 3

Not based on political divisions, but on specific characteristics like soil or climate (similar to Burgundy)

Question 4

What % of wine if vintage is mentioned on label?
What % of wine if single varietal named?
If 2 or 3 varieties mentioned, what % of blend must they make up?
Wines labelled as Riserva?
Grand Riserva?

Answer 4

85% must come from that vintage
85% grapes must be from that variety
85% of Blend
Reserva = aged for 12 months for reds, 6 months for white/rosé
Grand Reserva = Aged 24 months