37. Argentina

Question 1

What is the climate of Argentina’s wine regions?

Answer 1

Continental. Hot summers and winters are cold but not severe

Question 2

What is effect of Andes Mountains on vineyards of Argentina?

Answer 2

It forms a barrier to prevailing westerly winds and results in a significant rain shadow that keeps western Argentina very dry

Question 3

Which factors help to create Argentina’s exceptional winegrowing conditions?

Answer 3

• Dry air
• Plentiful irrigation water from rivers and subterranean aquifers
• High elevations
• Unlimited sunshine
• Large diurnal range

Question 4

What are the important climatic hazards in Argentina?

Answer 4

• Fierce Zonda winds (E)

- Summer hails

Question 5

Name the techniques that the grape growers use for protection from hail in Argentina

Answer 5

• Netting

- Owning vineyards in several different areas

Question 6

Name the flagship white and black grape variety in Argentina

Answer 6

• White: Torrentes

- Black: Malbec

Question 7

Tasting notes for Argentina Malbec

Answer 7

• Deep colored (often inky black)
• Full-bodied
• Black fruit (blackberry and plum) flavours
• High levels of smooth tannins
• Subtle spicy flavours if aged in new oak

Question 8

Is Malbec produced as a varietal or as a part of blends in Argentina?

Answer 8

• Mostly as a varietal

- Also as a leading component of premium blends with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot

Question 9

What is the second most widely planted black grape in Argentina?

Answer 9

Bonarda

Question 10

Bonarda is grown in which regions of Argentina?

Answer 10

• Mendoza

- San Juan

Question 11

Tasting notes for Bonarda

Answer 11

• High yields: Easy drinking wine with medium to deep color and fruity raspberry and blackberry aromas
• Low yields: Wines with greater concentration and structure

Question 12

Tasting notes for Torrentes

Answer 12

• Intense fruity, floral perfume
• Medium body
• Medium acidity
• Flavours of stone fruit and melon

Question 13

Pedro Gimenez variety is used for production of which style of wines in Argentina?

Answer 13

Cheap wines for the domestic market

Question 14

What are the three wine regions of Argentina and their important Province and subregions?

Answer 14

• Northern
  
  • Salta: Cafayate
• Central (Cuyo)
  
  • La Rioja: Famatina
  • San Juan
  • Mendoza: Lujan de Cuyo, Maipu, Uco Valley, San Rafael
• Patagonia
  
  • Rio Negro
  • Neuquen

Question 15

Which province in Argentina is home to some of the highest vineyards in the world?

Answer 15

Salta Province. Some are over 3000 meters.

Question 16

What is the dominant grape in Salta?

Answer 16

Torrontes

Question 17

Which subregion of Salta Province is famous for highly aromatic wines made from Torrontes?

Answer 17

Cafayate

Question 18

Where are the main vineyard area located in La Rioja Province?

Answer 18

Famatina Valley

Question 19

Which grape is the speciality of La Rioja?

Answer 19

Torrontes

Question 20

What are the most widely planted black grape varieties in La Rioja?

Answer 20

• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Syrah
• Bonarda

Question 21

How are the wines produced in La Rioja region of Argentina labelled? Why?

Answer 21

• Labelled as “Famatina”

- To avoid confusion with Rioja region in Spain

Question 22

Which grape is the speciality of San Juan Province?

Answer 22

High quality Syrah

Question 23

Which province accounts for the majority of the wines produced in Argentina?

Answer 23

Mendoza

Question 24

Which areas of Mendoza focus on producing high-volume, inexpensive wines?

Answer 24

Northern and Eastern Mendoza

Question 25

List the important departments (subregions) of Mendoza Valley and name their altitudes and important grape varieties

Answer 25

Lujan de Cuyo: 900-1100 m. Very fine Malbec Maipu: Around 800 m. Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon Uco Valley: 900-1500 m. Chardonnay, Torrontes, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tempranillo. Pinot Noir in some cooler sites San Rafael: 500-700 m. Chenin Blanc

Question 26

What is the cooling influence in Patagonia?

Answer 26

The latitude, not the altitude (200-250 m)

Question 27

What is the most important province in Patagonia Region

Answer 27

Rio Negro Province

Question 28

Which climatic properties of Rio Negro Province makes it ideal for production of wines with concentrated but fresh fruit flavours and medium to high acidity?

Answer 28

- Low rainfall - Wide diurnal range - Long daylight jours with cool nights

Question 29

Name the important grape varieties in Rio Negro Province

Answer 29

- Sauvignon Blanc - Pinot Noir - Malbec - Merlot

Question 30

What is the traditional vine training system in Argentina?

Answer 30

- Pergola system (parral) to protect grapes from heat