Argentina Flashcards
(31 cards)
Start of export in Argentina?
Very high domestic consumption traditionally, but declining in past 50 years
Nicolas Catena started looking at exporting in the 1990s - quality over quantity
Climate in Argentina?
Wide diurnal range
Intense sunlight/UV radiation
Continental Climate
Low rainfall
Zonda - dry, powerful spring wind that lowers humidity
Hail + frost issues
El nino
Soil in Argentina?
Alluvial
Deeper loam/clay at lower altitude
Poor soils at higher altitude
Irrigation in Argentina?
Flood irrigation common - cheap
Network of dams and irrigation channels dating back to the 1500’s
Recent increase in drip irrigation - cheaper for new vineyards and more sustainable
Viticulture in Argentina?
High pergola systems (Parral)
- Away from hot ground, shade from sun
Mostly ungrafted vines
Nematodes
Increasing organic, but few certified
Mechanical harvesting increasing due to labor issues
What is Cereza?
Historic high-yielding pink variety
Still 20% of total vineyard plantings
Similar to Criolla Grande and Criolla Chica (Pais)
Describe Malbec:
20% of plantings
Vigorous
Mid-ripening
Deep-colored
Full-bodied
High, soft tannins
High alcohol
Ripe blackberry, black plum
Can be varied based on altitude
Smaller berries/bunches and softer tannins than French clones
Describe Bonarda:
Late ripening
High yielding
Mainly domestic consumption
Deep color
Med+ acid
Med tannin
Med alcohol
Oak overwhelms, so new rarely used
Red grape varieties in Argentina?
Malbec
Bonarda
Cab Sauv
Syrah
Tempranillo
Merlot
Pinot Noir
Cab Franc
Petit Verdot/Tannat on the rise
Describe Pedro Gimenez:
Most planted white variety
Neutral grape
Mainly domestic consumption
Plantings falling in favor of black grapes
Describe Torrontes:
3 different varieties, Torrontes Riojano most common
Cross of Muscat of Alexandria and Criolla Chica
Vigorous, high yielding
Early ripening (over-ripens easily)
Tiers of GI’s in Argentina?
Region
Province
Sub Region
Department
District
GI Inside District
Labeling laws in Argentina?
Varietal - 85%
Vintage - 85%
GI/DOC - 100%
Aging laws in Argentina?
Reserva - 12 months for reds, 6 months for whites/roses
Gran Reserva - 24 months for reds, 12 months for whites/roses
Describe Mendoza:
Irrigated by River Mendoza
75% of Argentina vineyard area 67% of production
62% Black, 22% Pink, 16% White
25% Malbec
Sub regions of Mendoza:
Northern (bulk)
Eastern (bulk)
Central
Valle de Uco
Southern
Describe Central Mendoza:
“Primera Zona”
Contains Lujan de Cuyo and Maipu
Malbec dominates; Cab Sauv, Syrah, Tempranillo
Describe Lujan de Cuyo:
Old vine Malbecs and Semillon particularly famous
Home to many districts - Agrelo and Las Compuertas
DOC Lujan de Cuyo was the first
- 24 mo aging requirement, 12 mo in oak
Describe Maipu:
Intensely fruity Malbecs with higher alcohol and softer tannins
Old vine Bonarda
Describe Uco Valley:
Highest, coolest vineyards in Mendoza
Drip irrigation used
GI Valle de Uco crosses 3 departments: Tupungato, Tunuyan, San Carlos
Describe Tupungato:
Mount Tupungato volcano
Malbec, Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Pinot Noir
Chard, Sauv Blanc
Famous district: Gualtallary- limestone soils, high quality
Lighter body, higher acid
Describe Paraje Altamira:
GI within San Carlos department
Malbec, Cab Sauv, Syrah
More intense, full bodied
Describe Southern Mendoza:
Department San Rafael contains majority of vineyards
Summer hailstorms
More medium-bodied reds
Chenin Blanc is signature white
Describe San Juan Province:
High-yielding pink varieties
Area under vine decreasing (currently 2nd largest)
Malbec, Bonarda, Syrah common
Contains GI Pedernal Valley
