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WSET Unit 3 > Argentina > Flashcards

Argentina Flashcards

1
Q

When were vineyards planted at the bottom of the Andes in Argentina?

A

19th Century.

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2
Q

When was the Buenos Aires al Pacifico railway opened, where did it go, and what did it cause?

A

1885, Mendoza, an expansion of the wine market in Argentina and the rest of the world.

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3
Q

What has happened to Argentina’s vine plantings and local wine consumption since the 1970’s?

A

They have decreased.

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4
Q

An open economy in Argentina from the 1990’s has led to…?

A

Increased investment in vineyards and winery equipment.

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5
Q

What are the regions of Argentina?

A

Cafayate, La Rioja (called Famatina in the EU), San Juan, Mendoza, Río Negro.

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6
Q

Where is Argentina’s Cafayate Region?

A

The Salta province, at high altitude.

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7
Q

What are the benefits of high altitude for the Cafayate region?

A

A large diurnal temperature range, allowing aroma and flavour development while retaining acidity in Torrontés.

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8
Q

What dominates the production of the La Rioja Region?

A

One group of co-operative cellars.

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9
Q

How does the production of the San Juan region compare to the rest of Argentina?

A

It has the second largest production, after Mendoza.

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10
Q

What is the climate like in San Juan?

A

Hotter.

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11
Q

What categories of drink is San Juan well known for?

A

Vermouth and light wines.

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12
Q

How much of Argentinian production is from Mendoza and San Juan?

A

90%.

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13
Q

The only formal appellation system in Argentina is where?

A

Mendoza.

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14
Q

How many appellation regions does Mendoza have?

A

5, with numerous sub-regions and departments.

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15
Q

What are the 5 regions of Mendoza?

A

Upper Mendoza River, Uco Valley, San Rafael, Luján de Cuyo, San Martín.

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16
Q

How is the Upper Mendoza region considered?

A

The Upper Mendoza region is best for red wine production.

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17
Q

Describe the Uco Valley.

A

Cooler, producing good quality whites and Pinot Noir.

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18
Q

When was a DOC system introduced by the San Rafael and Luján de Cuyo regions?

A

1992.

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19
Q

What style of wine does the Mendoza region focus on?

A

Large volume, varietally labelled wines and international blends.

20
Q

What Wines is Mendoza best known for?

A

Good quality Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, excellent Malbec.

21
Q

Describe the classic Mendoza Malbec.

A

Dark purple in colour, with rich, ripe damson fruit, soft tannins and spicy flavours.

22
Q

What is a key factor in the viticulture of the Río Negro region?

A

The far southerly latitude.

23
Q

What is the majority of production in Río Negro?

A

Malbec, though there is great potential for white production as well.

24
Q

How is Río Negro Malbec different from Mendoza Malbec?

A

Río Negro Malbec has higher acidity, firmer tannins and is more elegant than Mendoza Malbec. It develops a smoky, tobacco note with bottle age.

25
Q

Where are plantings concentrated in Argentina?

A

Close to the Andes.

26
Q

How far do the vineyard plantings of Argentina extend?

A

Over 1000km, from Salta to Río Negro.

27
Q

Which region of Argentina is subtropical?

A

Salta.

28
Q

What is the typical altitude of vineyards in Argentina?

A

500m above sea level.

29
Q

What is the vineyard altitude of Salta? Why?

A

Over 2000m above sea level, to provide a suitably cool climate for winemaking near the equator.

30
Q

What is rainfall like in Argentina?

A

It tends to be low, due to the rain shadow of the Andes.

31
Q

What are climatic issues facing Argentina?

A

Occasional Spring frosts in the South, hail is a problem each Summer.

32
Q

How are vines trained in Argentina? Why?

A

On high pergolas, to raise grapes away from the heat on the ground.

33
Q

Newer plantings in Argentina are usually on what training system?

A

Cordon.

34
Q

How does low rainfall affect viticulture in Argentina?

A

It makes irrigation necessary.

35
Q

How are vineyards irrigated in Argentina?

A

Water is drawn from mountain run off or natural aquifers. 90% of vineyards are flood irrigated.

36
Q

Increased use of drip irrigation in Argentina has led to what?

A

Increased plantings on nematode resistant rootstock.

37
Q

How is hail combatted in Argentina?

A

Using netting during Summer.

38
Q

Dry, sunny conditions during the growing period in Argentina lead to what?

A

High yielding vineyards with high volumes of healthy fruit.

39
Q

What is the common fermentation method in Argentina?

A

Temperature controlled in stainless steel.

40
Q

How are wines typically aged in Argentina?

A

Some estates use 225L barrels, though many use large oak casks for reds.

41
Q

What are the specialty varieties of Argentina?

A

Malbec and Torrontés.

42
Q

Describe Argentinian Malbec.

A

Bordeaux variety, produces tannic, full bodied, brambly reds.

43
Q

Describe Argentinian Torrontés.

A

Full bodied, dry white with aromatic, Muscat-like aromas.

44
Q

What are the other varieties grown in Argentina, aside from Malbec and Torrontés?

A

Bonarda, Barbera, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Viognier and Chardonnay.

45
Q

How much of Argentinian vineyard plantings are made up historic varieties? What are the varieties?

A

Under half, the grapes are Criolla and Cereza.

46
Q

What are Criolla and Cereza used for in Argentina?

A

Basic table wine and grape concentrate.

47
Q

How are international varieties typically sold in Argentina?

A

Through export.

WSET Unit 3 (11 decks)

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