Argentina

Question 1

Important climatic and geographic factors in Argentina

Answer 1

Sunny, hot and dry climate
Continentality: Andes Mountains blocks cooling effects from the Pacific Ocean
+ Large dirunal range due to continentality
- Rain shadowing effect of Andes Mountains makes it an extremely dry region

Question 2

What are the natural hazards in Argentina and how grape growers can cope?

Answer 2

Summer hail is the most common hazard. Nets are used to protect the vines from hail damage.
Since hail is localised, owning vineyards in different locations can be a stragety to diversify the grower’s risk

Question 3

Name key factors in choice of vineyard locations in Argentina

Answer 3

Altitude

Proximity to sources of water; rivers, aquifers

Question 4

Key common canopy management practices in Argentina vineyards?

Answer 4

Parral or VSP

Question 5

How grape growers combat draught in Argentina?

Answer 5

Irrigation
Flood: Flatter sights with proximity to water sources, Cheaper
Drip: Modern, expensive, waters each single vine

Question 6

Name 3 key red grape varieties in Argentina (2 local + 1 intl)

Answer 6

Malbec
Bonarda
Cabernet Sauvignon

Question 7

Name 2 key white grape varieties in Argentina (1 local + 1 intl)

Answer 7

Torrontes

hardonnay

Question 8

Most planted white variety in Argentina

Answer 8

Pedro Gimenez

Question 9

Describe quality Malbec wine from Argentina

Answer 9

Red 
Black fruits, spicy notes from new oak
\+ Deep color
\+ High but soft tannin
\+ Full body
\+ Single varietal mostly
\+ At high altitudes, elegant with fresher, floral aromas

Question 10

Describe quality Torrontes wine from Argentina

Answer 10

White
\+ Intensely aromatic
\+ Floral, fruity, stone fruits, melon
\+ Med acidity
\+ Med body
\+ Best examples from high altitude

Question 11

Describe winemaking techniques for quality Torrontes wines?

Answer 11

Torrontes is a highly aromatic white grape from Argentina. The winemaker will aim to keep the pure aroma characteristics of the grape:
\+ Harvest at cool hours
\+ Top SO2 levels to avoid oxidation
\+ Destemming
\+ Gentle crushing
\+ Short skin contact
\+ Gentle clarification: sedimentation
\+ Fermentation in inert vessels
\+ Cool, steady fermentation
\+ SO2 to prevent MLF
\+ Clarify and stabilise
\+ Bottle asap for consumption in the same year

Question 12

What are the key wine provinces in Argentina?

Answer 12

Mendoza
San Juan
La Rioja
Patagonia

Question 13

Name 3 important sub regions and variety in Mendoza

Answer 13

Lujan de Cuyo (*Malbec) 900-1100 mt
Uco Valley (all even Pinot Noir) 900-1500 mt
Maipu (Bonarda)

Question 14

San Juan Province is famous for …

Answer 14

Syrah

Question 15

Most important sub region and variety in Salta

Answer 15

Cafeyette, 3000 mt !

*Torrontes

Question 16

Main vineyard area and variety in La Rioja Province?

Answer 16

Famatina Valley
*Torrentes
Cab Sauv, Syrah, Bonarda

Question 17

Important factors for grape growing in Patagonia

Answer 17

Altitude is low at 200-250 mt
\+ Latitude is the cooling influence
\+ Wide dirunal range; cool nights
\+ Long daylight
\+ Low disease risk
- Strong desert winds

Question 18

Key varieties in Patagonia

Answer 18

Sauvignon Blanc
Pinot Noir
Malbec
Merlot