Argentina Flashcards
(123 cards)
1
Q
Neuquen province
A
Neuquen province:
- New wine producing region
- Vineyards situated close to where the River Neuquen meets the Rio Negro
- Lack of water main issue – cannot grow as a region
- Warmer, more arid than Rio Negro: riper styles
- Main varieties are: Malbec; Pinot Noir, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc
2
Q
Argentina has a number of factors that affect the wine region’s climate - dot point them and expand on them if you can
A
- Wine-producing regions
- 1500 kms apart, from Salta in the North to Rio Negro in South
- 24- 38°S in latitude degrees
- Altitude:
- 500-1000mRL
- Many over 1,000mRL
- highest is around 3300mRL!!
- Gives a wide diurnal temperature range – over 20 degrees in some places
- The cooler night-time temperatures help to extend the growing season and allow the grapes to retain acidity and aromas
- At low latitudes, the influence of cooling altitude essential to make the climate cool enough for viticulture
- Combined effect of low latitude and high altitude also results in intense sunlight and high levels of ultraviolet radiation - leads to higher levels of tannins and anthocyanins
- Most regions are in the foothills of the Andes – and in the rain shadow of the Andes
- Rainfall levels are very low – some places less than 200mm per annum
- In desert like conditions irrigation is essential
- Even at highest altitude, most are planted on flat or gentle sloping sites
- Majority of regions have Continental climate
- Dry air reduces risk of fungal disease; strong winds from mountains
- Zonda:
- hot dry powerful wind occurring in late spring, early summer
- lowers humidity; can induce water stress in the vines
- can affect flowering; fruit set; or damage grapes
- trees planted (poplars) as windbreaks
3
Q
Patagonia is only 200~250 metres altitude so what provides cooling?
A
It’s Southerly latitude
4
Q
Where is the Argentinian producer Susana Balbo based?
What is their flagship range of wines?
What grapes are used for this line?
A
Cafayate, Salta.
“Crios”
Torrontés, Malbec, Syrah and Bordeaux varietals.
5
Q
Argentina’s vineyards are cut off from ocean cooling by the Andes so where does cooling come from?
A
Cooling must come from altitude with the best vineyards 1,000m + above sea level
6
Q
Climate of Mendoza?
A
-
Climate:
- Continental w 4 seasons + no extreme temp variations
- Rainfall of 200-300mm/yr in summer.
- La Piedra (early summer hail)
- La Zonda (hot dry wind from N-E)
7
Q
what is the altitude range of the Uco Valley
A
altitude of 850-1500
8
Q
Mendoza plantings are what % of black grapes?
how much Malbec?
A
-
Varietals
- Black varieties 60% of plantings
- dominated by Malbec: 1/3rd of vineyard area
- plantings of Malbec have doubled since 2000
9
Q
Where is Torrontes most successful?
A
Cafayate and high altitude Uco Valley - retains its acidity and doesn’t get overripe
10
Q
How many DOCs are in Argentina?
What are they?
What are the principal grapes for each?
A
2
Lujan de Cuyo / Malbec
San Rafael / Chenin Blanc
11
Q
What is Mendoza in terms of Argentinian wine production?
A
75% of vineyard area and 2/3rds of total production
12
Q
Cabernet Franc - a varietal with a lot of potential in Argentina?
A
Cabernet Franc
- Considerable potential in Argentina
- producing distinctive concentrated style
- Single variety or blend with Malbec
13
Q
Northern and Eastern Mendoza?
A
North & Eastern Mendoza:
- On plains of the Mendoza River valley
- Altitude: 500-700m; relatively low-level areas
- Irrigation: R Mendoza; (for N Mendoza); R Tunuyan (Eastern Mendoza)
- Warmer conditions and easy availability of water means these areas produce larger volumes of inexpensive wine
- Some higher quality wines from Tempranillo & Bonarda
14
Q
DOC Lujan de Cuyo
A
-
DOC Lujan de Cuyo
- 1st DOC created in Argentina
- Must be aged min 24 mths, with min 12 mths in Oak
used by small no of producers, typically for Malbec
15
Q
When is the grape harvest time in Argentina?
A
March/April
16
Q
Viticulture of San Juan
A
-
Viticulture
- Production of Inexpensive wines from high-yielding pink varieties
- Traditional home of Cereza
- Vineyard area is decreasing unlike other regions in Argentina
-
Syrah:
- Most widely planted grape alongside Bonarda & Malbec
- Highest quality produced from high Altitudes on foothills of Andes
-
GI of Pedernal valley (1250-1500m)
- Higher diurnal range
- Higher acid levels and fresher fruit flavours
17
Q
Cabernet Sauvignon
A
Cabernet Sauvignon
- more susceptible to extremes in temps & Fungal disease than Malbec;
- Site selection important
- Blended with Malbec generally
- But some producers making premium-priced single varietal wines
- Competition with Cab Sav’s from around the world
- Argentinian Cabernet Sauvignon:
- Ripe high Tannins
- Blackcurrant, Blackberry, Spicy notes
- WITHOUT a marked herbaceous character
18
Q
How does Malbec differ in style by climate?
A
- Cooler sites
- Higher altitudes or relatively high latitudes
- Lower Alcohol; Medium (+) Acidity; Medium (+) Tannins; fresh fruit flavours, Red & Black fruit, Herbal & Floral
- Warmer sites
- Full Body; Riper fruit, Lower Acidity and Softer Tannins
19
Q
Southern Mendoza?
A
Southern Mendoza
- South of Mendoza; in dept of San Rafael
- 200 kms south of city of Mendoza
- Altitude: 450–850mRL
-
Climate
- Southerly location = summers are cooler/longer
- slower sugar accumulation; good Acid retention
- Particularly prone to Summer hailstorms
-
Wines
- Reds: Medium body, show more red fruit
- Malbec, Cab Sav, Syrah, Bonarda most imp reds
- Chenin Blanc: signature white grape; fruity, well balanced
- San Rafael DOC:
- Only other DOC in Argentina and which covers whole dept
- But most producers use the San Rafael GI instead
- The GI doesn’t have any winemaking stipulations
20
Q
Approximately how many separate wineries (wine companies) are there in Argentina?
A
900
21
Q
In which province is Cafayate located?
A
Salta
22
Q
Rio Negro province
A
Rio Negro Province: (Black river)
- the main growing province of Patagonia
- been producing wines for 100 years
- Significant stocks of old vines (Semillon, Pinot Noir, Malbec)
- Viticulture at the upper end of valley where elevations are from 180-270mRL
- Produces elegant, well balanced:
- Pinot Noir
- Malbec
- Merlot
- Sav Blanc & Riesling
- 350mm rainfall, big diurnal shift
- Cooler climate w long warm ripening season + chalky soil -> ideal for whites
23
Q
What are the 3 Torrontés clones used in Argentina, which one is the most highly regarded and what are they crosses of?
A
Torrontés Sanjuanino
Torrontés Riojano (most highly regarded)
Torrontés Mendocino
Criolla Chica X Muscat of Alexandria
24
Q
3 tier system of Geographical Indications is used in Argentina
A
3 Tier system of Geographical Indications:
-
IP: (Indicacion de Procedencia)
- cover large geographical areas
- though not the country as a whole
-
IG: (or GI, Indicacion Geografica)
- wines that meet a certain quality,
- from a specific geographical area
- that is considered capable of producing quality wines
-
DOC
- from a specific geographical area
- with legislated winemaking criteria
- so far only 2 created
- both in Mendoza, only a small number of producers use this category
- Lujan de Cuyo
- San Rafael
25
Two key regions of Patagonia?
Rio Negro and Neuquen
26
What best describes a wine made from the Torrontés grape?
- Medium body/ Medium acidity
- Intense fruity, floral perfume
- Stone fruit and melon flavors
27
Chardonnay in Argentina?
**Chardonnay**
* widely planted as it is a versatile varietal
* Premium wines
* from cool sites in Uco Valley
* Medium (+)-High Acidity, Ripe Stone & Tropical fruit
* Subtle spice notes from Oak maturation
* some using small proportion of new oak or entirely old Oak
28
What do the labeling terms "Reserva" and "Gran Reserva" indicate on Argentinian wines?
Reserva implies a minimum 6 months of aging for white wines and 1 year for reds;
Gran Reserva indicates at least 1 year for whites and 2 for reds.
29
San Juan is the 2nd largest growing region in Argentina - but how does it compare to Mendoza?
not even 1/3rd the size
30
Where are most grapes grown in La Rioja Province? What grape is grown there as a speciality?
What other 3 black grapes are grown?
On the irrigated valley floors of Famatina Valley.
Torrontes is a speciality Cab Sav, Syrah and Bonarda grown there too
31
Exports are what % of production?
20%
32
How would you describe a young Torrontés (aromatics / acidity / alcohol)?
Highly aromatic, elevated acidity, elevated alcohol
33
In which country / region is the producer Bodega Catena Zapata located?
Argentina / Mendoza
34
Phylloxera present?
Yes - but sandy soils, dry climate seem to keep it at bay
35
Main hazards of Agentinian wine regions?
**Hazards**
1. Hail
* netting used to protect with hail; many producers in Mendoza own vineyards in many different parts of the province to minimize risk of hail
* can do damage to their entire crop.
* Summer Hail (« piedra ») main threat, up to 30% crop lost every year
2. Frost
* in Mendoza; usually in flat or bottom of slopes
3. El Nino
* Occurs every 2-10 years; brings much higher than avg rainfall; more hailstorms
* in 2016 reduction in yield of 25% across the country, 40% in Mendoza
36
At what altitude are the vineyards of San Juan Province located?
What are the main grapes grown there?
450~1400 metres
Very good Syrah Red grapes: Malbec, Cab Sav, Bonarda
Chardonnay and Viognier are the most planted whites
37
What is a regular weather risk in Argentina and how is it managed?
Summer hail is a regular occurrence
- Netting covers the vines
- As much vineyard location diversity as possible
38
Las Compuertas district GI?
* In *Las Compuertas*
* Highest vineyards producing
* Fruity, full Body Reds from Malbec & other Bordeaux varieties
* Medium (+) Acidity, Firm Tannins; considerable potential for ageing
* Wines command premium prices and upwards
* Also elegant, balanced whites from Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc
39
San Carlos
1. **San Carlos**
* Most southerly of the 3 depts
* Recognised for its old vine plantings & quality of Malbec, Cab Sav, and in lower warmer areas, Syrah
* **GI of Parage Altamira**:
* Based on Alluvial fan, includes a variety of Soils, though high presence of Calcium Carbonate & Stony topsoil are hallmarks of the GI
* 1000 -1200mRL
* Lower Altitude than Gualtallary
* More intense and fuller bodied than Gualtallary, with acidity & tannin structure to age
40
Where generally and specifically do the best Mendoza wines come from, at what altitude and which grape specifically?
Central Mendoza, specifically the departments of Lujan de Cuyo and Maipú.
Specifically Foothills of Andes at between 900~1,100 metres Renowned for producing very fine Malbec
41
What is the geographic area marked with an X below?
San Juan
42
What are the better wines, from Maipu department, made with?
Syrah and Cab Sav
43
What is the climate and viticulture of Uco Valley?
* **Climate**
* high altitude & high latitude means cooler temps
* and a wider diurnal range
* **Viticulture**
* Grapes accumulate less sugar, retain Acidity, fresh fruit flavours
* Intense sunshine give grapes deep colour & ripe tannins
* Because of potential for quality; huge investment from leading winemakers
* **Vineyard area has almost doubled this century!**
* **Black grapes dominate and with Malbec the largest**
44
The Argentinian wineries Yacochuya and Etchart are located in which region?
How are these 2 wineries related?
Cafayate, Salta.
Etchart is the winery that first brought Pomerol winemaker Michel Rolland from France to Argentina, and Yacochuya is his latest project.
45
Main export markets?
* Main export markets by volume
* USA – over 25%
* UK – 15%
* Canada, Brazil, Paraguay
* Other South American countries remain important
46
Charbono in the United States is better known as _____ in Argentina.
Bonarda
47
What are the flagship black and white grapes of Argentina?
What is the 2nd most planted black grape?
Black = Malbec
White = Torrontes
Bonarda
48
Bonarda?
**Bonarda**
* 2nd most planted black variety
* Called Bonarda Argentina to distinguish it from Italian variety
* Mainly planted in San Juan & warmer areas in Mendoza
* **Characteristics**
* Late ripening varietal
* High Yielding;
* Deep colour; Medium (+) Acidity; Medium Tannins; Medium Alcohol
* Red & Black fruit flavours;
* Fruity in nature - oak can overwhelm it - If oak used then large or old vessels
* produces large volumes of mid-priced wines
* 85% is consumed domestically
* Popular blending partner to Malbec & Cab Sav
* Some producers are now making:
* more complex, riper black fruit, spicy
* from lower yielding, old vines in Maipu; Lujan de Cuyo; East of Mendoza
49
Which is the only Austrian owned Bodega in Argentina?
Which sub-region / region are they located in?
Bodega Norton
Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza
50
what altitude is Lujan de Cuyo?
900-1100mRL
51
Tupungato department - where is it and what is grown there
Describe its most recognised district
1. **Tupungato:**
* Most Northerly & highest of departments
* At the foot of Mt Tupungato volcano
* Fresh, full bodied wines from Malbec, Cab Sav, Cab Franc, PN
* Crisp Elegant whites from Chardonnay & Sav Blanc
* **Gualtallary**
* most recognized district
* Narrow strip of vineyards between 1100-1600mRL
* Increasingly recognized as High Quality, complex Whites & Reds
* Distinct Limestone soils; process of being recognized as a GI
* Malbec grown in Gualtallary, (higher altitudes) lighter bodied, Higher Acidity, Red & Black fruit, more Herbal than rest in Argentina
* Blends of Malbec and Cab Franc are common
52
Which white grape grown extensively in Argentina has floral, muscat-like aromas and a spicy note?
Where is this varietal's most famous sub region and what is it called?
Torrontés
53
What are the 5 regions of Mendoza?
Northern
Eastern
Central (Upper)
UCO Valley (Western)
Southern
54
When was Bodega Colomé of Argentina founded?
Who is the current owner?
1831
Hess Family Estates
55
What is the most famous region of Salta Province,
how high are some vineyards planted
and what is the main grape grown there?
What are the main 2 black grapes grown?
Cafayate region
High elevation, vineyards at 1700mRL
Torrontes is dominant Malbec and Cab Sav also grown
56
Irrigation water in Argentina? is essential? how is it sourced and distributed?
* **Irrigation**:
* Low rainfall, Irrigation essential
* Mendoza river & tributaries, deliver meltwater from winter snow/glaciers of Andes
* this collected by dams & irrigation channels (most date back to 16th C)
* Many irrigated by flood irrigation!
* water released when needed, via complex man-made systems
* amt equivalent to heavy rainstorm
* most widely used irrigation system - 70% of vineyards
* Drip irrigation since 90’s
* Cheaper & easier than leveling land for flood irrigation; water for drip irrigation from bore holes instead
* Also, if there is no sufficient sources of water then drip irrigation is more efficient and targeted
* Recent water shortages in Mendoza, La Rioja and San Juan
* For flood & drip irrigation:
* the traditional timing of water application is to give larger amts in winter, then low in growing season
57
Climate of San Juan
* **Characteristics**
* Altitude: 600-1500mRL
* Lower altitude sites, hotter than Mendoza with a lower Diurnal range
58
What is the red grape variety that Argentina is most famous for?
Malbec
59
Where will you find the highest vineyards in Mendoza, what grapes is it renowned for producing?
UCO Valley with vineyards between 900~1,500 metres
Cool nights retain acidity and fresh fruit flavours Chardonnay, Torrontes, Sauvignon Blanc
Malbec, Cab Sav, Merlot, and Tempranillo Some sites cool enough for Pinot Noir
60
Two smaller GIs in the Primera zone - what are they called and how are they different?
* **In *Las Compuertas***
* Highest vineyards producing
* Fruity, full Body Reds from Malbec & other Bordeaux varieties
* Medium (+) Acidity, Firm Tannins; considerable potential for ageing
* Wines command premium prices and upwards
* Also elegant, balanced whites from Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc
* **In *Agrelo***
* Lower, clay soil vineyards
* Produce riper red wines
* With very good and outstanding examples – with the structure for potential ageing
* _Fruity Full bodied wines from Semillon_
61
3 most important sub-regions of Mendoza?
- Luján de Cuyo
- Maipú
- Uco Valley (Valle de Uco)
62
Wines labeled as GI in Argentina must met what laws?
* **Wines labeled as GI:**
1. _Must be exclusively from grapes grown in that area_
2. If vintage declaration: 85% from that vintage
3. Single varietal: 85% of that variety
4. Where 2 or 3 varieties mentioned: must together make up 85% of the blend
5. Reserva: aged for 12 mths for Reds; 6 mths for White /Roses;
6. Gran Reserva must be twice as long:
1. 24 months for Reds
2. 12 months for Whites/Roses
63
What is the traditional method of irrigation in Argentina?
What does it involve, and who was it originally developed by?
- Furrow Irrigation
- Developed centuries ago by the Incas, in which the rivers' water, swelled by Andes snowmelt, is directed through the vineyards in channels
64
Besides Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, what white grapes are gaining traction in Uco Valley?
Chardonnay / Semillon
65
The climate of Salta?
* **Climate**
* Along the valley of Calchaqui River; providing water in desert like conditions
* Lying between 24-26°S; Closest to equator
* 200 mm rainfall
* Low latitudes offset by Altitude
* 1500-3000m: extreme wine growing conditions
* Low Latitude but High Altitude
* Intense Sunlight; Leading to grapes with high levels of Anthocyanins & Tannins
* Mountains provide shade; shortening exposure to intense Sunlight
* Strong Zonda wind; Vines forced to protect themselves; thick skins & lower yields
* Wide diurnal range; producing full bodied, fragrant, fresh wines
66
Argentina's wine growing regions are generally located in areas with which climate type?
Continental
67
Size of Argentinian vineyards
what happended in 70/80s?
200,000 Ha.
vine pull - reduced down from 300,000 Ha.
68
The Colomé winery is located in which Argentinian region?
It is owned by:
Salta
Donald Hess Family Estates
69
Terrazas de los Andes is partnered with what Bordeaux estate to produce wine in Mendoza?
What is the name of this wine?
What grapes are used?
Chateau Cheval Blanc
"Cheval des Andes"
Malbec / Cabernet Sauvignon
70
Where is Maipu? vineyards? and what wines is it known for?
1. **Maipu**:
* North East of Lujan de Cuyo & East and south of city of Mendoza
* Altitude: 900m on border of Lujan de Cuyo down to 600m East
* Tends to have warmer sites
* Large population of old vines
* Malbec
* Intensely fruity, Full body,
* High Alcohol, Softer Tannins
* Lowest warmer sites produce large volumes of inexpensive wines;
* Warmer sites are also a source of higher quality Cab Sav; Tempranillo and Old vine Bonarda
71
Is Bonarda a white or red grape?
In what 2 regions besides Argentina/Northern Italy is this grape found, and what are their synonyms?
Red
Savoie: Corbeau
USA: Charbono
72
the Lujan de Cuyo DOC - what are the rules?
* **DOC Lujan de Cuyo**
* 1st DOC created in Argentina
* Must be aged min 24 mths, with min 12 mths in Oak
* used by small no of producers, typically for Malbec
73
Climate of Mendoza?
* **Climate:**
* Continental w 4 seasons + no extreme temp variations
* Rainfall of 200-300mm/yr in summer.
* La Piedra (early summer hail)
* La Zonda (hot dry wind from N-E)
74
Pinot Noir in Argentina?
**Pinot Noir**
* Plantings increasing but not in top ten
* Successful in Patagonia, plus some high elevation vineyards in Uco Valley
* Produces concentrated fruity wines
75
What % of exports is single varietal Malbec?
60%!
76
Where is La Rioja, what does it produce?
* North of San Juan
* 3rd largest wine producing region in Argentina
* **Production**
* High volume, inexpensive wines, grown in Famatima valley
* Wine principally made from Torrontes, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Syrah
* Production dominated by La Riojana Co-operative
* single largest Fairtrade certified wines
* Wine exported are labeled as ‘La Rioja Argentina’
77
what is the Central Mendoza sub region called?
Primera zone
78
Which Argentine province produces a majority of the country's wine?
Mendoza
79
The first **commercial** vineyard in Argentina was planted in which century?
16th Century
80
Training systems used in the Argentinian vineyards?
* Training Systems
* High Pergolas
* Traditionally trained on high Pergola system known as Parral;
* to raise grapes away from heat on the ground & provide shade for the fruit
* Common for high yielding, high vigour varieties like Criolla Grande & Chica; Pedro Gimenez
* Newer plantings on VSP cordon training systems; enable use of modern canopy management techniques & drip irrigation
81
Which Argentinian region borders Bolivia?
Salta
82
what wines are produced in Patagonia?
* **Wine Production**
* Reputation for High quality: _Pinot Noir, Cab Franc, Merlot, Semillon, Chardonnay, Riesling_
* Malbec most planted variety (floral character)
83
The department of Lujan de Cuyo is where? altitude? and planted to?
* South West of city of Mendoza; where R Mendoza Valley emerges from Andes foothills
* Higher half of Primera Zone
* Vineyards between 900-1100m
* low rainfall + 15C mean annual temp.
* Half planted with Malbec; Famous for old Malbec vines
84
What are 5 sub regions of Mendoza?
1. Northern
2. Eastern
3. Central
4. Uco Valley (Valle de Uco)
5. Southern
85
Torrontes?
**Torrontes**
3 different varieties;
1. **Torrontes Riojano**
2. Torrontes Sanjuanino
3. Torrontes Mendocino
* **Riojano**
* The one referenced in the text
* best of the 3
* 2nd most planted white & most distinctive
86
From North to South what are the 3 main wine producing provinces in Argentina?
What are the 9 regions within them?
**North Region:** Salta, Tucumán, Catamarca
**Cuyo:** La Rioja, San Juan, Mendoza
**Patagonia:** La Pampa, Rio Negro, Neuquén
87
how much of total vineyard area is Malbec in Argentina?
20%
88
What is the name for Argentina's traditional vine training system?
Describe it:
How are vines trained now?
Parral, a pergola system to keep the grapes away from the hot ground and leaves arranged to provide shade. Torrontes is still grown this way but, increasingly, black grapes are trained on vertical trellises with canopies arranged to give shade
89
Criolla Grande and Cereza are both \_\_\_-skinned grapes, used mainly for what?
Pink-skinned
Bulk wine / grape concentration production
90
What is the minimum percentage required to label a grape or region in Argentina?
80%
91
Describe a typical Argentinian malbec
* **Wines**
* Deep coloured, Full bodied
* High levels of Soft Tannins
* High Alcohol
* Ripe Blackberry and black plums
* Can be made in different styles
* Inexpensive/Mid-priced: Light fruity wines, early drinking,
* Premium: structured, age worthy with premium & super premium
92
What is predominantly produced in Northern and Eastern Mendoza?
Bulk wines, nothing special
93
When were the first vineyards planted in Argentina?
1557
94
Varietal characteristics of Torrontes
* **Characteristics**
* Natural cross of Muscat of Alexandria & Criolla Chica in 18th C
* _Often have a strong floral aroma of Muscat_
* Vigorous and high yielding
* Widely planted in Mendoza; San Juan; La Rioja
* As an early ripening grape, heat meant it became over ripe and overly alcoholic, lacked acidity with a bitter finish
95
Tunuyan department of Uco Valley?
1. **Tunuyan**
* South of Tupungato
* Wider range of Altitudes than Tupungato
* At lower/warmer end it produces
* Fuller body; Structured, Fruity Red wines
* Higher sites
* Suitable for Premium white & Pinot Noir
96
Which city is indicated with a red X?
Buenos Aires
97
problems in the Argentinian wine industry?
* **Problems in the Industry**
1. Exports have fallen since the boom
2. inflationary rises leading to increase production costs making it hard to sustain price points in the market
3. Low yields in 2016 (heavy rains as part of El Nino); Spring frosts in 2017 have also contributed to problems
4. At the same time govt imposed restrictions on Foreign ownership of land (slowing rate of foreign investments); Those laws changed since 2016
98
In which region is the Argentinian producer Catena Zapata located?
What is their top wine?
What 2 grapes are used?
- Mendoza
- "Nicolás"
- Malbec / Cabernet Sauvignon
99
Pedro Gimenez?
**Pedro Gimenez**
* most planted white variety
* neutral grape used simple, inexpensive wines for domestic consumption
100
Mendoza province
how much does it represent of Argentinian vineyards
how much of the total Argentinian wine production does it produce
where is the province positioned topographically
what altitude range is at?
**_Mendoza Province_**
* 75% of the vineyard plantings
* 2/3rds of wine produced
* By far largest province in Argentina
* Main vineyards at the base of the Andes, valley of the R Mendoza
* River Mendoza supplying essential water for irrigation
* Altitude: 500 to 1,500mRL in the upper parts of Uco valley
101
Soils of Mendoza are generally?
Loose, sandy, alluvial soil with clay substructures
102
What is the most planted white grape in Argentina?
What similar sounding grape is it NOT related to?
What is it mainly used for?
Pedro Gimenez
Pedro Ximénez
Used for bulk wine production and blending
103
Wine style of Torrontes?
* **Wine style**
* Intended for Early drinking
* but some fermenting small amts in Oak and then blending with unoaked wine to produce age worthy wines
* some fruit – lemon, grapefruit and peach
* often have the strong floral aroma of Muscat
* some producers blend with Sauvignon Blanc
* fragrant, late harvest sweet wines also made
104
What is the average elevation range for vineyards in Argentina?
500-1,500m above sea level
105
The Climate of Patagonia
**_Patagonia Region_****:**
* **Climate**
* Due to higher latitude, Temps are relatively low, sunlight less intense
* growing season longer
* Rainfall 200mm so irrigation essential
* CONSTANT WINDS;(esp in Neuquen), blow across arid Patagonian plateau from Andes; can be strong enough to disrupt flowering& damage vines
* Barriers needed to protect vines; vineyards protected by rows of Poplar trees
106
Clos de los Siete is located within what region in Mendoza?
Who is the winemaker?
What grapes are used for the proprietary wine?
Uco Valley
Michel Rolland
Mostly Malbec, with Merlot, Cabernet-Sauvignon, Syrah, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.
107
What latitude is Patagonia
38-39 degrees south
108
What is the largest wine growing area in Argentina?
What 5 sub-regions is it broadly divided into?
Mendoza
Northern / Eastern / Central / Southern / Uco Valley
109
Which winery in Patagonia is headed by the winemaker for Tenuta San Guido?
What wine / from which sub-region are they most known for?
Bodegas Chacra.
Pinot Noir from Rio Negro
110
What are the 3 provinces of Patagonia?
La Pampa Province
Rio Negro Province
Neuquen Province
111
What dominated Argentinian grapegrowing until recently?
* Was once dominated by high-yielding pink criolla varieties
* The notable ones: **Cereza**, Criolla Grande and Criolla Chica (Pais in Chile)
* Pink skins when fully ripe
* Produce wines that are lightly coloured
* Used to make inexpensive wines for the domestic market
* Still 25% of plantings!!
* Cereza is still comfortably 2nd most planted variety
112
Viticulture of Salta?
* **Viticulture**
* Malbec
* dominant black grape
* full body, Medium (+) Acidity, High Alcohol
* Ripe Black fruit, herbal or floral characteristics
* Other black grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda, Syrah, Tannat
* Torrontes:
* Successful in **GI Cafayate** (district south of the province; vineyards 1700 m)
* Produces aromatic, unoaked wines
113
What wines is Patagonia known for?
* **Wine Production**
* Reputation for High quality: Pinot Noir, Cab Franc, Merlot, Semillon, Chardonnay, Riesling
* Malbec most planted variety (floral character)
114
Syrah in Argentina?
**Syrah**
* Hotter sites in Mendoza;
* San Juan – more planted here than Malbec
* Wines:
* Warmer sites: Full body, high alcohol, ripe black fruit
* Cooler sites: elegant, firmer tannins, Fresher fruit
115
How do the primary soil types vary in Argentinian wine regions?
* Different soils at different altitudes:
* Higher altitudes
* Larger stones with calcareous deposits dominate the higher altitudes,
* closer to the Andes;
* found in Gualtallary; Paraje Altamira in Uco valley; Pedernal valley in San Juan – now seen as sources of high-quality wines
* Middle altitudes
* dominated by Gravel, Sands & Silts;
* Maipú + Río Negro
* Lower altitudes
* Deep loamy Clay soils, richer in nutrients
116
Confusingly, what is Bonarda sometimes referred to in Argentina?
"Barbera Bonarda"
117
climate of Patagonia
* **Climate**
* Due to higher latitude, Temps are relatively low, sunlight less intense
* growing season longer
* Rainfall 200mm so irrigation essential
* CONSTANT WINDS;(esp in Neuquen), blow across arid Patagonian plateau from Andes; can be strong enough to disrupt flowering& damage vines
* Barriers needed to protect vines; vineyards protected by rows of Poplar trees
118
Provide details of the pink grape varieties in Argentina
**Cereza (‘cherry’ in Spanish):**
* Large berries; juice paler vs. Criolla; brought in by Spanish settlers
* Mainly in eastern Mendoza + San Juan
* Rosé of mediocre quality for local consumption or grape concentrate
**Criolla Grande:**
* Pink-skinned grapes; low quality vinifera variety; amongst 1st vines cultivated in the Americas
* Most planted variety in Mendoza (\>Malbec)
* Can make white or pink wine. Cheap and sold in litre bottles or cartons.
**Criolla Chica (// País in Chile)**
* Imported by Spanish conquistadores in 16th.
* Less common vs. Cereza & Grand. Paler & slightly better quality
119
What is a synonym in Argentina for the Mission grape?
Criolla Chica
120
Which of the following is/are important natural factors in Mendoza?
1. Hail
2. Altitude
3. Ocean Breezes
1 and 2
121
Gualtallary district - where is it located?
within the Tupungato department of the Uco Valley sub region
122
Describe the Gualtallary district's soil
distinct limestone soil
123
What is the key varietal of Gualtallary and what is the style of wine made from it?
what is the other black varietal grown of note?
Malbec - lighter bodied than usual, with higher acidity, red and black fruit with more herbal notes than usually seen in Argentina
Cabernet Franc
