Argentina ~ General Flashcards
Describe the General Climate of
Argentina
It is a Continental Climate, that is very dry due to the Rain Shadow of the Andes Mounains, and the drying Zonda Wind that comes down from the mountains.
The snow capped Andes Mountains also provide plentiful water for irrigation as the snow melts throughout the warm seasons.
Red varietals here can be very thick skinned from the high altitude. They create thincker skins as added protection from the UV ray strength.
What is the name of the wind from the
Andes Mountains in Argentina?
The Zonda Wind
Overall it is beneficial because it promotes dry vineyards, therefore staving off fungal diseases.
The Zonda is a foehn type of wind.
- The name for a downhill warm & dry wind that has dumped all its moisture on the other side of a mountain chain…
However, it can sometimes have a negative affect on flowering leading to uneven fruit set.
What is the name of the wind from the
South Atlantic Ocean in Argentina?
Sudestada Wind
The phenomenon consists of a sudden rotation of cold southern winds to the south-east. This change, while moderating the cold temperatures, loads the air masses with oceanic humidity, bringing heavy rain. The air circulation also increases the intensity of the winds.
Common to the Río de la Plata (an estuary formed by the combination of the Uruguay River and the Paraná River on the southeastern coastline of South America) and its surrounding region.
Most likely to happen between July and October.
What is the name of the wind from the
Antarctic Ocean in Argentina?
Pampero Wind
The pampero is a burst of cold polar air from the west, southwest or south on the pampas in the south of Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay.
This wind (often violently) picks up during the passage of a cold front of an active low passing by. It takes the form of a squall line and there is a marked drop in temperature after its passing.
The Pampero is most common at winter in the southern hemisphere (principally between May and August). During the summers in the region around Buenos Aires, the pampero storms are a welcome feature marking the end of long periods of high humidity and extreme heat.
What are the most common natural threats to
a vintage in Argentina?
Hail can be a big problem.
The Zonda Wind can also have a negative affect on flowering leading to uneven fruit set.
What is Reserva
in Argentina?
*6 months min aging
for White Wines
*12 months min aging
for Red Wines
What is Gran Reserva
in Argentina?
*12 months min aging
for White Wines
*24 months min aging
for Red Wines
What two grapes may not be
Reserva or Gran Reserva in Argentina?
Cereza
Criolla Chica
What are the clones
of Torrentes?
- *Torrontés Riojano**
- (this is considered the finest)*
Torrontés Mendocino
Torrontés Sanjuanino
Torrentes is a cross of
what 2 grapes?
Muscat of Alexandria
x
Criolla Chica
(aka: Mission {CA})
(aka: Listan Prieto {Spain})
(aka: País {Chile})
Note:
- This appears to be the crossing for Torrentes Riojana, and Torrentes Sanjuanino only.
- Torrentes Mendocino is a cross of Muscat of Alexandria and another unkown grape. (source: Grapes, Jancis Robinson, p. 1065)
What is the general soil structure of Mendoza?
Sandy, Alluvial soils over Clay.
Difficult for Phyloxerra to survive.
What is a synonym for
Argentina’s Bonarda grape?
- *Charbono**
- (California)*
- *Corbeau**
- (Savoie)*
- *Barbera Bonarda**
- (San Juan, Cuyo, Argentina)*
What is the most planted
white grape of Argentina?
Pedro Giménez
This is the most planted grape in Argentina
Note:
- used mainly as a blending grape and for bulk wines
- No relation to Pedro Ximénez
What is the most planted
red grape of Argentina?
Bonarda
aka:
- Charbono (USA)
- Corbeau (Jura, France)
What are Argentina’s 2 D.O.C. regions?
- *Lujan de Cuyo DOC**
- (Central Mendoza)*
- *San Rafael DOC**
- (Southern Mendoza)
- Bianchi is sole producer-*
Note:
- These are authorized for Malbec only.
