South America Regions Flashcards
Cafayate Region - Salta Province
Climate: Extreme climate here = great purity and concentration. Continental with 4 seasons
Topography: Near Boliva, Northern most vineyard area. Some of Highest vineyards in the world 3000m
Terrior: Alluvial soil with clay substructure
Grapes: Torrontes (Dominate) Intensely fruity, Floral Perfume, Medium Body, Medium Acidity with Stone Fruits & Melon in inert fermentation; Tannat; Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine Style: aromatic, full bodied dryish whites
Other:
San Juan Province - Famatina Valley
Climate: Hotter than Mendoza
Topography: Grown 450-1400m (similar to Mendoza)
Terrior:
Grapes: Quality Syrah, Malbec flourishes, CabSav, Bonarda White: Chardonnay, Viognier
Wine Style: Best known for cheap wine from undefined grapes but wineries like Penaflor & Santiago Graffigna produce good robust reds.
Other: 2nd Largest production area. Oldest wine region. Large producer of sherry style wines, Vermouth as well as light wines
La Rioja Provice - Famatina Valley
Climate:
Topography: In Famatina Valley
Terrior:
Grapes: Torrontés is a specialty, CabSav, Syrah, Bonarda
Wine Style: Volume grown on irrigated valley floor
Other: 3rd largest wine producing region
Mendoza Provnince
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) = key risks
Topography: 600-1,100m near Mt Aconcagua .Vines in desert conditions protected by rainshadow of Andes and Argentinian Pampas
5 Regions - Northern & Eastern - focus on high production/ volume, using irrigation from Mendoza River. Central - History of producing high-quality, Uco, Southern
Terrior: Loose, sandy, alluvial soil w clay substructures + trees to protect from summer temp Water in plenty from Andes’ glaciers
Grapes: Quality Syrah, Growing Malbec, CabSav, Bonarda White = Chardonnay & Viognier
Wine Style:
Other: Dominates wine making
Luján De Cuyo - Central Medoza
Climate:
Topography: 900-1100m in foothills of Andes, SW of Mendoza city
Terrior:
Grapes:
Wine Style: Reputation for very fine Malbec
Other: Noteable for old vines = soft-roundand sweet spice Malbec Blends
Maipú - 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) = key risks
Topography: Lower altitude lying to east of Lujan de Cuyo
Terrior: Loose, sandy, alluvial soil w clay substructures + trees to protect from summer temp Water in plenty from Andes’ glaciers
Grapes: Syrah and CabSav do well here
Wine Style: East area provides high-volume, inexpensive wines for domestic and export
Other: Valuable source for old vines Bonarda and Tempranillo
Uco Valley - Mendoza
Climate: Cool nights help retain acidity and fresh fruit, with some floral (High Diurnal Range)
Topography: SW of Mendoza, 900-1500m = highest in Mendoza
Terrior:
Grapes: Aromatic Whites & Pinot Noir in coolest spots Also Grow - Chardonnay, Torontes, SavBlanc, Malbec, CabSav, Merlot, Tempranillo
Wine Style: High Quality grapes
Other: Tupungato to west, High Altitude recognized for quality wines
San Rafael - Mendoza
Climate: Southern latitude cools significantly
Topography: Low altitude
Terrior:
Grapes: Chenin Blanc most signigicant planting
Wine Style:
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Patagonia Region - Neuquén & Rio Negro Province
Climate: Cooling influence is the latitude not altitude. High diurnal range & low rainfall keep disease down. Strong Desert winds a challenge Zonda). Long daylight and cool nights = concentrated fresh fruit flavors, Med-High Acidity
Topography: 200-250m
Terrior: Dry heat, lack of rainfall. Cooler climate w long warm ripening season + chalky soil -> ideal for whites. Alluvial sands & gravel. Irrigation system pioneered by the British in 20th.
Grapes: SavBlanc, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Merlot are Premium wines in Rio Negro and potential in Neuquén
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