37. Argentina Flashcards Preview

WSET 3 by Sarp Sarac > 37. Argentina > Flashcards

Flashcards in 37. Argentina Deck (30)
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1
Q

What is the climate of Argentina’s wine regions?

A

Continental. Hot summers and winters are cold but not severe

2
Q

What is effect of Andes Mountains on vineyards of Argentina?

A

It forms a barrier to prevailing westerly winds and results in a significant rain shadow that keeps western Argentina very dry

3
Q

Which factors help to create Argentina’s exceptional winegrowing conditions?

A
  • Dry air
  • Plentiful irrigation water from rivers and subterranean aquifers
  • High elevations
  • Unlimited sunshine
  • Large diurnal range
4
Q

What are the important climatic hazards in Argentina?

A
  • Fierce Zonda winds (E)

- Summer hails

5
Q

Name the techniques that the grape growers use for protection from hail in Argentina

A
  • Netting

- Owning vineyards in several different areas

6
Q

Name the flagship white and black grape variety in Argentina

A
  • White: Torrentes

- Black: Malbec

7
Q

Tasting notes for Argentina Malbec

A
  • Deep colored (often inky black)
  • Full-bodied
  • Black fruit (blackberry and plum) flavours
  • High levels of smooth tannins
  • Subtle spicy flavours if aged in new oak
8
Q

Is Malbec produced as a varietal or as a part of blends in Argentina?

A
  • Mostly as a varietal

- Also as a leading component of premium blends with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot

9
Q

What is the second most widely planted black grape in Argentina?

A

Bonarda

10
Q

Bonarda is grown in which regions of Argentina?

A
  • Mendoza

- San Juan

11
Q

Tasting notes for Bonarda

A
  • High yields: Easy drinking wine with medium to deep color and fruity raspberry and blackberry aromas
  • Low yields: Wines with greater concentration and structure
12
Q

Tasting notes for Torrentes

A
  • Intense fruity, floral perfume
  • Medium body
  • Medium acidity
  • Flavours of stone fruit and melon
13
Q

Pedro Gimenez variety is used for production of which style of wines in Argentina?

A

Cheap wines for the domestic market

14
Q

What are the three wine regions of Argentina and their important Province and subregions?

A
  • Northern
    • Salta: Cafayate
  • Central (Cuyo)
    • La Rioja: Famatina
    • San Juan
    • Mendoza: Lujan de Cuyo, Maipu, Uco Valley, San Rafael
  • Patagonia
    • Rio Negro
    • Neuquen
15
Q

Which province in Argentina is home to some of the highest vineyards in the world?

A

Salta Province. Some are over 3000 meters.

16
Q

What is the dominant grape in Salta?

A

Torrontes

17
Q

Which subregion of Salta Province is famous for highly aromatic wines made from Torrontes?

A

Cafayate

18
Q

Where are the main vineyard area located in La Rioja Province?

A

Famatina Valley

19
Q

Which grape is the speciality of La Rioja?

A

Torrontes

20
Q

What are the most widely planted black grape varieties in La Rioja?

A
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Syrah
  • Bonarda
21
Q

How are the wines produced in La Rioja region of Argentina labelled? Why?

A
  • Labelled as “Famatina”

- To avoid confusion with Rioja region in Spain

22
Q

Which grape is the speciality of San Juan Province?

A

High quality Syrah

23
Q

Which province accounts for the majority of the wines produced in Argentina?

A

Mendoza

24
Q

Which areas of Mendoza focus on producing high-volume, inexpensive wines?

A

Northern and Eastern Mendoza

25
Q

List the important departments (subregions) of Mendoza Valley and name their altitudes and important grape varieties

A

Lujan de Cuyo: 900-1100 m. Very fine Malbec
Maipu: Around 800 m. Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon
Uco Valley: 900-1500 m. Chardonnay, Torrontes, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tempranillo. Pinot Noir in some cooler sites
San Rafael: 500-700 m. Chenin Blanc

26
Q

What is the cooling influence in Patagonia?

A

The latitude, not the altitude (200-250 m)

27
Q

What is the most important province in Patagonia Region

A

Rio Negro Province

28
Q

Which climatic properties of Rio Negro Province makes it ideal for production of wines with concentrated but fresh fruit flavours and medium to high acidity?

A
  • Low rainfall
  • Wide diurnal range
  • Long daylight jours with cool nights
29
Q

Name the important grape varieties in Rio Negro Province

A
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Pinot Noir
  • Malbec
  • Merlot
30
Q

What is the traditional vine training system in Argentina?

A
  • Pergola system (parral) to protect grapes from heat