Master Sommelier Theory 2026 > Argentina > Flashcards

Argentina Flashcards

(159 cards)

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1
Q

General Argentinian climate?

A

Continental

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2
Q

Top two red grapes Argentina?

A

Malbec
Bonarda

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3
Q

Top two white grapes Argentina?

A

Pedro Gimenez
Torrontes

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4
Q

When was the first commercial vintage in Argentina?

A

17th century (1600s)

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5
Q

Malbec was imported from which country to Argentina?

A

France

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6
Q

When was Geographic Indication system introduced in Argentina?

A

1999

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7
Q

Aging requirements for Reserva wines Argentina?

A

White: 6 months
Red: 1 year

NO OAK REQUIREMENT

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8
Q

Aging requirements for Gran Reserva wines Argentina?

A

White: 1 year
Red: 2 years

NO OAK REQUIREMENT

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9
Q

Nicolás- who makes it? Blend?

A

Catena Zapata. Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon

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10
Q

In which subregion are Yacochuya and Etchart located?

A

Cafayate, in Salta.

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11
Q

Average vineyard elevation Argentina? (whole country)

A

900 meters
2900 feet

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12
Q

Where is Clos de los Siete located?

A

Uco Valley, Mendoza

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13
Q

Clos de los Siete
founding / history

A

Michel Rolland project, combines grapes from 4 bodegas to make a single wine. All made by Bordeaux families

blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc

Bodega y Viñedos Monteviejo
Cuvelier los Andes
DiamAndes
Bodega Rolland

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14
Q

Minimum percentage to label a grape or region Argentina?

A

80%

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15
Q

Active volcano Mendoza?

A

Tupungato - larger
tupungatito - smaller but more active

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16
Q

What is Los Aramos?

A

Single vineyard Cabernet from Terrazas de los Andes

Paraje Altamira

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17
Q

Average annual rainfall Mendoza?

A

5-10”

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18
Q

Argentina Center region IG?

A

Cordoba

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19
Q

La Rioja IG subregions?

A

Famatina IG

Chilecito IG
Felipe Varela IG
Castro Barros
San Blas de los Sauces
General Lamadrid
Vinchina
Sanagasta
Capital La Rioja

Torrontes, Malbec

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20
Q

Subregions of Mendoza?

A

Primera Zone
Northern Mendoza
Southern Mendoza
Eastern Mendoza
Uco Valley IG

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21
Q

Primera Zona departments?

A

(subregion of Mendoza)

Lujan de Cuyo DOC
Maipu IG
Godoy Cruz IG

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22
Q

South Mendoza departments?

A

San Rafael DOC
General Alvear IG

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23
Q

Uco Valley departments?

A

Tupungato IG
Tunuyàn IG
San Carlos IG

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24
Q

List 3 departments of San Juan (Argentina)

A

Tulum Valley - largest
Zonda
Ullum
Jáchal
Calingasta - old vine criolla, bonarda
Pedernal* best
Fértil Valley

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25
Argentina major red grapes in order of plantings:
Malbec Bonarda Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Merlot Tempranillo
26
Argentina major white grapes:
Pedro Giménez Torrontes Chardonnay Chenin Blanc
27
Argentina pink grapes
Cereza Criolla Chica Criolla Grande
28
Describe the wind in Argentina - what? when does it occur? regions most impacted?
Zonda. Dusty, hot (up to 40C) afternoon wind, that blows down from the Andes, can affect flowering. super cold air follows the wind, causing frost issues Foehn wind: comes from polar maritime air; warms over the crest of its descent hot and dry in lower lands but catalyst of snow precipitation in higher elevations (critical for irrigation) May to Nov; typically 12pm to 6pm Most heavily impacts La Rioja, San Juan, N Mendoza
29
Producers Salta
Colome- Molinos (Donald Hess) Susana Balbo - Cafayate Etchart - Cafayate Yacochuya - Cafayate
30
Main grapes Salta
Torrontes, Cabernet, Malbec
31
Main grapes Catamarca
Torrontes, Syrah, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon
32
Argentina wine regions North to South
Northern: Jujuy, Salta, Catamarca, Tucuman Cuyo: La Rioja, San Juan, Mendoza Central: Cordoba Patagonia: La Pampa, Neuquen, Rio Negro
33
Why hasn't Argentina had a hard time with Phylloxera?
A combination of the soil: loose, alluvial sand over clay, and the gale-force Zonda wind
34
Soil type in Mendoza?
loose, alluvial sand over clay
35
Types of irrigation in Mendoza?
Traditional furrow: water diverted from rivers- land must be pretty flat, .1 to 3% slope necessary Modern: drip irrigation
36
Southern Mendoza grapes?
Some Chenin blanc in San Rafael and General Alvear mostly Malbec
37
Uco Valley white grapes?
Chardonnay, Sémillon
38
List 3 producers Mendoza
Achaval Ferrer Bressia Catena Cheval des Andes Clos de los Siete Dominio del Plata (Susana Balbo) Terrazas de los Andes Trapiche Vina Cobos (Paul Hobbs) Zuccardi
39
Viña Cobos where?
Perdriel, Lujan de Cuyo Paul Hobbs first vintage 1999
40
Patagonia provinces?
Rio Negro IG Neuquén IG Chubut IG Trevelin IG (in Chubut) Sarmiento IG (in Chubut) La Pampa
41
Patagonia climate and soils?
Cooler, chalky soils
42
Bodegas Chacra where what do they make
Piero Incisa della Rocchetta, family behind Sassicaia. Based in Rio Negro, Patagonia, Argentina Pinot- Chard-
43
Vineyard conditions Mendoza?
Up to 1500 m elevation Extreme diurnal swings increased levels of solar radiation = long, slow, ripening season
44
Where is Catena Zapata based?
Agrelo, Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza
45
Who makes the wines White Bones and White Stones? from what vineyard? grape?
Catena. Adriana Vineyard in Gualtallary, Uco Valley, Mendoza Chardonnay, $140 retail
46
What are the parent grapes of Malbec?
Prunelard x Magdelaine Noire des Charentes
47
What are the parent grapes of Torrontes Riojano?
Muscat of Alexandria x Listan Prieto
48
What are the parent grapes of Cereza?
Muscat of Alexandria x Listan Prieto (Criolla Chica) pink skin grape
49
Catamarca - where is it? Main subregion?
Catamarca IG is in NW Argentina Tinogasta IG * Santa Maria IG Belen IG Poman
50
What are the main geographical features of Catamarca?
in NW Argentina Andes Mountains- rain shadow. dry and hot Abaucán River
51
What is the range of elevation for vineyards in Salta IG?
(Northern Argentina) 1,280-3,100 meters above sea level
52
What are the subregions of Salta IG?
Cafayate- most important, most planted San Carlos Molinos Cach - least planted
53
Where is Cafayate? in what valley is it located?
in Salta IG, Northern Argentina Calchaquí Valleys
54
At what latitude is Salta IG?
26 degrees south grape growing is possible because the altitude (which brings cooler temps) balances the warmth from being so close to the equator
55
Synonyms for Listan Prieto?
Pais Mission Criolla Chica red grape
56
List the IG in the Atlantic Region of Argentina
also called Buenos Aires: Chapadmalal IG (easternmost in Arg) Villa Ventana IG Balcarce IG not an IG: Médanos
57
Where are the highest vineyards in Argentina?
In Quebrada de Humahuaca GI, Jujuy, at the northern end of the country. Vineyards reach 3329 meters, the Moya vineyard sits at 10,922 fasl
58
In Argentina, which type of vine training is typically used in conjunction with furrow irrigation? With drip irrigation?
Parral (or pergola) with furrow VSP with drip irrigation
59
Which GIs are within the Calchaqui Valleys?
(in Northern Argentina) Salta IG Catamarca IG Tucuman IG
60
Why are diurnal variations higher at higher altitudes?
This variation is greater at altitude because as the atmospheric pressure (and density) reduces as altitude increases, the atmospheres ability to store heat reduces. This means that as the sun goes down in the evening the temperature quickly falls and both photosynthesis and respiration are halted preventing metabolism of malic acid and allowing a more balanced development throughout the ripening period. this results in more acidity being retained, richer aromas and more intense phenolic compounds
61
Calchaqui Valleys soil type?
rocky, poor soils, sand
62
San Pedro de Yacochuya- where is it based? Who founded it?
Cafayate. Joint venture between Etchart family and Michel Rolland of Bordeaux
63
What is the name for the traditional irrigation channels dug in Cuyo?
acequias- diverted water from rivers for irrigation and other use
64
Between which mountains is La Rioja Argentina?
Famatina and Velasco Mountains
65
What grapes is La Rioja Argentina known for?
(Argentina) Torrontes most planted, then malbec, then CS Famatina: Malbec, Torrontes Chilecito: Torrontes
66
What is considered the best sub region of San Juan Argentina?
Pedernal - limestone soils. Known for Malbec, Cabernet, Cab Franc, Syrah translates to flint
67
Where in Argentina would you find old vine Criolla and Bonarda?
Calingasta, in San Juan, Cuyo.
68
What are pergola trained vines called in Argentina?
parral
69
List 3 producers from San Juan Argentina
Pyros Cara Sur BenMarco (Susana Balbo) Finca Las Moras
70
What is a tomero?
a person in Argentina who works to open and close the gateways of the acequios, directing water toward the farms
71
Mendoza IG main rivers
Mendoza River Tunas Tunuyan Diamante & Atuel in South
72
IG in northern Mendoza
Desierto de Lavalle IG Las Heras IG lots of Bonarda, table wine
73
IG in eastern Mendoza
San Martin - largest Rivadavia Junin Santa Rosa La Paz
74
Maipu IG - where is it? Subregions?
Mendoza (Primera Zona), Cuyo, Argentina Las Barrancas IG Lunlunta IG El Paraiso IG Russell IG
75
Maipu IG- topography / climate? Source of water?
Close to city of Mendoza, to the SE, so it's on flatter, lower land. warm continental. directly east of Lujan de Cuyo Mendoza River 615-940 m elevation sand, pebble, loam
76
Maipu IG - where is it? what is it known for?
Primera Zona, Mendoza. Cuyo, Argentina old vine Malbec, Cabernet
77
Lujan de Cuyo - where is it? topography / climate? Soil / elevation?
SW of Mendoza City, directly west of Maipu. terraced, ancient riverbeds. alluvial and colluvial soils with sand, silt, clay 690 - 1300 m elevation. continental climate
78
Lujan de Cuyo - requirements to label
to use the DOC: must come from authorized vineyards vines 10+ years old min 5000 vines/ha wines age at least 2 years, including 1 in barrel
79
Lujan de Cuyo producers
OG: Chandon Lagarde Nieto Sentenir Luigi Bosca Norton Otero Ramos (Mendel, Brescia, Caesarean, Vistalba, Trivento joined later)
80
Main vineyard threats in Mendoza?
Hail Frost Zonda Drought
81
How is hail managed in Mendoza vineyards?
netting
82
Subregions of Lujan de Cuyo
Agrelo IG Perdriel IG Las Compuertas IG Vistalba IG
83
hills separating Lujan de Cuyo and Uco Valley
Los Cerillos hills
84
What grapes is Lujan de Cuyo known for?
Malbec - most Malbec plantings anywhere in the world Cabernet Sauvignon Bonarda Chardonnay Merlot bordeaux varietals do well here
85
Tupungato IG - where is it? Subregions?
Uco Valley, Mendoza, Cuyo, Argentina El Peral IG Gualtallary - not an IG, but in the process. highly regarded
86
Who was first to plant vines in Gualtallary?
(in Uco Valley, Mendoza) Chandon! in 1992. they were looking for cool climate places to make sparkling wine
87
Where did Chandon first plant vines in Argentina?
Lujan de Cuyo in 1952
88
Where is Gualtallary? What is it known for? elevation & soil?
In Tupungato, northern Uco Valley, Mendoza, Cuyo, Argentina best white wines in the country- excellent Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec. Also Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon revered for pocket of calcareous soils, altitude (1080 to 1600 m), cooler temperatures
89
Gualtallary Monasterio
area in the northern part of Gualtallary with high concentration of chalk, and white tones 1300-1500m elevation cool climate, very dry Catena’s Adrianna Vineyard Zuccardi Aluvional Gualtallary/ Poligonos Gualtallary
90
What river runs through Tupungato?
(in Uco Valley, Mendoza) River Tunas
91
Where is Pedernal? What is it named for?
San Juan, Cuyo, Argentina Sierra Pedernal Mountains - to the west
92
Where is Paraje Altamira? Soil type?
San Carlos IG, within Uco Valley, Mendoza, Cuyo, Argentina first Argentinian GI based on terroir, not political boundaries limestone, shallow, rocky, alluvial soils
93
what is known as the 'grand cru' of San Carlos Argentina?
Paraje Altamira, San Carlos, Uco Valley, Mendoza known for limestone and cool climate, on south bank of Rio Tunuyan. Western area is higher elevation, more limestone. Eastern is flatter, sandier
94
What is the most planted sub region of the Uco Valley?
Total: 28,650 Tupungato 10,198 ha Tunuyán 9,714 ha San Carlos 8,738 ha
95
What are the main viticultural challenges in Lujan de Cuyo?
Hail Zonda Frost in spring Drought
96
Where is San Carlos IG? Subzones?
Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina Paraje Altamira IG Pampa El Cepillo IG La Consulta IG
97
Paraje Altamira - where is it? Soil type?
San Carlos, Uco Valley, Mendoza rocky soils, layer of calcium carbonate (limestone!)
98
What is the average elevation in southern mendoza?
400-950 m
99
What is the main river in Mendoza?
Rio Tunuyan
100
What is the main river in San Rafael?
(southern Mendoza) Rio Diamante
101
What is the main river in General Alvear?
(southern Mendoza) Rio Atuel
102
Between Lujan de Cuyo, Maipu and Uco Valley - rank from highest to lowest elevation
Uco Valley - 850 - 1990 (westernmost) Lujan de Cuyo - 690 - 1300 m Maipu - 615 - 940 m (easternmost)
103
Average altitude in Rio Negro?
in Patagonia, Argentina 4-270 meters above sea level
104
What are the two major rivers in Patagonia?
Rio Negro Rio Limay- Neuquen
105
What is the latitude of Rio Negro?
39 degrees south
106
What is the latitude of Mendoza?
32 degrees south
107
What is the climate of Rio Negro?
Semi-Arid Continental. dry, temperate. in rain shadow of Andes compared to Mendoza: cooler, and lower elevation. irrigation still necessary
108
What is the most planted subregion of Patagonia?
Neuquen- 1700 ha Rio Negro - 1600 ha Chubut - 75 ha
109
Chubut latitude? Grapes most planted?
43 degrees south Chardonnay, Pinot Noir!
110
Producers in Patagonia?
Bodegas Chacra Bodegas del Fin del Mundo Bodega del Rio Elorza Otronia
111
List the provinces of Cuyo from North to South
La Rioja San Juan Mendoza
112
In which larger IG is Famatina Valley IG?
La Rioja Argentina IG Cuyo IG
113
In which larger IG is Chilecito IG?
La Rioja Argentina IG Cuyo IG
114
In which larger IG is Felipe Varela IG?
La Rioja Argentina IG Cuyo IG
115
In which larger IG is Agrelo IG?
Lujan de Cuyo IG Mendoza IG Cuyo IG
116
In which larger IG is Perdriel IG?
Lujan de Cuyo IG Mendoza IG Cuyo IG
117
In which larger IG is Las Compuertas IG?
Lujan de Cuyo IG Mendoza IG Cuyo IG
118
In which larger IG is Vistalba IG?
Lujan de Cuyo IG Mendoza IG Cuyo IG
119
In which larger IG is Las Barrancas IG?
Maipu IG Mendoza IG Cuyo IG
120
In which larger IG is Lunlunta IG?
Maipu IG Mendoza IG Cuyo IG
121
In which larger IG is El Peral IG?
Tupungato IG Uco Valley IG Mendoza IG
122
In which larger IG is Los Chacayes IG?
Tunuyan IG Uco Valley IG Mendoza IG
123
In which larger IG is San Pablo IG?
Tunuyan IG Uco Valley IG Mendoza IG
124
In which larger IG is Vista Flores IG?
Tunuyan IG Uco Valley IG Mendoza IG
125
In which larger IG is La Consulta IG?
San Carlos IG Uco Valley IG Mendoza IG
126
In which larger IG is Paraje Altamira located?
San Carlos IG Uco Valley IG Mendoza IG
127
In which larger IG is El Cepillo located?
San Carlos IG Uco Valley IG Mendoza IG
128
In which larger IG is Tupungato located?
Uco Valley IG Mendoza IG
129
In which larger IG is Tunuyan located?
Uco Valley IG Mendoza IG
130
In which larger IG is San Carlos located?
Uco Valley IG Mendoza IG
131
What is the main river in Salta?
Salado River
132
What is the main river in Catamarca?
Rio Dulce
133
In which larger IG is Valle de Tulum?
San Juan IG Cuyo IG
134
In which larger IG is Zonda IG?
San Juan IG Cuyo IG
135
In which larger IG is Ullum IG?
San Juan IG Cuyo IG
136
In which larger IG is Valle de Pedernal?
San Juan IG Cuyo IG
137
2023 Argentina Vintage
terrible- hottest summer in a century, not enough water for irrigation
138
Argentina GIs based on terroir
Paraje Altamira- alluvial cone of the Tunuyan river. 2013 Pampa el Cepillo - part of the alluvial cone of the River Tunuyan. 2019 San Pablo: alluvial, Rio Tunas. 2019 Cordon El Cepillo GI (22; the ridge of the foothills)
139
Altura Maxima- what is it? where?
vineyard of Colome, in Salta, at 3,111 meters elevation. not highest in world, but maybe highest that is commercially relevant. mostly planted to Malbec, with Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc
139
What does Roble indicate on bottle of Argentinian wine?
aged in oak barrel for some time, usually a few months in Spain- between joven and crianza
140
Paraje Altamira bottlings
Zuccardi- Piedra Infinita Malbec Altos las Hormigas Malbec Susana Balbo Malbec
141
Piedra Infinita what is it who makes it where
Malbec, Zuccardi 'infinite stones' Paraje Altamira, San Carlos, Uco Valley Mendoza
142
Catena Adrianna Vineyard- wines? Where is it?
White Bones Chardonnay White Stones Chardonnay River Malbec Fortuna Terrae Malbec Mundus Bacillus Terrae Malbec in Gualtallary, Uco Valley
143
Argentina- regions known for limestone
Paraje Altamira, Gualtallary, Pedernal
144
Achaval Ferrer single vineyard bottlings
Finca Mirador Malbec 2019 from Medrano (Junín)- planted 1921 Finca Bella Vista Malbec 2019 from Perdriel (Luján de Cuyo)- planted 1910 Finca Altamira Malbec 2019 from Altamira (Valle de Uco) - planted 1950
145
factors impacting diurnal shift
Clouds: blanket effect. Block sunlight to moderate daytime temps, traps heat to moderate nighttime temps Humidity: water vapor in air absorbs heat. Humid places trapped warmth moderates day/nighttime temps Elevation: thinner air is less efficient at holding heat. Cools quickly at night Proximity to water: water heats/cools more slowly than land. smaller shifts Vegetation: plants/trees release moisture and impede rapid heat loss from ground at night
146
impact of elevation on UV exposure
UV rays increase 4% per 100M. Grapes need more “sunscreen” * N-S orientation to minimize sun * train shoots vertically * create a more diffused canopy with trellising system * shade cloth * Kaolin clay
147
subregions of Cuyo in Argentina by planting
Mendoza (149,000 ha) San Juan (31,960 ha) La Rioja (6,539ha) San Luis (107 ha, est 2019)
148
Bonarda synonyms origin
Charbono Corbeau de Savoie originally from Savoie
149
types of Torrontes
Torrontés Riojano (moscatel x criolla chica) Torrontés Sanjuanino (moscatel x criolla chica) Torrontés Mendocino (moscatel x unknown) Riojano is the best and the most planted (with about 7650ha. Torrontés Sanjuanino is 2nd with 1620ha)
150
Cheval des Andes who? bottlings
Cheval Blanc w/ Terrazas de los Andes Lujan de Cuyo (Las Compuertas) & Uco Valley (Altamira) just one wine- blend of Malbec, Cab Sauv, Petit Verdot
151
who founded Cheval des Andes? when?
Pierre Lurton, 1999 is when the Cheval x Terrazas joint venture started
152
districts on Tunuyan river
Tunuyan/San Carlos: Vista Flores GI La Consulta GI Paraje Altamira GI Rivadavia, Santa Rosa
153
pros/ cons of flood irrigation
Pros: Flood irrigation emulates a true rainy season by saturating the ground, frequency can be increased or decreased to produce a specific crop level. Cons: A large portion (5-25%) of irrigation water can be lost to evaporation, huge amounts of water are needed, maintaining the channels can be labor intensive and expensive
154
zones within Chubut
in Patagonia, Argentina Trevelin IG Sarmiento IG
155
Bodegas Otronia
in Sarmiento IG, Patagonia, Argentina. named for lake that moderates temperature. 45'33 south. they make Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, a sparkling etc
156
Catena Zapata important vineyard holdings
Adrianna La Piramide Nicasia Angelica Angelica Sur
157
who makes Aluvional wines?
Zuccardi La Consulta, Vista Flores, Paraje Altamira, El Peral and Gualtallary
158
Zuccardi winemaking style
The winery operates by gravity flow. The top wines are fermented using indigenous yeasts in concrete vats without epoxy lining and bottled unfiltered. Wines are aged in a combination of wood vessels of various sizes and concrete tanks.
Master Sommelier Theory 2026
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