Argentina

Question 1

Briefly describe the location of Argentina.

Answer 1

Located in South America, east of the Andes Mountain Range and west of the Atlantic Ocean.

Question 2

What is the range of climates found in Argentina?

Answer 2

Continental to arid desert.

Question 3

What is the average elevation above sea level of the Andes Mountains?

In both meters and feet.

Answer 3

Average of 900 meters / 3,000 feet asl

Question 4

What feature do the Andes Mountains create for many wine regions in Argentina?

Answer 4

A rain shadow.

Question 5

Fill in the blank.

• The province highest in elevation in Argentina is ______.
• Its elevation is ____m/ft asl.

Answer 5

• Salta
• 1500-2000m / 5,000-6,000 ft

Question 6

What is the elevation of Mendoza?

Answer 6

600-1200m / 2,000-4,000 ft

Question 7

Select the correct answer.

Irrigation in Argentina is:

a. forbidden
b. essential

Answer 7

b. essential

Question 8

What are the 2 most common types of irrigation used in Argentina?

Answer 8

1. Flood irrigation
2. Modern drip irrigation

Question 9

What is a major water source for irrigation used in Argentina?

Answer 9

Melted snow from the Andes.

Question 10

Fill in the blank.

Thanks to the elevations of grape growing regions in Argentina, there are major _______ shifts.

Answer 10

diurnal

Question 11

Why can Argentinean Malbec have an electric purple color to it?

Answer 11

Increased sun exposure at higher elevations cause intense pigmentation.

Question 12

Select the correct answer.

Commonly, Torrontés from Argentina has:

a. no oak influence
b. high oak influence

Answer 12

a. no oak influence

Question 13

The vessels commonly used for Argentinean Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon are:

Answer 13

New or used, French or American oak.

Question 14

Name the 2 most common white grape varieties in Argentina.

Answer 14

1. Torrontés
2. Chardonnay

Question 15

Name the 5 most common red grape varieties in Argentina.

Answer 15

1. Malbec
2. Cabernet Sauvignon
3. Bonarda
4. Tempranillo
5. Syrah

Question 16

In Argentina, what is the minimum percentage a grape must be in a wine if the variety is stated on the bottle?

Answer 16

85%

Question 17

From north to south, which 3 regions in Argentina do you need to know for the CMS 2 exam?

Answer 17

1. Salta
2. Mendoza
3. Patagonia

Question 18

What is the name of the subregion in Salta known for Torrontés?

Answer 18

Cafayate

Question 19

Name 2 subregions in Mendoza that are known for
Malbec.

Answer 19

1. Luján de Cuyo
2. Uco Valley

Question 20

Select the correct answer.

Thanks to its southern latitude, the Patagonia region in Argentina is:

a. cool
b. hot
c. Mediterranean

Answer 20

a. cool

Question 21

What are the 3 main red grape varieties planted in Patagonia, Argentina?

Answer 21

1. Malbec
2. Cabernet Sauvignon
3. Pinot Noir

Question 22

Briefly describe Torrontés.

Answer 22

It’s a highly aromatic grape with soapy, floral, and fruity flavors.

Question 23

What is the wine classification system is used in Argentina?

Answer 23

• IG: Indicación Geográficas, GIs in English
• DOC: Denominación de Origen Controlada system

Question 24

Name 3 top producers of Argentinean Malbec.

Answer 24

1. Catena
2. Mendel
3. Achaval Ferrer

Question 25

Name 3 producers of Torrontés from Salta, Argentina.

Answer 25

1. Susana Balbo 2. Bodega El Esteco 3. Michel Torino

Question 26

Who revitalized abandoned vineyards in Argentina?

Answer 26

Italian and Spanish immigrants.

Question 27

# True or False. Some high-end Argentine Malbecs and Cabernet Sauvignons can benefit from decanting.

Answer 27

True ## Footnote When in doubt, decant!

Question 28

Name a classic food pairing for Argentine Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Answer 28

Steak and chimichurri.