Title: WSET Level 3 / WSET Level 3 C37 - Argentina

Front: Describe the general locations of most of Argentina's vineyards
Back: They lie close to the Andes in a series of irrigated oases in what is otherwise desert
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Name: Describe the general locations of most of Argentinas vineya

Front: Over what range are the vineyards of Argentina spread?
Back: More than 1500km

Front: Between where and where are the vineyards of Argentina spread?
Back: From Salta in the north to Río Negro and Neuquén in the Patagonia
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Name: Between where and where are the vineyards of Argentina sprea

Front: Describe altitude in Argentina's vineyardsWhat are the notable exceptions?
Back: Most vineyards lie 600m or above sea levelWith the exception of Río Negro and Neuquén
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Name: Describe altitude in Argentinas vineyardsWhat are the notab

Front: Where is Salta?
Back: Close to the town of Cafayate in the far north of Argentina

Front: Where are the highest vineyards in Argentina? How high are they?
Back: SaltaThey regularly extend to 2000m or more
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Name: Where are the highest vineyards in Argentina? How high are t

Front: What is it about Argentina's high vineyards that makes the country unique?
Back: It allows for suitably cool sites to be found close to the equator
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Name: What is it about Argentinas high vineyards that makes the c

Front: How were Argentinian vineyards historically planted? Why?
Back: In the Pergola systemDue to the heat

Front: What is the pergola system known as in Argentina?
Back: Parral

Front: Why was the pergola system needed in the heat of Argentina?
Back: Lifted grapes away from searing heat close to the groundProvided shade for the grapes as they hung beneath the leaf canopy

Front: For which grape in Argentina is parral still commonly used?
Back: Torrontés

Front: How are many black grapes NOW grown in Argentina?
Back: Using vertical trellises (though the canopies still need to shade the fruit from the intense fruit)

Front: What is rainfall like in Argentina?
Back: Extremely low (in the rain shadow of the Andes)

Front: How is drought commonly treated in the vineyards of Argentina?
Back: Traditionally, flood irrigation was widespread, but drip irrigation is more common in newer vineyards now
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Name: How is drought commonly treated in the vineyards of Argentin

Front: Where does water for irrigation come from in Argentina?
Back: Rivers flowing down from mountainsSubterranean aquifers

Front: Describe and explain irrigation in Argentina
Back: Flood irrigation was widespread, but drip irrigation is more common in newer vineyards as it uses scarce water more efficiently

Front: Besides drought, which other seasonal problems are a threat in Argentina?
Back: Spring FrostsSummer hail
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Name: Besides drought, which other seasonal problems are a threat

Front: Of seasonal problems in Argentina, which is the biggest threat/problem?
Back: Summer hail
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Name: Of seasonal problems in Argentina, which is the biggest thre

Front: Where in Argentina is summer hail the biggest problem?
Back: Mendoza

Front: How do most producers in Mendoza deal with the threat of summer hail? What is the disadvantage of this?
Back: They use netting to protect their vinesThe expense
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Name: How do most producers in Mendoza deal with the threat of sum

Front: What is the traditional method of risk management for grape-growers in Argentina? Why will this remain in practice?
Back: To own vineyards in several different areasIt brings considerable advantages at the blending stage
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Name: What is the traditional method of risk management for grape-

Front: To which viticultural problems is Argentina generally not susceptible? Why?
Back: Rot or mildewThe dry climate
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Name: To which viticultural problems is Argentina generally not su

Front: What is Argentina's role in ethical winemaking?
Back: It's an important producer of organically grown grapes
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Name: What is Argentinas role in ethical winemaking?

Front: What is the flagship grape variety of Argentina?
Back: Malbec

Front: How significant is Malbec in Argentina?
Back: It has the largest plantings of the grape worldwide

Front: Describe the overall style of Malbec in Argentina
Back: Full-bodiedDeeply colouredBlack fruitHigh levels of smooth tannins

Front: What is the new style of Malbec in Argentina? How is it produced?
Back: More elegantUsing gentler methods of extraction
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Name: What is the new style of Malbec in Argentina? How is it prod

Front: What is the role of oak in Argentinian Malbec?
Back: It is used for most high-quality Malbecs in Argentina

Front: What is the effect of oak in Argentina's premium Malbecs?
Back: It lends subtle, spicy flavours
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Name: What is the effect of oak in Argentinas premium Malbecs?

Front: Where is Malbec grown in Argentina? What is the result on the flavour?
Back: It has been grown in every wine-producing area of ArgentinaRegional differences can be noticed in the wines
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Name: Where is Malbec grown in Argentina? What is the result on th

Front: Describe the differences which can be noticed in Malbec based on where it's grown in Argentina
Back: When made at lower altitude, they're fuller bodied with richer black fruitWhen made at higher altitude, they tend to be more elegant, displaying fresher more floral aromas
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Name: Describe the differences which can be noticed in Malbec base

Front: How may Malbec be used in blended wines?
Back: It can play a leading role in some premium blends

Front: With which varieties is Malbec most commonly blended?
Back: Cabernet SauvignonMerlotCabernet Franc and/or Petit Verdot

Front: What is the second most planted variety in Argentina?
Back: Bonarda

Front: Describe Bonarda's general characteristics
Back: Late ripeningDeeply colouredHigh acidity High tannins
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Name: Describe Bonardas general characteristics

Front: Describe the two major styles of Bonarda in Argentina
Back: At high yields: Easy drinking wines, medium to deep colour and fruity raspberry and blackberry aromasControlled yields and proper ripening: Greater concentration and structure

Front: Where is Bonarda mainly grown?
Back: Argentina, in Mendoza and San Juan

Front: Besides Malbec and Bonarda, which other black varieties are widely planted?
Back: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and MerlotSmaller volumes of Tempranillo and Pinot Noir
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Name: Besides Malbec and Bonarda, which other black varieties are

Front: What traits do premium reds of Argentina tend to share in common?
Back: Concentrated ripe fruit flavours, usually with toasty notes from oak
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Name: What traits do premium reds of Argentina tend to share in co

Front: What is often seen as Argentina's signature white variety?
Back: Torrontés
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Name: What is often seen as Argentinas signature white variety?

Front: Where is Torrontés widely planted?
Back: In Argentina, in Salta, La Rioja, San Juan and Mendoza

Front: Where do many of the best examples of Torrontés come from in Argentina?
Back: High-altitude vineyards in the Cafayate region of Salta Province
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Name: Where do many of the best examples of Torrontés come from in

Front: Describe the profile of Torrontés in Argentina?
Back: Medium bodyMedium acidityIntense, fruity, floral perfumeFlavours of stone fruits and melon

Front: How is Torrontés vinified? Why?
Back: Vines are usually fermented in inert, temperature-controlled vessels and released from the winery in the year of harvestTo realise its full potential as an aromatic grape variety

Front: Besides Torrontés, which other grape variety is widely planted?
Back: Chardonnay
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Name: Besides Torrontés, which other grape variety is widely plant

Front: What style is Chardonnay made into in Argentina?
Back: A range of stylesPremium wines are matured in oak, a portion of which is often new

Front: Besides Torrontés and Chardonnay, which other white varieties are also grown in Argentina?
Back: Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Viognier
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Name: Besides Torrontés and Chardonnay, which other white varietie

Front: What is the white variety with the greatest plantings
Back: Pedro Gimenez

Front: Describe wines made from Pedro Gimenez in Argentina
Back: Traditional and low-qualityUsed in cheap wines for the domestic market Now in decline

Front: Which is the only of Argentina's three broad wine regions which is widely seen on labels?
Back: Patagonia
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Name: Which is the only of Argentinas three broad wine regions wh

Front: What are the smaller subdivisions of Argentina, in decreasing size order?
Back: ProvincesDepartments
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Name: What are the smaller subdivisions of Argentina, in decreasin

Front: Where is Salta Province?
Back: Close to the border of BoliviaMost northerly of vineyard areas in Argentina

Front: What is the most notable feature of vineyards in Salta province?
Back: It's home to some of the highest vineyards in the worldSome are over 3000m asl
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Name: What is the most notable feature of vineyards in Salta provi

Front: What is the result of Salta's extreme climate on wines?
Back: Produces wines of great purity and concentration
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Name: What is the result of Saltas extreme climate on wines?

Front: What is the dominant grape of Salta Province in Argentina?
Back: Torrontés

Front: What is Torrontés wine like in Salta Province?
Back: Highly aromatic

Front: Where are Torrontés wines especially aromatic in Salta Province?
Back: Cafayate region
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Name: Where are Torrontés wines especially aromatic in Salta Provi

Front: Explain the business of wine in Cafayate
Back: There has been investment in the region from many of the large wineries based in Mendoza and some major European wine companies for its superior quality of Torrontés

Front: What are the dominant black varieties planted in Cafayate?
Back: Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon

Front: What is the key statistic related to La Rioja and its role in Argentinian winemaking?
Back: It has the third largest area of production in Argentina
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Name: What is the key statistic related to La Rioja and its role i

Front: What is the name of the main vineyard area in La Rioja?
Back: Famatina Valley

Front: Describe Famatina Valley
Back: Large volumes of grapes can be grown here on the irrigated valley floors

Front: What is a speciality of the Famatina Valley?
Back: Torrontés

Front: What are the most planted black varieties of Famatina Valley, La Rioja?
Back: Cabernet SauvignonSyrahBonarda
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Name: What are the most planted black varieties of Famatina Valley

Front: How are the exported wines of Famatina generally labelled? Why?
Back: FamatinaTo avoid confusion with Rioja in Spain, 'La Rioja' is avoided on the label
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Name: How are the exported wines of Famatina generally labelled? W

Front: What is Argentina's second most important wine region?
Back: San Juan
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Name: What is Argentinas second most important wine region?

Front: Describe the vineyards of San Juan Province
Back: They are located at approximately 450 to 1400 metres above sea level (similar altitude range to Mendoza)

Front: What is the province of San Juan particularly noted for?
Back: The quality of its Syrah

Front: Other than Syrah, which other grapes flourish in San Juan?
Back: Red: Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and BonardaWhite: Chardonnay and Viognier

Front: Which province dominates winemaking in Argentina?
Back: Mendoza

Front: Describe the vineyards of Mendoza
Back: They are planted in desert conditionsProtected from rain by Andes to the west and the Argentine Pampas to the east

Front: How can Mendoza be further sub-divided?
Back: Into five divisions:NorthernEasternCentralUco ValleySouthern

Front: How are the wines from Mendoza's different divisions generally used?
Back: They are often blended to take advantage of fruit from different climates
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Name: How are the wines from Mendozas different divisions general

Front: Where in Mendoza is the focus on high-volume, inexpensive wine?
Back: Northern and Eastern Mendoza
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Name: Where in Mendoza is the focus on high-volume, inexpensive wi

Front: Why are Northern and Eastern Mendoza suited to high-volume, inexpensive wines?
Back: The Mendoza River flows through these areas, providing irrigation water, making growing large quantities of grapes possible
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Name: Why are Northern and Eastern Mendoza suited to high-volume,

Front: Which area of Mendoza has the longest history of creating high quality wines?
Back: Central Mendoza
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Name: Which area of Mendoza has the longest history of creating hi

Front: Where are many of the most famous producers based in Argentina?
Back: Central Mendoza
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Name: Where are many of the most famous producers based in Argenti

Front: Which department in particular in Central Mendoza has a high reputation? What for?
Back: Luján de CuyoVery fine Malbec
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Name: Which department in particular in Central Mendoza has a high

Front: Describe the positioning of Luján de Cuyo
Back: At around 900 to 1100 metres in altitudeFoothills of the AndesSouth-west of Mendoza City

Front: Besides altitude, what else particularly contributes to the very fine quality of Malbec in Luján de Cuyo?
Back: Very old vines
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Name: Besides altitude, what else particularly contributes to the

Front: What do the old vines and grapes of Luján de Cuyo contribute to blends?
Back: Much of the soft, round and sweet spice
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Name: What do the old vines and grapes of Luján de Cuyo contribute

Front: Which department lies to the east of Luján de Cuyo?
Back: The Maipú department

Front: Describe how the vineyards of Maipú differ from those of Luján de Cuyo
Back: They are at lower altitudes
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Name: Describe how the vineyards of Maipú differ from those of Luj

Front: Which grapes perform particularly well in Maipú?
Back: Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah

Front: Describe what's produced in the eastern, lower part of Maipú?
Back: Much of the area's high volume, inexpensive wine for domestic and export markets
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Name: Describe whats produced in the eastern, lower part of Maipú

Front: Besides high-volume, inexpensive wine, what else does the lower, eastern part of Maipú create?
Back: It's a valuable source of old-vine Bonarda and Tempranillo
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Name: Besides high-volume, inexpensive wine, what else does the lo

Front: Which region lies to the south-west of Mendoza?
Back: The Uco Valley

Front: What is the Uco Valley a good source of?
Back: High quality fruit

Front: Describe the vineyards of Uco Valley
Back: They lie at 900 to 1500 metres

Front: Where are the highest vineyards in Mendoza?
Back: Uco Valley

Front: What is the effect of climate on the grapes of Uco Valley?
Back: Cool nights help to retain fresh fruit flavours and acidityThe wines sometimes also display floral notes as a result

Front: Which grapes flourish in Uco Valley?
Back: Red: Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, TempranilloWhite: Torrontés, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc

Front: Which 'other' grape can flourish in Uco Valley? Why?
Back: Pinot NoirSome sites are cool enough
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Name: Which other grape can flourish in Uco Valley? Why?

Front: Where is Tupungato? Describe it. What is it known for?
Back: Uco ValleyA high altitude area to the west of the regionThe quality of its wines

Front: What is notable about Southern Mendoza?
Back: It's home to the San Rafael department

Front: Describe the San Rafael department of Southern Mendoza
Back: Compared with much of Mendoza it has a low altitudeSoutherly location makes it one of the coolest areas in Mendoza

Front: What is the reputation of San Rafael department in Southern Mendoza?
Back: It has the country's most significant plantings of Chenin Blanc
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Name: What is the reputation of San Rafael department in Southern

Front: What is the most southerly region of Argentina? What is the result?
Back: Patagonia RegionIt's Argentina's coolest region due to latitude
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Name: What is the most southerly region of Argentina? What is the

Front: Which notable provinces are found in Patagonia?
Back: Río Negro ProvinceNeuquén Province

Front: What is the role of altitude in Patagonia Region?
Back: Vineyards here are relatively low, at 200 to 250 metres

Front: What is the notable challenge for grape-growers in Patagonia?
Back: Strong desert winds
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Name: What is the notable challenge for grape-growers in Patagonia

Front: Why do vines benefit from a low incidence of disease in Patagonia?
Back: Low rainfall Wide diurnal range
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Name: Why do vines benefit from a low incidence of disease in Pata

Front: What are the growing conditions like in Patagonia and what effect does this have on wines?
Back: Long daylight hours and cool nightsProvides wines with concentrated, but fresh fruit flavours and medium to high acidity
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Name: What are the growing conditions like in Patagonia and what e

Front: Which grapes are capable of making premium wines in Río Negro?
Back: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Malbec and Merlot
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Name: Which grapes are capable of making premium wines in Río Negr

Front: What kind of wine is Neuquén best for?
Back: Its full potential is still being explored