Malbec tasting at Steenberg, presented by Argentinian Sommelier Luis
and Martin Mantegini in conjunction with South African Sommeliers Association a
tasting put together by Higgo Jacobs, secretary of SASA
Luis Mantegini
18 facts about Argentinian vineyard locations
1 - Majority of vineyards are located 33 degrees South
2 - Salta one of the highest vineyards in the world at 5577 feet
above sea level
3 - Majority of vineyards are predominantly located on the West
side
4 - 94% of productions are in Mendoza
5 - 260,000+ha of vineyards, currently between 4th
and 5th largest producers in the world
6 - No humidity, high altitude vineyards and wind from the
Atlantic, continental climate, dry
7 - Altitude plays a significant role, huge diurnal
fluctuations, long growing seasons, thick skin, tiny berries, high color and
polyphenol contents, long growing season, not unusual to harvest in May
8 - Harvest began normally 120 days after veraison, very long
hang time.
9 - 335 sunny days annually, 225mm of rainfall in summer
10 - Rainy season in summer, i.e growing season
11 - 600mm – 700mm of additional water via irrigation to support
vineyards, obtain from melting ice from the Andes
12 - Hail is their biggest threat during growing season.
13 - Very poor soils, alkaline.
14 - 82% red wine productions, Argentinian consumes an average
of 28 litres per person, strong
domestic market, 98% of wines purchased are consumed within 72
hours
15 - Low natural acidity, tartaric acid adjustment is necessary
during winemaking.
16 - Malbec is the most planted variety
17 - Bonarda second most planted variety
18 - Torrontes is Argentina signature white variety, a cross of
Muscat d’Alexandrie and native varieties.
