The WSET / ISG Challenge Number Five: Argentina

Time to grab some Malbec and find the answers to this week's practice questions.

True or False: There is more Malbec planted in Argentina than anywhere else in the world.

True. Although Malbec is planted in various wine regions throughout France (including Bordeaux and South West France), the total acreage began decreasing in the early 20^th Century as Merlot and Cabernet Franc began gaining popularity. By 1968 plantings in the Libournais was down to 12,100 acres (4,900 hectares) and fell further to 3,460 acres (1,400 hectares) by 2000. It’s estimated that two thirds of the world’s Malbec is grown in Argentina.

What Argentina wine region is located in Patagonia?

1. Nuequen

2. Jujoy

3. La Rioja

4. Salta

If you don’t know the answer right away, this question can be solved by a process of elimination. Patagonia is located at the southernmost point of South America. Since Jujuy and Salta high elevation regions in the northwest, neither of these can be the correct answer. La Rioja was not a trick question – there is a small wine region of 20,000 acres, also in the northwestern part of Argentina. Therefore, the correct answer is Neuquen.

FYI: These are actual practice questions from Frank’s WSET and ISG studies. Let us know how you’re enjoying them and using them.