28 - Chile Flashcards
Despite eight degrees of latitude, Chile’s climate is fairly consistent across most regions. Describe that climate.
Warm, Mediterranean climate –> growing season length, sunshine, rainfall
Generally low latitude –> intense sunlight, why?
Generally low rainfall - as low as 80mm in Elqui
El Nino phenomenon –> higher than average rainfall every 2-10yrs (reverse is El Nina) –> vintage variation
Describe how mountains impact the growing environment of different regions.
Coastal vineyards exposed to cold Humboldt current –> afternoon breeze and morning fog –> e.g. Casablanca
Coastal Ranges 300-800m protect regions inland from this coastal influence –> some gaps in valleys running east-west with western end of valley getting significant cooling
Central Valley between CR and Andes has greater continentality with very dry, hot conditions e.g. Cachapoal Valley
Andes rise up to east - altitude and cold air descending –> plantings in foothills e.g. Aconcagua Andes
Which soil types are found in Chile and where?
Alluvial soils - rivers valleys
Gravel –> Coastal ranges
Granite –> Andes
Limestone outcrops –> Limari Valley
What are the opportunities and challenges of vineyard management in Chile? (4+, 3-)
+ Sunny, dry, warm climate –> heathy + ripe grapes –> tannin, anthocyanins
+ Dry –> little disease pressure –> cost of sprays, organics
+ Phylloxera free due to Andes and quarantine –> many old, ungrafted vines
+ Lots of flat land –> mechanisation
- Dry conditions require irrigation (85% of vineyards) –> drip or flood –> cost, water availability
- Forest fires –> smoke taint
- Nematodes mean many vines still need to be grafted
Name the main exceptions to Chile’s irrigated vineyards
Regions of Bio-Bio and Maule - higher rainfall
Old vines with deep roots
What are the challenges with irrigation? (4)
- Reduction in water availability - less snowmelt due to warming climate, increased evapotranspiration
- This makes flood irrigation - popular and cheap - less of an option
- Sloped vineyards must rely on drip irrigation –> expensive, can encourage shallow-rooted vines
- Regions without rivers must build + maintain aquifers e.g. Casablanca
Where in Chile would fungal disease remain an issue?
- Humid coastal regions
- Itata and Bio-Bio with higher rainfall
What are the seven most widely planted grapes in Chile?
Name the style of wine Chile is best known for? How has that been changing?
Cheap, fruity, early-drinking from Cab, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and so on.
Improving quality and price point with a diverse array of grapes including old-vine Pais and aromatic whites plus an array of winemaking techniques
Describe the range of styles produced using Cabernet Sauvignon, where the grape is commonly planted and any notable winemaking techniques.
- Cheap, simple, fruity - planted in Central Valley
- Complex, age-worthy - planted in Andes foothills –> vigour and ripening
- Blended with Merlot, Carmenere, Syrah
Where is most Chilean Merlot planted? In what style?
Central Valley –> cheap, fruity with med body for export market
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Describe the characteristics of Carmenere. Describe its flavour and structure.
Relatively late-ripening - 2-3 weeks after Merlot
Lits warm, sunny sites to avoid too much herbaceousness + underripe tannins
Can easily become too alcoholic, however
Flavour ripe black fruit, herbaceous + oak flavours
Structure med acid, high tannin, full-body (good-VG)
Why is the style of Carmenere likely to continue evolving?
More research in clonal selection, site selection and harvesting as well as less extraction and more common usage of oak
Give examples of different regions where Syrah is planted and the style produced by each.
- Cooler e.g. Limari, Elqui
- Warmer e.g. Colchagua Valley
Where is Pinot Noir commonly planted? Very briefly describe the style produced.
Cooler regions –> Casablanca, San Antonia
Red fruit, herbal with med-high ABV