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WSET 3 > 36 - Chile > Flashcards

36 - Chile Flashcards

1
Q

Chile is located between ..

A

the Andes to the east & the Pacific to the west

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2
Q

length & width of Chile’s vineyards

A

900 ns x 100 km ew

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3
Q

4 (5) key geographical features in Chile

A
  1. west: the Pacific Ocean
  2. just inland: the coastal mountain ranges
  3. east: the Andes
  4. south of Santiago: a large depression between the two mountain ranges - Central Valley

–> in many places there are gaps in the Coastal Range caused by river valleys that drain the water from the Andes

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4
Q

General climate of Chile

A

Warm Mediterranean

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5
Q

climate of Chile & infl.

A
  • Warm Mediterranean
  • dry, sunny growing season –> grapes reliably ripen & fungal diseases at minimum
  • most places: shortfall in rainwater –> irrigation (but short supply)
  • cooler & wetter in the Southern Regions

–> weather patterns/cyclic weather phenomenon
- El Niño: rainfall levels dramatically increase
- La Niña: drought may occur

–> cold Humboldt Current
- flows up from Antarctica along the Chilean coast
- prevailing winds blow cool air inland along the river valleys
- areas very close to the coast: fog

–> the Andes
- cold air descends from the mountains overnight –> large diurnal temp.range

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6
Q

weather patterns/cyclic weather phenomenon in Chile

A
  • El Niño: rainfall levels dramatically increase
  • La Niña: drought may occur
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7
Q

current along Chile & it’s climatic effects

A

–> cold Humboldt Current
- flows up from Antarctica along the Chilean coast
- prevailing winds blow cool air inland along the river valleys
- areas very close to the coast: fog

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8
Q

mountain range in Chile

A

–> the Andes
- cold air descends from the mountains overnight –> large diurnal temp.range

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9
Q

sustainable & organic grape growing & wm in Chile

A
  • widely practised by both large & small wine estates
  • a number of well-respected winemakers as well as the authorities have done much to promote this
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10
Q

Chilean wine laws
- name
- divided into
- system based on
- 2012 additions
- other labelling terms

A
  • the vineyard areas are divided into several Denominaciones de Origen (DO)
  • 4 principal regions (Coquimbo, Aconcagua, Central Valley, Southern Region)
  • 13 sub-regions - generally follow the valleys running west from the Andes to the Pacific

The system was based on Chile’s administrative regions
- the regions are very broad based
- most of the sub-regions cover extensive tracts of land
- many of the sub-regions contain multiple zones, each with a more uniform climate

2012:
- a further degree of classification was announced
- further dividing Chile’s wine regions
- categories vy sites according to their distance from the coast rather than their latitude
- complementary terms that the producer can choose to use in addition to the DO
- The following terms may appear on wine labels
1. Costa (coastal areas)
2. Entre Cordilleras (the areas between the mountain ranges)
3. Andes (mountain areas)

Reserva, Reserva Especial, Reserva Privado, Gran Reserva
- loosely defined
- carry very little overall meaning
- can be a useful way of communicating the quality levels within a producer’s portfolio of wines

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11
Q

Grape varieties in Chile (5+6)

A
  1. CS
  2. Merlot
  3. Carmenère
  4. Syrah
  5. PN
  6. SB
  7. Chardonnay
  8. Muscat of Alexandria
  9. Viognier
  10. Riesling
  11. Gewurztraminer
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12
Q

the most planted grape variety in Chile

A

CS

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13
Q
  1. style of CS in Chile
  2. char.
  3. sv or blend
A
  1. in a variety of styles from-to
    - simple & fruity
    - full-bodied premium

2.
- very ripe black fruit aromas & flavours
- often with a herbaceous character

  1. frequently blended with
    - Merlot
    - Carmenère
    - Syrah
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14
Q

Merlot in Chile

A
  • inexpensive medium-bodied & fruity
  • fuller-bodied, more complex versions
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15
Q

Carmenère in Chile

A
  • late ripening
  • most successful in the warmest & sunniest sites
  • usually full-bodied
  • often with high levels of tannin
  • can have overtly herbaceous aromas when not fully ripe
  • black fruit character & herbal aromas
  • Chile’s signature grape variety
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16
Q

Chile’s signature grape variety

A

Carmenère

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17
Q

Syrah in Chile

A
  • planted in a wide variety of sites
  • comes in a variety of styles
  • cooler coastal or northerly regions (such as Elqui Valley): lighter in body with peppery notes
  • hotter climates (such as Colchagua Valley): greater intensity of black fruit flavours & fuller body
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18
Q

Syrah in Chile

A
  • planted in a wide variety of sites
  • comes in a variety of styles
  • cooler coastal or northerly regions (such as Elqui Valley): lighter in body with peppery notes
  • hotter climates (such as Colchagua Valley): greater intensity of black fruit flavours & fuller body
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19
Q

PN in Chile

A

showing considerable promise in cooler locations such as the San Antonio & Casablanca Valleys

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20
Q

plantings of white varieties in Chile are dominated by … (white)

A
  1. SB
  2. Chardonnay
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21
Q

SB in Chile

A
  • performs particularly well in cooler vy sites (Casablanca, San Antonio Valleys)
  • excellent wines with high acidity & intense fruity flavours
  • ripe apple, citrus & tropical flavours
  • sometimes display herbaceous notes
  • some ex have added richness & texture from lees stirring & oak
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22
Q

Chardonnay in Chile

A
  • most Chardonnays have been made in a modern international style with ripe fruit & oak flavours
  • the quality & range of styles produced is constantly growing
  • The Limari Valley in particular produces wines with structure, elegance & restraint
  • Aconcagua Valley, Casablanca Valley & many other regions also producing fine wines
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23
Q

Muscat in Chile

A
  • Muscat of Alexandria
  • the 3. most planted white variety
  • mostly used for the production of the grape brandy Pisco
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24
Q
  1. most planted white varity in Chile
A

Muscat of Alexandria

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25
Q

small plantings of aromatic varieties in Chile
1. grapes
2. wines
3. regions

A
  1. Viognier, Riesling, Gewurztraminer
  2. fresh, fruity wines
  3. cool regions, Bio Bio & Itata Valleys
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26
Q

Regions in Chile
- 4 principal regions
- 13 sub-regions
- 3 zones
(4, 3+3+4+3, 1+2)

A
  1. Coquimbo
    - Elqui Valley
    - Limari Valley
    - Choapa Valley
  2. Aconcagua
    - Aconcagua Valley
    - Casablanca Valley
    - San Antonio Valley
    –> Leyda Valley zone
  3. Central Valley
    - Maipo Valley
    - Rapel Valley
    –> Cachapoal Valley (zone)
    –> Colchagua Valley (zone)
    - Curicó Valley
    - Maule Valley
  4. Southern Region
    - Itata Valley
    - Bio Bio Valley
    - Malleco Valley
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27
Q

Coquimbo
1. where
2. sub-regions

A
  1. borders onto the Atacama Desert, the most northerly of Chile’s principal wine regions
  2. Sub-regions
    - Elqui Valley
    - Limari Valley
    - Choapa Valley
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28
Q

Aconcagua
1. where
2. 3 sub-regions & 1 zone

A
  1. Chile, between Coquimbo & Central Valley
  2. Sub-regions
    - Aconcagua Valley
    - Casablanca Valley
    - San Antonio Valley
    –> Leyda Valley zone
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29
Q

Central Valley
1. where
2. sub-regions & 2 zones

A
  1. runs south from the capital Santiago to the sub-region of Itata Valley. Chile
  2. Sub-regions
    - Maipo Valley
    - Rapel Valley
    –> Cachapoal Valley (zone)
    –> Colchagua Valley (zone)
    - Curicó Valley
    - Maule Valley
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30
Q

Southern Region
1. where
2. sub-regions

A
  1. Chile
  2. Sub-regions
    - Itata Valley
    - Bio Bio Valley
    - Malleco Valley
31
Q

desert that borders Coquimbo

A

the Atacama Desert

32
Q

most northerly of Chile’s principal wine regions

33
Q

borders onto the Atacama Desert

34
Q

vy in Coquimbo compared to more southerly vy

A
  • vy plantings are relatively small
  • quality tends to be high
35
Q

biggest challenge in Coquimbo

A
  • lack of water
  • irrigation is essential but expensive because water is less plentiful here compared with some other regions
36
Q

Elqui Valley has developed a reputation for

A

SB & Syrah

37
Q

Limari Valley is producing

A

some of Chile’s best Chardonnay

38
Q

where is Elqui Valley

A
  • in Coquimbo, Chile
  • north of Limari Valley
39
Q

where is Limari Valley

A
  • in Coquimbo, Chile
  • south of Elqui Valley
40
Q

where is Choapa Valley

A

in Coquimbo, Chile

41
Q

second smallest wine region in Chile

42
Q

Aconcagua Valley sub-region

A
  • steep sided narrow valley
  • some cooling influences from the ocean & the Andes Mountains
  • the vy on the fertile valley floor between the coastal mountain range & the Andes offer some of the warmest growing conditions in Chile
43
Q

where is Aconcagua Valley
- region
- south of
- north of

A
  • in Aconcagua Region, Chile
  • south of Limari Valley (Coquimbo Region)
  • north of Casablanca Valley (Aconcagua Region) & Maipo Valley (Central Valley Region)
44
Q

where is Casablanca Valley

A
  • in Aconcagua Region, Chile
  • north-west of Maipo Valley
  • south of Aconcagua Valley
  • north of San Antonio Valley
45
Q

where is San Antonio Valley

A
  • in Aconcagua Region, Chile
  • north-west of Maipo Valley
  • south of Casablanca Valley
46
Q

dominant grape variety in Aconcagua Valley

47
Q

grape that was pioneered in Chile in Aconcagua Valley, & has become increasingly important

48
Q

Syrah in Aconcagua Valley

A
  • pioneered in Chile in this Valley
  • has become increasingly important
  • trad: rich, ripe fruit flavours with high alc&tannin
  • recent years: reduce alc, more freshness & complex fruit flavours
  • plantings are less focused on the fertile valley floor and have spread either onto the slopes or towards the coast
49
Q

reds in Aconcagua Valley

A

Trad:
- rich, ripe fruit flavours
- high alcohol & tannins

  • in recent years producers have been looking to reduce alcohol levels & find more freshness & complex fruit flavours
  • plantings are less focused on the fertile valley floor & have spread either onto the slopes or towards the coast
50
Q

grapes in Aconcagua Valley

A
  • CS
  • Syrah
  • Carmenère
51
Q

Casablanca Valley & San Antonio Valley
(geography & infl.)

A
  • neighbouring sub-regions
  • share similar characteristics
  • very varied areas offering a host of different soils & aspects
  • lie between the coastal mountains & the Pacific
  • noticeably cooler sites thanks to morning fogs & afternoon winds that blow in off the ocean
  • plantings of white varieties dominate
52
Q

grapes in Casablanca Valley & San Antonio Valley

A
  • SB has gained the greatest reputation particularly in San Antonio Valley & its particularly cool Leyda Valley zone
  • Chardonnay is also widely planted & is capable of making fine wines here
  • PN is the most planted black variety
  • Syrah, particularly in Casablanca Valley (warmer vy sites in the east)
53
Q

most planted black variety in Casablanca Valley

54
Q

most planted black variety in San Antonio Valley

55
Q

PN in Casablanca Valley

A
  • most planted black variety
  • in the coolest sites: red berry fruit & herbal notes
56
Q

PN in San Antonio Valley

A
  • most planted black variety
  • in the coolest sites: red berry fruit & herbal notes
57
Q

Syrah in Casablanca Valley

A
  • planted in the warmer vy sites in the east
  • well-structured wines with a peppery edge
58
Q

where is Leyda Valley

A
  • zone in San Antonio Valley, Aconcagua Region, Chile
59
Q

Central Valley, Chile
geography

A
  • runs south from the capital Santiago to the sub-region of Itata Valley
  • vast warm flat region
60
Q

majority of Chilean vy are located in

A

Central Valley Region

61
Q

grapes & wines in Central Valley Region, Chile

A
  • grapes ripen easily
  • a lot of production is focused on inexpensive fruity wines
  • Merlot, Chardonnay
62
Q

Maipo Valley
geography

A
  • sub-region in Central Valley Region, Chile
  • the classic heartland of the Chilean wine industry due to its proximity to the capital city Santiago
  • almost completely surrounded by mountains & very little coastal influence reaches the main grape growing area to the south of the capital
  • many of the more premium sites are located in the Andean foothills
63
Q

Maipo Valley is the classic heartland of the Chilean wine industry due to

A

its proximity to the capital city Santiago

64
Q

many of the more premium sites in Maipo Valley are located

A

in the Andean foothills

65
Q

Maipo Valley has a reputation for

A

CS that can often have a particular minty character to it

66
Q

the Rapel sub-region
geography and 2 zones

A
  • large & varied area
  • more northerly Cachapoal Valley zone: warm area cut off from the ocean breezes, cooler eastern end
  • Colchagua Valley zone: larger & more varied area than Cachapoal Valley
    –> the central part: warm & open to some ocean influence
    –> vy have increasingly been planted on the valley slopes
    –> further to the west: cooling Pacific influence becomes greater
67
Q

Cachapoal Valley
geography & wines

A
  • zone in Rapel sub-region, Central Valley Region, Chile
  • warm area cut off from the ocean breezes
  • between Maipo Valley & Colchagua Valley
  • Carmenère ripens well on the valley floors
  • CS & Syrah perform well in the cooler eastern end of the valley
68
Q

Colchagua Valley

A
  • zone in Rapel sub-region, Central Valley Region, Chile
  • larger & more varied area than Cachapoal Valley
  • the central part: warm & open to some ocean influence
    –> full-bodied reds, CS, Syrah, Carmenère
  • vy have increasingly been planted on the valley slopes
    –> some areas, notably Apalta, have gained a premium reputation
  • further to the west: cooling Pacific influence becomes greater
    –> some high-quality white wines can be produced
69
Q

Curicó Valley

A
  • sub-region in Central Valley Region, Chile
  • south of Colchagua Valley
  • north of Maule Valley
  • warm, fertile soil
  • most important sources of fruit for inexpensive blended red & white wines
  • warmer than Maule Valley
70
Q

Maule Valley

A
  • sub-region in Central Valley Region, Chile
  • south of Curico Valley
  • north of Itata Valley
  • warm, fertile soil
  • most important sources of fruit for inexpensive blended red & white wines
  • cooler than Curicó Valley
  • the wines retain a higher acidity –> useful ingredient when blending
  • increasing efforts to exploit the wealth of dry-farmed, old vines that exist within the western hills of this region
  • Carignan has become the star variety here, producing full-bodied, intensely concentrated wines from these ancient low-yielding bush vines
71
Q

the climate in the vy of the Southern sub-regions of Chile

A

becomes noticeably cooler & wetter the further south they are located

72
Q

plantings of Itata Valley & Bio Bio Valley are dominated by

A
  • Pais & Muscat of Alexandria
  • mainly consumed locally
73
Q

Bio Bio Valley has started to show great promise for

A

PN, Chardonnay & aromatic barieties

74
Q

smallest & most southerly sub-region of Chile

WSET 3 (45 decks)

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