36 - Chile Flashcards
Describe the climate in Chile?
Range covers 900km from north to south, but never more than 100km from east to west. Generally warm mediterranean climate. Dry and sunny growing season means grapes ripen fully and fungal diseases are kept to a minimum.
What are the main geographical features of Chile?
- Pacific Ocean
- The Andes
- Coastal Mountain ranges
- Central Valley
What are some notable weather conditions that affect growing in Chile?
- El Nino
- La nina
Both effect growing some years. Rainfall dramatically increases in El Nino years. Whereas La Nina can create drought like conditions. - Humboldt Current
Flows up from Antartica along the Chilean coast and prevailing winds blow cool air inland, places close to the sea means fog can appear. - Mountain cold air
Vineyards in the foothills of the Andes experience high diurnal ranges because of this.
What are the dominant varietals in Chile?
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Carmenere
- Syrah
- Pinot Noir
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Chardonnay
What are the main regions of Chile?
- Coquimbo
- Aconcagua
- Central Valley
- Southern Region
What are the main sub regions of Coquimbo?
- Elqui Valley
- Limari Valley
- Choapa Valley
What are the main sub regions in Aconcagua?
- The Aconcagua Valley
- Casablanca Valley
- San Antonio Valley
- Leyda Valley
What are the main sub regions of the Central Valley?
- Maipo Valley
- Cachapoal Valley
- Colchagua Valley
- Curico Valley
- Maule Valley
What are the main sub regions of the Southern Region?
- Itata Valley
- Bio Bio Valley
- Malleco Valley
What is Chile’s PGI scheme called?
Denominaciones de Origen (DOs).
In 2012 what further degree of classification was implemented?
Categorises vineyard sites according to distance from the coast.
- Costa (coastal areas)
- Entre Cordilleras (between mountain ranges)
- Andes (mountain areas)
Producers can choose whether or not to use the se though.
