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Matt's WSET level 3 > C36 - Chile > Flashcards

C36 - Chile Flashcards

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1
Q

What is the approximate total geographical range of Chile’s vineyards?

A

900km from north to south Rarely more than 100km east to west

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2
Q

How is Chile’s vineyard area geographically defined?

A

By four broad areas: The Pacific Ocean to the west The coastal mountain ranges just inland The Andes to the east A large depression south of Santiago where the two mountain ranges separate, known as Central Valley

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3
Q

What fills the gaps in the coastal mountains?

A

River valleys that drain the water from the Andes

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4
Q

What is the general climate of Chile?

A

Warm mediterranean

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5
Q

What does the mediterranean climate mean about the Chilean weather and conditions for growing grapes?

A

Summers are warm and dry Fungal disease is kept to a minimum

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6
Q

How is the shortfall in rainwater in Chile generally dealt with?

A

Irrigation

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7
Q

What is the difficulty with irrigation in Chile, particularly in the north?

A

Water for irrigation is in increasingly short supply

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8
Q

How are conditions different in the southern part of Chile?

A

They are cooler and wetter here

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9
Q

What can affect Chile’s weather pattern some years?

A

El Niño and La Niña

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10
Q

What are the comparative impacts of El Niño and La Niña respectively on Chile?

A

Rainfall levels can dramatically increase during El Niño years Drought may occur during La Niña years

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11
Q

Where are El Niño and La Niña experienced?

A

Throughout the Pacific

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12
Q

Describe the major climatic influence which applies to all parts of coastal Chile , and how it affects Chile

A

The cold Humboldt Current flows up from Antarctica along the Chilean coast and prevailing winds blow cool air inland along the river valleys

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13
Q

What can be a secondary effect of the Humboldt Current in coastal areas of Chile?

A

It can create fogs

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14
Q

Where is the cooling effect of prevailing Humboldt winds most evident in Chile?

A

Where coastal mountains are at their lowest and in parts of the valleys that are closest to the Pacific

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15
Q

What is another cooling effect felt in Chilean foothills specifically?

A

Cold air which descends from the mountains overnight can cause a large diurnal range

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16
Q

Describe weather between the two mountain ranges in Chile

A

It is much more shielded here and the large expanses of flat land are easier to cultivate

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17
Q

What has been the result of the two major cooling influences in Chile?

A

New labelling laws introduced in 2012, using the terms; Costa Entre Cordilleras Andes

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18
Q

What alternative winemaking practices are widespread in Chile?

A

Sustainable and organic grape growing and winemaking are widely practiced by a number of small and large winemaking estates

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19
Q

Why are sustainable and organic winemaking practices widely practiced in Chile?

A

A number of well respected winemakers as well as the authorities have done a lot to promote this

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20
Q

What is the most planted grape variety in Chile?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon

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21
Q

What style is Cabernet made into in Chile?

A

A variety from simple and fruity to full-bodied premium examples

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22
Q

Describe premium Cabernet wines of Chile

A

Usually with very ripe black fruit aromas and flavours, often with a herbaceous character

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23
Q

What is the role of blending for Chilean Cabernet?

A

It is frequently blended with Merlot, Carmenère or Syrah

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24
Q

Describe styles of Merlot in Chile

A

Inexpensive, medium-bodied and fruity (has been very successful on export markets) Fuller-bodied and complex is also found

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25
Q

What are the most important viticultural characteristics of Carmenère?

A

Late ripening and most successful in warm, sunny conditions

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26
Q

Describe Carmenère wines

A

Full-bodied High levels of tannin Overtly herbaceous when not fully ripe Good examples achieve a balance between black fruit and herbal aromas

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27
Q

What is thought of as Chile’s signature variety?

A

Carmenère

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28
Q

What style is Syrah made into in Chile?

A

It can be made into a wide variety of styles in a wide variety of sites

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29
Q

Describe Syrah from cooler coastal sites or northerly regions such as Elqui Valley

A

Lighter in body with peppery notes

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30
Q

Describe Syrah wines from hotter regions in Chile

Give an example of such a region

A

Greater intensity of black fruit flavours

Fuller body

Colchagua Valley

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31
Q

Which grape variety is showing particular promise in cooler locations such as San Antonio and Casablanca Valleys?

A

Pinot Noir

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32
Q

Which two white varieties dominate white plantings Chile?

A

Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay

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33
Q

Where in Chile does Sauvignon Blanc perform best?

A

In cooler vineyard sites, such as those of Casablanca and San Antonio Valleys

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34
Q

Describe the wines of Casablanca and San Antonio Valleys

A

Excellent wines with high acidity and intense fruity flavours Occasional herbaceous notes Some have additional richness and texture from lees-stirring and oak

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35
Q

How are most Chardonnays made in Chile?

A

In a modern international style with ripe fruit and oak flavours

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36
Q

Describe the quality and range of styles of Chardonnay which is produced

A

It is constantly growing

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37
Q

Which region in Chile in particular produces Chardonnays of structure, elegance and restraint?

A

Limari Valley

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38
Q

Which regions other than Limari, produce fine Chardonnays?

A

Aconcagua Valley and Casablanca Valley

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39
Q

What is the third most planted white variety of Chile?

A

Muscat of Alexandria

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40
Q

What is the chief use of the grape, Muscat of Alexandria?

A

For the production of the grape brandy Pisco

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41
Q

Of which white grapes are there small plantings in Chile?

A

Aromatic varieties such as Viognier, Riesling and Gewurztraminer making fresh fruity wines from cool regions such as the Bío Bío and Itata Valleys

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42
Q

Where in Chile is Coquimbo?

A

It borders onto the Atacama Desert The most northerly of Chile’s principal wine regions

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43
Q

How many winemaking subregions are there in Coquimbo? What are they?

A

Three

Elqui Valley

Limarí Valley

Choapa Valley

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44
Q

Describe vineyard plantings in Coquimbo

A

Relatively small Quality tends to be high

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45
Q

How do the three valleys of Coquimbo compare?

A

They all have slightly different features, but they all benefit from brilliant sunshine and marked cooling influences

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46
Q

What are the main cooling influences of the valleys of Coquimbo?

A

Sea breezes Mountain air

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47
Q

What is the role of altitude in Coquimbo?

A

Some vineyards are being planted at very high altitudes

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48
Q

What is the biggest viticultural challenge in Coquimbo?

A

Lack of water

49
Q

Describe the role of irrigation in Coquimbo

A

Vital due to lack of water, but expensive because water is less plentiful here compared with some other regions

50
Q

What is the wine reputation of Elqui Valley in Coquimbo?

A

For Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc

51
Q

For what kind of wine is Limari Valley in Coquimbo best known?

A

Chardonnay

52
Q

What is the second smallest region in Chile?

A

The Aconcagua Region

53
Q

How many sub-regions constitute Aconcagua? What are they?

A

Three Aconcagua Valley Casablanca Valley San Antonio Valley

54
Q

Describe the Aconcagua Valley

A

It’s a steep sided, narrow valley

55
Q

What is the climate in Aconcagua Valley?

A

Some of the warmest growing conditions in Chile on the fertile valley floor between the coastal range and the Andes Some cooling influences from the ocean and the Andes

56
Q

What style of wine is Aconcagua Valley best for?

A

Red wines

57
Q

What is the classic grape of Aconcagua Valley?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon

58
Q

What is Aconcagua Valley’s ‘second’ grape? Describe its role here

A

Syrah

It was pioneered in Chile in this valley

59
Q

Which grape has become increasingly important in Aconcagua Valley besides Syrah?

A

Carmenère

60
Q

Describe the profile of wines in Aconcagua Valley

A

Reds traditionally had rich, ripe fruit flavours

High alcohol

High tannins

61
Q

How have wine styles changed in Aconcagua Valley in recent years?

A

Producers have been looking to reduce alcohol levels and find more freshness and complex fruit flavours

62
Q

What has been the result on viticulture of the recent shift in desired wine style in Aconcagua Valley?

A

Plantings are less focused on the fertile valley floor and have spread either onto the slopes or towards the coast

63
Q

Name the two neighbouring regions in Aconcagua and their characteristics

A

Casablanca Valley

San Antonio Valley

Similar characteristics to Aconcagua Valley

64
Q

Describe the general geography of Casablanca Valley and San Antonio Valley

Where are they in relation to Chile’s geographical features?

A

Very varied soils and aspects

Both lie between the coastal mountains and the Pacific

65
Q

What’s the result of the locations of Casablanca Valley and San Antonio Valley on climate? What climatic phenomena are experienced here?

A

The climate is noticeably cooler in these locations due to morning fogs and and afternoon winds that blow off the ocean

66
Q

Which variety has the highest reputation in San Antonio Valley? Where specifically is the reputation greatest?

A

Sauvignon Blanc The particularly cool Leyda Valley zone

67
Q

What else is widely planted in San Antonio Valley and to what level of quality?

A

Chardonnay It’s capable of making fine wines here

68
Q

What is the most planted variety of San Antonio Valley?

A

Pinot Noir

69
Q

Describe Pinot Noir in the coolest sites of San Antonio Valley

A

It can produce wine with red berry fruit and herbal notes

70
Q

Which red grape is particularly successful in the warmer vineyard sites to the east of Casablanca Valley? Describe its wines

A

Syrah Well-structured wines with a peppery edge

71
Q

Where is the Central Valley Region?

A

South from Santiago to the sub-region of Itata Valley

72
Q

Loosely describe the region of Central Valley

A

A vast, warm, flat region

73
Q

What is the significance of Central Valley for Chilean winemaking?

A

It is where the majority of Chilean Vineyards have always been found

74
Q

Describe grape-ripening in Central Valley, Chile

A

Grapes ripen easily here

75
Q

What is a lot of production in Central Valley focused on?

A

Inexpensive, fruity wines, often made from Merlot and Chardonnay

76
Q

How many sub-regions is Central Valley divided into? What are they?

A

Four

Maipo Valley

Rapel Valley

Curicó Valley

Maule Valley

77
Q

How is Rapel Valley divided?

A

Into two sub-regions

78
Q

What are the two sub-regions of Rapel Valley?

A

Cachapoal Valley Colchagua Valley

79
Q

What is the role of Maipo Valley in Chilean winemaking?

A

It is the heartland of Chilean winemaking, due to its proximity to Santiago

80
Q

Describe the geographical identity of Maipo Valley and how this affects its climate

A

It is almost completely surrounded by mountains Very little coastal influence reaches the grape-growing area to the south of the capital

81
Q

Where are the more premium sites of the Maipo Valley?

A

Many of them are located in the Andean foothills

82
Q

Describe why the location of Maipo’s more premium sites , IS more premium

A

The Andean foothills are cooled by the descending air, lending elegance and structure to the red wines

83
Q

Which specific wine is most associated with Maipo Valley?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon with a particularly minty character

84
Q

Loosely describe the Rapel sub-region of Central Valley

A

It is a large and varied area

85
Q

What is the more northerly zone of the Rapel sub-region?

A

Cachapoal Valley

86
Q

Describe the Cachapoal Valley

A

It’s a warm area cut off from the ocean breezes

87
Q

Which grapes do best in Cachapoal Valley and where?

A

Carmenère ripens well on the valley floors

Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah perform well in the cooler eastern end of the valley

88
Q

How does Colchagua Valley compare with Cachapoal Valley?

A

It is a larger and more varied area

The centre is warm and open to some ocean influence

89
Q

What is the chief wine-style in Colchagua Valley?

A

It is known for full-bodied reds

90
Q

What grapes is Colchagua Valley best known for?

A

Particularly Cabernet Sauvignon

Also Syrah and Carmenère

91
Q

How have vineyard plantings been affected by the expansion of Colchagua Valley?

A

They have spread to the valley slopes

92
Q

Name a new area on the slopes of Colchagua Valley which has gained a premium reputation

A

Apalta

93
Q

How does climate and wine style change further to the west of Colchagua Valley?

A

The cooling Pacific influence is greater here and some high quality white wines are produced

94
Q

Which sub-regions form the southern end of the Central Valley?

A

Curicó Valley Maule Valley

95
Q

What is the role of Curicó Valley and Maule Valley for Chilean wine? Explain

A

The most important source of fruit for inexpensive, blended red and white wines

The warmth and fertile soils make this possible

96
Q

Which of the southern Central Valley sub-regions is cooler? What is the effect on its wines?

A

Maule Valley Its wines retain a higher acidity (useful for blending)

97
Q

What is the new trend in winemaking in Maule Valley?

A

Increasing efforts are being made to exploit the wealth of dry-farmed, old vines that exist within the western hills here

98
Q

What has been the resulting star-variety in Maule Valley as a consequence of the new winemaking trends? What style of wine is made from this?

A

Carignan

Full-bodied, intensely concentrated wines from the low-yielding bush vines

99
Q

What is the name of the southernmost region of Chile?

A

Southern Regions

100
Q

What are the sub-regions of Southern Region?

A

Itata Valley Bío Bío Valley Malleco Valley

101
Q

What is the climate in the Southern Region of Chile/how does it change?

A

It is noticeably cooler and wetter the further south the sub-regions go in Southern Region

102
Q

What dominates plantings in Itata Valley and Bío Bío Valley?

A

País

Muscat of Alexandria

103
Q

What is the main market for most wines of Itata Valley and Bío Bío Valley?

A

Local

104
Q

Bío Bío Valley has started to show great promise for…

A

Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and aromatic varieties

105
Q

There is an increasing interest in Bío Bío Valley for…owing to…

A

Fruit from high quality varieties

Their acidity and aromatic qualities

106
Q

The full potential of which regions in Chile has yet to be explored?

A

Itata Valley and Bío Bío Valley

107
Q

What is the most southerly sub-region of Southern Region? What is its other feature?

A

Malleco

It is also the smallest of the Southern Regions

108
Q

What is made in Malleco?

A

A small quantity of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (though it is increasingly attracting interest from premium producers)

109
Q

Describe Chile’s GI scheme

A

It is divided into several Denominaciones de Origen (DOs)

110
Q

How many principal regions of Chile are there? What are they?

A

Four

Coquimbo

Aconcagua

Central Valley

Southern Region

111
Q

How many sub-regions are there amongst the main wine-regions of Chile?

A

Thirteen

112
Q

What is geographically common between the sub-regions of Chile?

A

They generally follow the valleys running west from the Andes to the Pacific Ocean

113
Q

What is Chile’s GI system generally based on?

A

Administrative regions

114
Q

What is the result of Chile’s wine regions being based on administrative regions?

A

They are very broad based and cover very large tracts of land

115
Q

When was Chile’s most recent regional classification announced? What was the result?

A

2012 It further divided Chile’s wine regions, categorising vineyard sites according to their distance from the coast rather than their latitude

116
Q

What are the three new terms from the 2012 classification in Chilean law? What do they mean?

A

Costa (coastal areas) Entre Cordilleras (the areas between the mountain ranges) Andes (mountain areas)

117
Q

What are the regulations regarding Chile’s 2012 GI terms?

A

The terms are optional

118
Q

How has the 2012 labelling law been adopted in Chile?

A

It is new and remains to be seen whether the terms will be widespread

119
Q

Which other terms may be recognised in Chilean labelling law? What do they mean?

A

Reserva

Reserva Especial

Reserva Privada

Gran Reserva

They have very little meaning, but may be used by winemakers to distinguish their quality levels

Matt's WSET level 3 (44 decks)

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