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WSET 3 (2nd Edition) > Chap 36: Chile > Flashcards

Chap 36: Chile Flashcards

1
Q

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

A

Covers over 900km from north to south, but 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 defined by geographic features:
* 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 –> grapes ripen reliably and 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 (flavor)

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 the styles of Merlot made 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
What are the most important viticultural characteristics of Carmenère?
Late ripening and most successful in warm, sunny conditions
26
Describe Carmenère wines (Body, tannin, flavors)
Full-bodied High levels of tannin Overtly herbaceous when not fully ripe Good examples achieve a balance between black fruit and herbal aromas
27
What is thought of as Chile's signature variety?
Carmenère
28
Where is Carmenère native to?
Bordeaux
29
What style is Syrah made into in Chile?
It can be made into a wide variety of styles in a wide variety of sites
30
Describe Syrah from cooler coastal sites or northerly regions such as Elqui Valley
Lighter in body with peppery notes
31
Describe Syrah wines from hotter regions in Chile Give an example of such a region
Greater intensity of black fruit flavours Fuller body Colchagua Valley
32
Which grape variety is showing particular promise in cooler locations such as San Antonio and Casablanca Valleys?
Pinot Noir
33
Which two white varieties dominate white plantings Chile?
Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay
34
Where in Chile does Sauvignon Blanc perform best?
In cooler vineyard sites, such as those of Casablanca and San Antonio Valleys
35
Describe the wines of Casablanca and San Antonio Valleys * Varietal * Acid * Flavors
Excellent Sauv. Blanc wines with high acidity and intense fruity flavours. Tend to focus on ripe apple, citrus and tropical flavors, and sometimes display herbaceous notes Some have additional richness and texture from lees-stirring and oak
36
Which region in Chile in particular produces Chardonnays of very good quality? Why might this be?
Limari Valley - Chardonnay does better in the vineyards that have cooling influences like this one.
37
Describe Chardonnay from Limari Valley * acid * flavors
Med - High Acidity Flavors of citrus and stone fruit. Lees stirring and oak fermentation & maturation are often used to add texture and flavor.
38
What is the third most planted white variety of Chile?
Muscat of Alexandria
39
What is the chief use of the grape, Muscat of Alexandria?
For the production of the grape brandy Pisco
40
Of which white grapes are there small plantings in Chile? Which regions are they primarily planted in and why?
Aromatic varieties such as Viognier, Riesling and Gewurztraminer making fresh fruity wines from cool regions such as the Bío Bío and Itata Valleys
41
Where in Chile is Coquimbo?
It borders onto the Atacama Desert The most northerly of Chile's principal wine regions
42
How many winemaking subregions are there in Coquimbo? What are they?
Three Elqui Valley Limarí Valley Choapa Valley
43
Describe vineyard plantings in Coquimbo
Relatively small & Quality tends to be high
44
How do the three valleys of Coquimbo compare?
They all have slightly different features, but they all benefit from brilliant sunshine and marked cooling influences
45
What are the main cooling influences of the valleys of Coquimbo?
Sea breezes & Mountain air
46
What is the role of altitude in Coquimbo?
Some vineyards are being planted at very high altitudes
47
What is the biggest viticultural challenge in Coquimbo?
Lack of water
48
Describe the role of irrigation in Coquimbo
Vital due to lack of water, but expensive because water is less plentiful here compared with some other regions
49
What varietals does Elqui Valley in Coquimbo have a reputation for?
For Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc
50
For what kind of wine is Limari Valley in Coquimbo best known? What is the quality level?
Chardonnay - some of Chile's best
51
What is the second smallest region in Chile?
The Aconcagua Region
52
How many sub-regions constitute Aconcagua? What are they?
Three: Aconcagua Valley Casablanca Valley San Antonio Valley
53
Describe the Aconcagua Valley
It's a steep sided, narrow valley that has some cooling influences from the ocean and the Andes mountains
54
What is the climate in Aconcagua Valley?
Some of the warmest growing conditions in Chile on the fertile valley floor between the coastal range and the Andes
55
What style of wine is Aconcagua Valley best for?
Red wines
56
What is the classic grape of Aconcagua Valley?
Cabernet Sauvignon
57
What is Aconcagua Valley's 'second' grape? Describe its role here
Syrah It was pioneered in Chile in this valley
58
Which grape has become increasingly important in Aconcagua Valley besides Syrah?
Carmenère
59
Describe the profile of wines in Aconcagua Valley (flavor, alc, tannin)
Reds traditionally had rich, ripe fruit flavours High alcohol High tannins
60
How have wine styles changed in Aconcagua Valley in recent years?
Producers have been looking to reduce alcohol levels and find more freshness and complex fruit flavours
61
What has been the result on viticulture of the recent shift in desired wine style in Aconcagua Valley?
Plantings are less focused on the fertile valley floor and have spread either onto the slopes or towards the coast
62
Name the two neighbouring regions in Aconcagua and their characteristics
Casablanca Valley San Antonio Valley Similar characteristics to Aconcagua Valley
63
Describe the general geography of Casablanca Valley and San Antonio Valley Where are they in relation to Chile's geographical features?
Very varied soils and aspects Both lie between the coastal mountains and the Pacific
64
What's the result of the locations of Casablanca Valley and San Antonio Valley on climate? What climatic phenomena are experienced here? What type of grapes dominate here as a result?
The climate is noticeably cooler in these locations due to morning fogs and and afternoon winds that blow off the ocean, as a result white grapes dominate here.
65
Which variety has the highest reputation in San Antonio Valley? Where specifically is the reputation greatest?
Sauvignon Blanc in the particularly cool Leyda Valley zone
66
What else is widely planted in San Antonio Valley and to what level of quality?
Chardonnay It's capable of making fine wines here
67
What is the most planted variety of San Antonio Valley?
Pinot Noir
68
Describe Pinot Noir **in the coolest sites** of San Antonio Valley
It can produce wine with red berry fruit and herbal notes
69
Which red grape is particularly successful in the warmer vineyard sites to the east of Casablanca Valley? Describe its wines
Syrah Well-structured wines with a peppery edge
70
Where is the Central Valley Region?
South from Santiago to the sub-region of Itata Valley
71
Loosely describe the region of Central Valley
A vast, warm, flat region
72
What is the significance of Central Valley for Chilean winemaking?
It is where the majority of Chilean Vineyards have always been found
73
Describe grape-ripening in Central Valley, Chile
Grapes ripen easily here
74
What is a lot of production in Central Valley focused on?
Inexpensive, fruity wines, often made from Merlot and Chardonnay
75
How many sub-regions is Central Valley divided into? What are they?
Four: Maipo Valley Rapel Valley Curicó Valley Maule Valley
76
How is Rapel Valley divided?
Into two sub-regions
77
What are the two sub-regions of Rapel Valley?
Cachapoal Valley & Colchagua Valley
78
What is the role of Maipo Valley in Chilean winemaking?
It is the heartland of Chilean winemaking, due to its proximity to Santiago
79
Describe the geographical identity of Maipo Valley and how this affects its climate
It is almost completely surrounded by mountains --> Very little coastal influence reaches the grape-growing area to the south of the capital
80
Where are the more premium sites of the Maipo Valley? Why? What impact does this have on the resulting wines?
Many of them are located in the Andean foothills, which are cooled by the descending air, lending elegance and structure to the red wines.
81
Which specific wine is most associated with Maipo Valley?
Cabernet Sauvignon with a particularly minty character
82
Loosely describe the Rapel sub-region of Central Valley
It is a large and varied area
83
What is the more northerly zone of the Rapel sub-region?
Cachapoal Valley
84
Describe the climate/climatic influences in Cachapoal Valley
It's a warm area cut off from the ocean breezes
85
Which grapes do best in Cachapoal Valley and where are they planted?
Carmenère ripens well on the valley floors (as it is warmer) Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah perform well in the cooler eastern end of the valley
86
How does Colchagua Valley compare with Cachapoal Valley?
It is a larger and more varied area The centre is warm and open to some ocean influence
87
What is the chief wine-style in Colchagua Valley?
It is known for full-bodied reds
88
What grapes is Colchagua Valley best known for?
Particularly Cabernet Sauvignon Also Syrah and Carmenère
89
How have vineyard plantings been affected by the expansion of Colchagua Valley?
They have spread to the valley slopes
90
Name a new area on the slopes of Colchagua Valley which has gained a premium reputation
Apalta
91
How does climate and wine style change further to the west of Colchagua Valley?
The cooling Pacific influence is greater here and some high quality white wines can be produced
92
Which sub-regions form the southern end of the Central Valley?
Curicó Valley & Maule Valley
93
What is the role of Curicó Valley and Maule Valley for Chilean wine? Explain
The most important source of fruit for inexpensive, blended red and white wines The warmth and fertile soils make this possible
94
Which of the southern Central Valley sub-regions is cooler? What is the effect on its wines?
Maule Valley - Its wines retain a higher acidity (useful for blending)
95
What is the new trend in winemaking in Maule Valley?
Increasing efforts are being made to exploit the wealth of dry-farmed, old vines that exist within the western hills here
96
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?
Carignan Full-bodied, intensely concentrated wines from the low-yielding bush vines
97
What is the name of the southernmost region of Chile?
Southern Regions
98
How many sub-regions are there in Southern Region? What are their names?
Three: Itata Valley Bío Bío Valley Malleco Valley
99
What is the climate in the Southern Region of Chile/how does it change?
It is noticeably cooler and wetter the further south the sub-regions go in Southern Region
100
What dominates plantings in Itata Valley and Bío Bío Valley?
País Muscat of Alexandria
101
What is the main market for most wines of Itata Valley and Bío Bío Valley?
Local
102
Bío Bío Valley has started to show great promise for which varieties?
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and aromatic varieties
103
The full potential of which regions in Chile has yet to be explored?
Itata Valley and Bío Bío Valley in the Southern Region
104
What is the most southerly sub-region of Southern Region? What is its other feature?
Malleco It is also the smallest of the Southern Regions
105
What is made in Malleco?
A small quantity of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (though it is increasingly attracting interest from premium producers)
106
Describe Chile's GI scheme
It is divided into several Denominaciones de Origen (DOs)
107
How many regions of Chile are there? How many are considered to be pricincipal regions and what are they?
Six Total, but four principle regions: Coquimbo Aconcagua Central Valley Southern Region
108
How many sub-regions are there amongst the main wine-regions of Chile?
Thirteen
109
What is geographically common between the sub-regions of Chile?
They generally follow the valleys running west from the Andes to the Pacific Ocean
110
What is Chile's GI system generally based on?
Administrative regions
111
What is the result of Chile's wine regions being based on administrative regions?
They are very broad based and cover very large tracts of land, consequently many of the sub-regions contain multiple zones, each with a more uniform climate.
112
When was Chile's most recent regional classification announced? What was the result?
2012 It further divided Chile's wine regions, categorising vineyard sites according to their distance from the coast rather than their latitude
113
What are the three new terms from the 2012 classification in Chilean law? What do they mean?
Costa (coastal areas) Entre Cordilleras (the areas between the mountain ranges) Andes (mountain areas)
114
What are the regulations regarding Chile's 2012 GI terms?
The terms are optional that can be used in addition to a DO
115
Which other terms may be recognised in Chilean labelling law? What do they mean?
Reserva Reserva Especial Reserva Privada Gran Reserva They are loosely defined terms that carry very little overall meaning, but they can be a useful way of communicating quality levels within a producer's portfolio of wines.

WSET 3 (2nd Edition) (39 decks)

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