Chile

Question 1

Chiles most important Red Grapes

Answer 1

Cabernet Sauvignon — Chile’s most important red variety, accounting for more than a third of all vines planted
Merlot
Carmenère
Syrah
País (Criolla, Mission)

Question 2

Chiles most important White Grapes

Answer 2

Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Vert
Chardonnay
Muscat of Alexandria

Question 3

Phylloxera in Chile

Answer 3

— there is no phylloxera in Chile
— mostly own-rooted vineyards
— sandy soils

Question 4

Chile Major Regions

Answer 4

Aconcagua Valley DO

San Antonio Valley DO

Casablanca Valley DO

Question 5

What makes up most of the vineyard plantings in Chile?

Answer 5

Red Grape Varieties — Cabernet Sauvignon alone makes up one third of all plantings

Question 6

TRUE or FALSE:

The Valle Central DO is the largest wine-growing area in Chile

Answer 6

True

Question 7

Both the San Antonio and Casablanca DOs share this trait

Answer 7

Cool Climate Regions near the Pacific Coast

Question 8

What is the best known grape variety produced in the Maipo Valley?

Answer 8

Cabernet Sauvignon

Question 9

What brings a cool, moist air and fog to the Coastal Regions of Chile?

Answer 9

Humboldt Current

Question 10

TRUE or FALSE:

Carmenère is a grape brought to Chile from the Bordeaux region of France

Answer 10

True

Question 11

Subregions of the Valle Central DO?

Answer 11

Maule Valley
Rapel Valley
Maipo Valley
Curicó

Question 12

For a long time, Carmenère in Chile was mistaken for which grape variety?

Answer 12

Merlot

Question 13

In order to bear the name of a grape, vintage, or region, a wine must contain a minimum what percent according to Chilean wine law?

Answer 13

75%

Question 14

Casablanca DO

Answer 14

— subregion of Aconcagua
— similar climate to Carneros - open to the Pacific with marine-influenced climate
— ideal region for Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay

Question 15

Maipo Valley DO

Answer 15

— subregion of Valle Central DO
— classic area for Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varieties
— many established estates: 
1. Cousiño Macul
2. Concha y Toro
3. Caliterra
4. Santa Rita

Question 16

Chile’s Climate Factors and Moderators

Answer 16

1. Pacific Ocean — To the West — Fog Incursion — similar to Carneros in California
2. Humboldt Current —
3. Andes Mountains — to the East
   — Down Draft
   — Altitude
   — Diurnal Shifts
4. Coastal Range — Rain Shadow

Question 17

Chile’s Grape Varieties

Answer 17

Red — 75% of total plantings:
— Cabernet Sauvignon — most planted grape in the country ~30% of total plantings, Maipo is it’s seeet spot
— Merlot
— Carmenère
— Syrah — was most recently added, in cooler climate regions
— Paìs

White — 25% of total plantings:
— Sauvignon Blanc
— Chardonnay (planted in cooler areas)

Question 18

Humboldt Current

Answer 18

— in Chile

— brings cool, moist air and fog to the Coastal Regions of Chile