Chile Flashcards
Which mountain range and ocean does Chile sit between?
The Pacific Ocean to the West, and the Andes to the East.
What climate is Chile?
Warm Mediterranean
What dioes a dry, sunny growing season ensure for grapes?
Full ripeness and reduced fungal disease pressure.
What does El Nino and La Nina refer to?
The dramatic change in rainfall year on year. El Nino = high rainfall, La Nina = drought. Something that is experienced throughout the Pacific.
Explain what the Humboldt Current is, and what effect it has on vineyards.
The Humboldt Current flows up from Antarctica along the Chilean Coast. It cools vineyards via prevailing winds, most prominent in lower coastal mountain ranges.
What climatic factor means that vineyards in the foothills of the Andes have a large diurnal range?
Winds that descend down from the Andes overnight.
What is the most planted grape variety in Chile?
Cabernet Sauvignon, and it produces a broad range of styles.
Explain what Chilean Carmenere is like.
Late ripening variety, successful in sunny areas and produces high tannin, full bodied wines with black fruit and herbal character.
What other red varieties are found in Chile?
Merlot, Syrah and Pinot Noir.
What two white grape varieties dominate in Chile?
Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
What grape variety is used to make local grape Brandy Pisco
Muscat of Alexandria
There are small plantings of white aromatic varieties in which cool climate regions?
Bio Bio and Itata Valleys.
Elqui Valley and Limari Valley are part of which Chilean region? What factors effect vineyards here?
The Coquimbo Region. It is the most Northerly wine producing region in Chile, experiences cooling effects from sea breezes and mountain air. Good sunshine. Lack of water and irrigation is expensive but necessary. High altitude sites increasing in popularity.
Which sub region in the Coquimbo region has a reputation for high quality Chardonnay?
Limari Valley.
What does the Elqui Valley have a good reputation for?
Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah.
