Chile Flashcards
How long is Chile
2,670 miles
How wide is Chile
Varies but roughly 100 miles
What is the ocean current that cools the wine regions of Chile
Humboldt Current
What is the name of the major desert in the north of Chile
Atacama Desert
What are grapes from Chile’s north often used for
Pisco production
What mountain range provides a rain shadow for Chile’s valley’s
Coastal Range
Where did majority of the wines planted in Chile come from
Bordeaux
What was Carmanére in Chile often mistaken as until somewhat recently
Merlot
Is Phylloxera present in Chile
No, due to its’ isolation and strict quarantine laws
What is the wine law appellation system used in Chile
DO (Denominación de Origen)
What are the 6 regional DOs of Chile
Atacama
Coquimbo
Aconcagua
Valle Central
Sur
Austral
Which two Chilean DOs are most noteworthy for fine wines
Aconcagua DO
Valle Central DO
If a label in Chile has listed one of the 6 DOs, what minimum percentage of the wine must come from the stated DO
75%
If a label in Chile has a grape variety stated on the label, what minimum percentage of the wine must be the stated grape
75%
If a label in Chile has a stated vintage, what minimum percentage of the wine must originate from the stated vintage
75%
Despite the 75% rule across the board for stated grape, vintage, and DO, what minimum percentage is actually used in practice and why
85%
Adhere to the EU’s laws for importing and regulating wine
What are the two notable nested sub-regional DOs of Aconcagua DO
Casablanca Valley DO
San Antonio DO
What is the climate of Casablanca Valley DO and San Antonio DO
Cool maritime
What are the three major grape varietals of Casablanca Valley DO and San Antonio DO
Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay
Pinot Noir
What is the main soil type in Aconcagua DO
Alluvial
What style of red wine is produced in Aconcagua DO (outside of Casablanca & San Antonio)
Bordeaux-style red blends
What percentage of Chile’s overall wine production is from the Valle Central DO
80%
What two mountain ranges bracket the Valle Central
Andes Mountains
Coastal Mountains
What is the climate of Valle Central DO
Warm to hot
What are the most significant grape varietals planted in the Valle Central DO
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Carmanére
Syrah
What are the 4 sub-regional DOs of Valle Central from North to South
Maipo Valley DO
Rapel DO
Curicó DO
Maule DO
What is the most important subregion of Valle Central DO
Maipo Valley DO
What is the most planted grape variety in Maipo Valley DO
Cabernet Sauvignon
What are the major varietals of Sur DO
Pais
Muscat de Alexandría
Pinot Noir
Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay
