Chile Flashcards
What climate do most regions have in Chile?
Warm, Mediterranean
What geographical factor limits ocean influences in many Chilean vineyards?
Mountain ranges
What soil types are commonly found in the river valleys?
Alluvial
What soil type is found on slopes, particularly near the Andes mountains?
Volcanic soils
What is a common vineyard practice in Chile that combats drought? And what percentage of vineyards use this practice?
- Irrigation
- 85%
What problematic pest is found around the world, yet Chile is free from?
phylloxera
What percentage of plantings do black varieties account for in Chile?
75% of plantings
What 5 black varieties are commonly found in Chile?
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Carmenere
- Merlot
- Syrah
- Pinot Noir
What are the 2 most common white varieties found in Chile?
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Chardonnay
Describe a Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
- Full-bodied
- Ripe tannins
- Pronounced
- Dark fruit, particularly blackcurrant, with herbaceous character
Describe a Chilean Carmenere
- Full-bodied
- Ripe tannins
- Medium acidity
- Black fruit with eucalyptus and coffee when oaked
Describe a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
- High acidity
- Citrus fruit, with a slight herbaceous character
- Premium wines can be oaked to increase the complexity
Describe a Chilean Chardonnay
- Medium (+) acidity
- Citrus and stone fruit characteristics
- Inexpensive wines, produced in the central valley, have notes of ripe tropical fruit
What is the name of the 4 main regions in Chile?
- Coquimbo
- Aconcagua
- Central valley
- Southern valley
Describe the climate of the Coquimbo region.
Hot with intense sunlight and cooling mountain and Pacific influences that delay fruit ripening
Would you describe the Coquimbo region as an inexpensive or premium region?
Premium
What are the two main subregions within Coquimbo?
- Elqui
- Limari
What red variety dominates plantings in Coquimbo?
Syrah
What effects the Aconcagua to the East and to the West?
- Pacific (Aconcagua Costa)
- Andes mountains (Aconcagua Andes)
What area of the Aconcagua is the warm and driest?
Central area between the Costa and the Andes
Describe the climatic influences of the Aconcagua Costa
Morning fogs and oceanic breezes cool temperatures (allowing for extended ripening season), but increases disease pressure
Describe the climatic influences of the Aconcagua Andes
1000m altitude gives vineyards a wide diurnal range (allowing for better acidity retention)
What are the two main sub-regions found within the Aconcagua?
- San Antonio
- Casablanca Valley
What are the two main subregions of the Central Valley?
- Maipo Valley
- Maule Valley
Describe the growing conditions of the Maipo Valley
Warm and sunny area sheltered from maritime influences. Further East, the altitude can reach 1,000m.
What three grapes dominate plantings in the Maipo Valley?
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Carmenere
- Syrah
What are the two primary grapes planted in the Maule Valley?
- Carignan
- Pais
Describe the climate of the Southern region, and what problems it can bring
- Cool and wet
- Fungal diseases
What are the three main sub-regions of the Southern region?
- Itata Valley
- Bio Bio Valley
- Malleco Valley
What two varieties dominate plantings in the Itata Valley?
- Pais
- Muscat
What styles of wine can be found in the Bio Bio Valley?
Aromatic styles, such as Gewurtztraminer and Riesling
