CHILE Flashcards
What marks the border with Argentina?
Andes in the East
Climate?
Warm, Med
Dry, sunny, growing season
Cooler/wetter in Southern regions
2 weather patterns that affect Chile’s wine regions?
El Nino-Rainfall levels can dramatically increase
La Nina-Drought may occur
2 cooling effects?
-Cold Humboldt current flows along Antarctica along Chilean coast
-In vineyards in the foothills of the Andes- Cold air that descends from the mountains overnight
Overall most planted grape?
Cab Sauv
Characteristics of Cab Sauv?
Very ripe black fruit aromas/flavours, with herbaceous character
Often blended with Merlot, Carmenere, Syrah
Inexpensive, medium bodied Merlot is popular where?
Export markets
Where is Carmenere successful?
Warmest and sunniest sites
Late ripening
Full bodied
High tannin
Can have overly herbaceous aromas when not fully ripe
Styles of Syrah?
Cool coastal areas/North regions= Lighter body, peppery
Hotter climates=Intense black fruit flavors, fuller body
Where is Pinot Noir showing promise?
Cooler locations
San Antonio, Casablanca Valleys
white grapes dominated by what 2 international varieties?
Chardonnay
Sauv B
Sauv B characteristics?
Does well in cooler vineyard sites (Casablanca, San Antonio Valleys) - High acid, intense fruit flavors
Ripe apple, citrus, tropical flavors, sometimes herbaceous
Can have richness/texture from lees stirring, oak
Chardonnay characteristics?
Vineyards with cooling influences-Limari Valley
Med-high acid
citrus, stone fruit flavors
Lees, stirring, oak maturation and fermentation are often used for texture and flavor
3rd most planted white?
Muscat of Alexandria
Mainly used for Pisco
Small plantings of aromatic varieties?
Riesling
Gew
Viognier
Making fresh/fruity wines
Most Northerly principal wine region?
Coquimbo