Chile Flashcards
Which vineyard areas was planted first in Chile?
Central Valley
State where the following geographical features that surround Chile to where they’re located:
* Atacama Desert
* Patagonian Glaciers
* The Andes mountains
* The Pacific Ocean
- Atacama Desert: To the north of Chile
- Patagonian Glaciers: To the south of Chile
- The Andes mountains: To the east of Chile
- The Pacific Ocean: To the West of Chile
True or false?
Climatic variation in Chile’s wine growing regions is most significant north to south.
False
Describe the growing enviroment in Chile
Chile is the second longest country on earth, and the climate in the wine growing regions is fairly consistent from north to south. Most regions have a warm Mediterranean climate. The growing season tend to be long and drier, although it does become wetter and cooler in the south of the country. Inland areas also tends to be drier than coastal regions. The El Niño phenomenon also has a significant impact on weather patterns. In El Niño years, average annual rainfall tends to be higher, whereas in La Niña years it tends to be lower.
What is the name of the current that flows up the eastern coast of Chile, bringing cold cold water from Antarctica?
Humboldt
Name the soil types in the following areas in Chile:
* River Valleys
* Coastal Range slopes
* The Andes
- River valleys: Alluvial soils, with areas of clay, sand, silt and gravel
- Coastal Range slopes: Gravel soils with sand and silt
- The Andes:Volcanic, granite soils
True or false?
The majority of Chile’s vineyards are irrigated.
True
What was the most commonly planted grape variety in Chile until the 1990s?
País
Describe a typical Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
Full body with high but ripe tannins and pronounced dark fruit, particularly blackcurrant, often with a herbaceous (mint or eucalyptus) character.
Describe a typical Chilean Carmeñere
Full body with high levels of tannins, medium acidity and flavours of ripe black fruits (blackberry), herbaceous characteristics (bell pepper, eucalyptus) and notes of spice, roasted coffee or dark chocolate when oaked.
Describe a typical Chilean inexpensive Merlot
Medium body with soft tannins and black fruit flavours.
Describe a typical Chilean cool climate Syrah
High acidity, fresh black fruit and notes of pepper and clove.
What year did Chile introduce its own DO system? How are they classified?
In 1995, Chile introduced its own DO system
Region, sub-region, zone or area
Identify how each of the following places are classified in Chile:
* Aconcagua
* Apalta
* Atacama
* Austral
Aconcagua: Region
Apalta: Area
Atacama: Region
Austral: Region
Identify how each of the following places are classified in Chile:
* Cachapoal
* Central Valley
* Colchagua
* Coquimbo
Cachapoal: Zone
Central Valley: Region
Colchagua: Zone
Coquimbo: Region
Identify how each of the following places are classified in Chile:
* Curicó
* Maipo
* Maule
* Rapel Valley
* Southern
Curicó: Sub-Region
Maipo: Sub-Region
Maule: Sub-Region
Rapel Valley: Sub-Region
Southern: Region
List the legally recognised labelling terms in Chile?
- Reserva
- Gran Reserva
- Reserva Privada
- Superior
- Reserva Especial
List the Chilean winegrowing regions from North to South
Elqui Valley
Limarí Valley
Choapa Valley
Aconcagua Valley
Casablanca Valley
Maipo Valley
San Antonio Valley
Leyda Valley
Rapel Valley
Cachopoal Valley
Colchagua Valley
Curicó Valley
Maule Valley
Itata Valley
Bío Bío Valley
Malleco Valley
Explain why the Maipo Valley is an appropriate region for producing both inexpensive and premium wines. Consider the natural factors in particular.
The Maipo Valley surrounds the capital Santiago and is protected from any maritime influence by the coastal ranges which means the region is warm and sunny. Maipo is almost surrounded by mountains and vineyards are planted on the valley floor and at altitude. The vineyards situated on the valley floor are protected, warm and sunny which results in a growing season that allows grapes to ripen fully. The grapes have soft but high tannins, medium acidity and intense ripe fruit character. These grapes are used for inexpensive to mid-priced wine.
Vines planted at altitude benefit from a wider diurnal range, and cooler night-time conditions result in wines with high acidity, high tannin and fresh fruit character, that is more restrained than fruit grown on the valley floor. These grapes are ideal for high quality wine selling at premium price.
