Chile

Question 1

Which vineyard areas was planted first in Chile?

Answer 1

Central Valley

Question 2

State where the following geographical features that surround Chile to where they’re located:
* Atacama Desert
* Patagonian Glaciers
* The Andes mountains
* The Pacific Ocean

Answer 2

• 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

Question 3

True or false?

Climatic variation in Chile’s wine growing regions is most significant north to south.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

Describe the growing enviroment in Chile

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

What is the name of the current that flows up the eastern coast of Chile, bringing cold cold water from Antarctica?

Answer 5

Humboldt

Question 6

Name the soil types in the following areas in Chile:
* River Valleys
* Coastal Range slopes
* The Andes

Answer 6

• 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

Question 7

True or false?

The majority of Chile’s vineyards are irrigated.

Answer 7

True

Question 8

What was the most commonly planted grape variety in Chile until the 1990s?

Answer 8

País

Question 9

Describe a typical Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

Answer 9

Full body with high but ripe tannins and pronounced dark fruit, particularly blackcurrant, often with a herbaceous (mint or eucalyptus) character.

Question 10

Describe a typical Chilean Carmeñere

Answer 10

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.

Question 11

Describe a typical Chilean inexpensive Merlot

Answer 11

Medium body with soft tannins and black fruit flavours.

Question 12

Describe a typical Chilean cool climate Syrah

Answer 12

High acidity, fresh black fruit and notes of pepper and clove.

Question 13

What year did Chile introduce its own DO system? How are they classified?

Answer 13

In 1995, Chile introduced its own DO system
Region, sub-region, zone or area

Question 14

Identify how each of the following places are classified in Chile:
* Aconcagua
* Apalta
* Atacama
* Austral

Answer 14

Aconcagua: Region

Apalta: Area

Atacama: Region

Austral: Region

Question 15

Identify how each of the following places are classified in Chile:
* Cachapoal
* Central Valley
* Colchagua
* Coquimbo

Answer 15

Cachapoal: Zone

Central Valley: Region

Colchagua: Zone

Coquimbo: Region

Question 16

Identify how each of the following places are classified in Chile:
* Curicó
* Maipo
* Maule
* Rapel Valley
* Southern

Answer 16

Curicó: Sub-Region

Maipo: Sub-Region

Maule: Sub-Region

Rapel Valley: Sub-Region

Southern: Region

Question 17

List the legally recognised labelling terms in Chile?

Answer 17

• Reserva
• Gran Reserva
• Reserva Privada
• Superior
• Reserva Especial

Question 18

List the Chilean winegrowing regions from North to South

Answer 18

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

Question 19

Explain why the Maipo Valley is an appropriate region for producing both inexpensive and premium wines. Consider the natural factors in particular.

Answer 19

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.