Chile Flashcards
Who introduced Vitis vinifera to the New World?
The Spanish conquistadores Explanation: Spanish colonists and missionaries brought European grapevine cuttings to Mexico and then to Peru, Chile, and Argentina in the 16th century.
In what year did the Spanish Empire decree that ships sailing for the West Indies must carry vine cuttings?
1519 Explanation: This policy was reinforced by Hernán Cortés, ensuring Vitis vinifera arrived in the Spanish colonies.
Which conquistador set quotas for vineyard production in his encomiendas in Mexico?
Hernán Cortés Explanation: Cortés ordered Spaniards to plant vineyards as a means to secure local wine production.
Which region became South America’s most important wine producer by the end of the 16th century?
Peru Explanation: Spanish colonists harnessed Incan flood irrigation methods and planted vines along Peru’s coastal valleys.
Under what name was Peruvian brandy historically shipped?
Pisco Explanation: This local spirit was named for the port city from which it was exported.
Which Spanish conquistador formally annexed Copiapó Valley in 1540?
Pedro de Valdivia Explanation: He founded Santiago in 1541 and pushed southward to the Bío Bío River before Mapuche resistance halted further advance.
What year marks the founding of Santiago, Chile’s modern capital city?
1541 Explanation: Pedro de Valdivia established the city after entering Chile from Peru.
Which religious order first introduced the País (Mission) grape to Chile?
The Jesuits Explanation: Francisco de Carabantes likely brought País from Peru to Chile in the mid-16th century.
By the end of the 16th century, approximately how many liters of wine was Chile producing annually (in arrobas)?
100,000 arrobas (about 800,000 liters) Explanation: Early Spanish settlers rapidly expanded vineyard plantings before Mapuche uprisings.
Which Spanish king banned the planting of new vineyards in the Americas in 1595?
King Philip II Explanation: This edict attempted to protect Iberian wine exports but was largely ignored west of the Andes.
When did Chile declare independence from Spain?
1818 Explanation: Bernardo O’Higgins led the independence movement, culminating in a formal declaration of freedom.
Which French-born naturalist brought dozens of French grapevine cuttings to Santiago’s Quinta Normal in the 1830s?
Claude Gay Explanation: His work helped introduce Bordeaux and Burgundy varieties to Chile.
What is the founding year of Viña Ochagavía, considered one of Chile’s first modern wineries?
1851 Explanation: Silvestre Ochagavía imported new French cuttings and initiated modern winemaking techniques in Santiago.
Name three pioneering wineries established in Chile between 1850 and 1885.
Cousiño Macul, Viña San Pedro, and Concha y Toro Explanation: Their wealth often stemmed from the mining industry, and they emulated French château culture.
What is MOVI in Chile?
Movimiento de Viñateros Independientes Explanation: Founded in 2009, MOVI supports small, quality-driven wineries that emphasize personal involvement in winemaking.
Which winery introduced stainless steel fermentation and pneumatic presses to Chile in 1979?
Miguel Torres Explanation: His Curicó Valley winery modernized Chile’s white wine production and cellar practices.
What economic policy shift after 1973 paved the way for Chile’s wine export boom?
Free-market reforms under Augusto Pinochet Explanation: These reforms attracted foreign investment and stimulated the wine industry, despite the regime’s human rights abuses.
In which decade did international investment from companies like Domaines Barons de Rothschild-Lafite and Marnier-Lapostolle begin pouring into Chile?
The 1990s Explanation: Major global wine investors arrived, establishing projects such as Los Vascos and Lapostolle.
In what year was the so-called “Berlin Tasting,” in which Seña and Viñedo Chadwick bested top Bordeaux châteaux?
2004 Explanation: Eduardo Chadwick organized the blind tasting, boosting global recognition of Chilean wines.
Who is credited with sparking Chile’s move toward riper, fuller-bodied red wines in the 1990s?
Visiting buyers and consulting winemakers from the UK and US Explanation: Their criticism of “green” Chilean reds encouraged later harvests and heavier oak usage.
Which Chilean producer is associated with a shift toward fresher, more food-friendly wines?
Marcelo Retamal (De Martino) Explanation: He advocates for earlier harvests and lower alcohol to produce wines of higher acidity.
How long is Chile from north to south?
Approximately 4,300 kilometers Explanation: The country stretches from the Peruvian border down to Cape Horn at 53° S latitude.
What is the maximum width of Chile’s mainland?
350 km Explanation: Chile’s narrowest point never exceeds about 350 kilometers across.
Name the five geographic sectors of Chile.
Norte Grande, Norte Chico, Zona Central, Zona Sur, and Zona Austral Explanation: These broad zones divide Chile’s long, narrow territory.
How many administrative regions (regiones) does Chile have in total?
15 Explanation: Nine of these currently support commercial winegrowing.
Which two parallel mountain ranges define Chile’s topography?
The Andes and the Coastal Range (Cordilleras de la Costa) Explanation: These ranges flank Chile’s longitudinal valley, covering 80% of the country.
In which central Chilean region are most commercial vineyards found?
The Zona Central Explanation: This zone, especially near Santiago, contains the majority of Chile’s vineyard acreage.
What is the primary cooling influence on Chile’s coastline?
The Humboldt Current Explanation: Its cold waters moderate temperatures along the coast and generate morning fog.
Name the cold ocean current that sometimes weakens and warms, causing El Niño rains in Chile.
The Humboldt Current Explanation: El Niño events can greatly increase precipitation in arid regions.
What does Chile’s intermediate depression refer to?
A longitudinal valley running between the Andes and the Coastal Range Explanation: This valley is discontinuous but includes rich agricultural zones in central Chile.
Which tectonic plates converge off Chile’s coast?
The Nazca and South American Plates Explanation: Their subduction causes frequent earthquakes and formed the Andes.
Which soil types dominate Chile’s Coastal Range?
Older granite and metamorphic schist with red clays Explanation: These uplifted, weathered soils originated from accreted oceanic crust.
Where can one find limestone of marine origin in Chile?
In the foothills of the Andes Explanation: Limestone sometimes appears at higher elevations due to tectonic uplift.
What is the minimum alcohol content required for Chilean wine by law #18,455?
11.5% abv Explanation: Decree #78 of 1986 regulates winemaking practices and additives.
When was Chile’s Denominación de Origen system officially introduced?
1994 Explanation: Agricultural Decree #464 created the four-tier DO system, effective from 1995 onward.
List the six viticultural regions (Regiones Vitícolas) of Chile, from north to south.
Atacama, Coquimbo, Aconcagua, Valle Central, Sur, and Austral Explanation: These macro-areas contain all smaller DO zones and areas.
What are Chile’s three complementary DO indications, based on proximity to mountains or the ocean?
Costa, Entre Cordilleras, and Andes Explanation: Wineries may add these if 85% of grapes originate from the named sector.
What percentage of grapes must come from a stated DO in Chile?
75% Explanation: However, most exporters adhere to an 85% minimum to comply with EU regulations.
Name Chile’s most planted red grape variety.
Cabernet Sauvignon Explanation: It accounts for about one-third of the country’s total vineyard acreage.
Which grape was historically confused with Merlot and officially identified as Carmenère in 1994?
“Merlot Chileno” Explanation: Ampelographer Jean-Michel Boursiquot revealed its true identity at Viña Carmen.
What is the parentage of Carmenère?
Cabernet Franc x Gros Cabernet Explanation: Gros Cabernet is itself a crossing of Fer and Hondarribi Beltza, making Carmenère high in pyrazines.
Which Chilean variety is disallowed from DO labeling, despite centuries of cultivation?
País Explanation: This grape, historically known as Mission, was brought by Spanish missionaries but is not on the official DO list.
Which style of traditional Chilean wine is made from old País vines and sometimes mildly fizzy?
Pipeño Explanation: Often served chilled, these fresh, easy-drinking wines can come from vines hundreds of years old.
What are the principal grapes used in Chilean Pisco production?
Moscatel, Pedro Jiménez, and Torontel Explanation: These aromatic varieties provide the base for Chilean brandy.
Which DO region lies at the edge of the Atacama Desert and focuses on table grapes and Pisco?
Atacama Explanation: Valle del Huasco and Valle de Copiapó largely produce for table grapes or distillation.
Name the three subregions (valleys) of Coquimbo DO.
Elqui Valley, Limarí Valley, and Choapa Valley Explanation: All three rely on snowmelt rivers to counter the region’s extreme aridity.
Which valley in Coquimbo is emerging as a top source of Syrah at high elevations?
Elqui Valley Explanation: Viña Falernia and Viñedos de Alcohuaz have pioneered quality Syrah in this extremely dry and mountainous area.
Which subregion in Coquimbo is notable for its limestone-rich soils and outstanding Chardonnay?
Limarí Valley Explanation: Tabalí and Maycas del Limarí focus on calcareous soils that yield fresh, mineral-driven wines.
What is the least important subregion of Coquimbo for fine wine, containing very few hectares?
Choapa Valley Explanation: Located where the Andes and Coastal Range converge, it has minimal vineyard acreage.
Name the three subregions of the Aconcagua DO.
Valle del Aconcagua, Valle de Casablanca, and Valle de San Antonio Explanation: They lie in the Valparaíso Administrative Region.
Which valley features the highest peak in the Americas just over the Argentine border?
Valle del Aconcagua Explanation: Mt. Aconcagua, at nearly 7,000 meters, is located in Mendoza, but the river that bears its name flows into Chile.
What is the primary grape focus in the warm interior of Aconcagua Valley?
Late-ripening red varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, and Syrah Explanation: Coastal Aconcagua can support whites, but inland areas favor richer reds.
Which producer in Aconcagua Valley hosted the 2004 Berlin Tasting?
Viña Errázuriz Explanation: Its owner Eduardo Chadwick showcased wines like Seña and Viñedo Chadwick against top Bordeaux estates.
In which DO did cool-climate Chilean viticulture first emerge in the 1980s?
Casablanca Valley Explanation: Winemaker Pablo Morandé led experimental plantings in this foggy, ocean-influenced region.
What two grapes dominate Casablanca’s vineyards?
Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc Explanation: Together they account for about 75% of the region’s plantings.
What is the biggest viticultural hazard in Casablanca Valley?
Spring frost Explanation: Cold ocean air lowers temperatures, prolonging the frost window into November.
Name the official zone within the San Antonio Valley DO that first gained acclaim for Sauvignon Blanc.
Leyda Explanation: Just 15 km from the ocean, Leyda’s proximity to the Pacific produces distinctive, aromatic white wines.
Which tiny subzone of San Antonio, located only 4 km from the coast, is extremely cool and maritime?
Lo Abarca Explanation: Casa Marín pioneered vineyards in this challenging, windy area.
List the four subregions of the Valle Central DO from north to south.
Maipo Valley, Rapel Valley, Curicó Valley, and Maule Valley Explanation: They form Chile’s largest, most established wine belt.
Which valley around Santiago is historically Chile’s most important zone for Cabernet Sauvignon?
Maipo Valley Explanation: Its higher-elevation sub-areas (Alto Maipo) are home to many of Chile’s top Cabernet blends.
Name two DO areas in Alto Maipo considered prime for Cabernet Sauvignon.
Puente Alto and Pirque Explanation: Gravelly soils and afternoon sunlight in these higher foothills yield concentrated wines.
Two Denominación de Origen (DO) areas in Alto Maipo, considered prime for Cabernet Sauvignon, are:
- Puente Alto DO – Home to some of Chile’s most prestigious Cabernet Sauvignon wines, including Viñedo Chadwick, Almaviva, and Don Melchor. The high altitude, gravelly soils, and influence from the Andes Mountains contribute to structured and age-worthy wines.
- Pirque DO – Another top-quality area known for producing elegant and complex Cabernet Sauvignon. The terroir benefits from the cooling effect of the Maipo River and Andean breezes, resulting in wines with great balance, refined tannins, and aging potential.
Which subregion in the Rapel Valley is considered the best area for Carmenère?
Cachapoal (especially Peumo) Explanation: Warm, clay-alluvial soils here allow Carmenère to ripen fully into May.
Name the two DO zones that make up the Rapel Valley.
Cachapoal and Colchagua Explanation: The Rapel River system unites these two major zones, home to much of Chile’s red wine production.
Which horseshoe-shaped area in Colchagua Valley is home to top red blends like Clos Apalta?
Apalta Explanation: Surrounded by mountains on three sides, Apalta’s terroir produces powerfully structured wines.
Name the river that flows through Colchagua, powering vineyard irrigation.
The Tinguiririca River Explanation: It runs from the Andes westward, shaping the region’s viticultural zones.
In which DO did Miguel Torres establish his eponymous winery, introducing modern technology in 1979?
Curicó Valley Explanation: This sparked a revolution in Chile’s approach to white wine and hygienic cellar practices.
Name the two DO zones of Curicó Valley.
Valle del Teno and Valle del Lontué Explanation: Both ring the town of Curicó, but are rarely highlighted on labels.
Which variety, often confused with Sauvignon Blanc, historically occupied many Curicó vineyards?
Sauvignon Vert (Friulano) Explanation: Much was mistakenly labeled Sauvignon Blanc until DNA analysis clarified the difference.
List the three zones of the Maule Valley DO.
Valle del Claro, Valle del Loncomilla, and Valle del Tutuvén Explanation: Maule is Chile’s largest subregion for wine grapes.
Which region has become a hotspot for rediscovering old-vine Carignan and País in Chile?
Maule Valley Explanation: Producers are focusing on traditional, head-trained vines in the secano costero areas.
What is VIGNO?
An association dedicated to old-vine Carignan in Maule Explanation: Wines must be 85% Carignan, from dry-farmed vines over 30 years old, aged at least two years.
Which massive earthquake in 1939 spurred replanting of Carignan in Maule?
The Chillán earthquake Explanation: Government recommendations encouraged new plantings for better color and acidity in local wines.
Which DO is historically known for Pais, Muscat, and Cinsault, with many small family vineyards?
Itata Valley Explanation: This southern region has a long colonial history, specializing in bush vines and dry farming.
Which two rivers define the Itata Valley DO?
The Itata and Ñuble Rivers Explanation: They create a fertile, green landscape in contrast to arid northern regions.
What grape was planted in Itata Valley after the 1939 earthquake to improve País blends?
Cinsault Explanation: Along with Moscatel, it was recommended to boost quality in local jug wines.
Which southern valley, once dismissed as too cool and rainy, is now planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay?
Bío-Bío Valley Explanation: The Nahuelbuta Mountains and maritime climate present new frontiers for cooler varieties.
What is the southernmost DO subregion of Sur, with just a few hectares of vines around Traigúen?
Malleco Valley Explanation: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay show promise in this rainy, semi-continental climate.
Which indigenous group resisted Spanish conquest in southern Chile, halting expansion at the Bío Bío River?
The Mapuche Explanation: Their conflicts shaped colonial vineyard locations and remain significant in modern times.
What is the newest official viticultural region in Chile, located south of Zona Sur?
Austral DO Explanation: It includes Valle del Cautín and Valle de Osorno as subregions.
Name the large, cold lake near which Casa Silva planted vineyards, labeled under Austral DO.
Lake Ranco Explanation: Situated around 900 km south of Santiago, receiving up to 1800 mm of rainfall annually.
What is the minimum required percentage of grapes from a specific area (comuna) to list that area on a Chilean wine label?
75% Explanation: However, 85% is used by most producers to meet EU export requirements.
Which two countries both claim Pisco as a product of origin?
Chile and Peru Explanation: Though Peru’s claim is more recognized internationally, Chile also maintains a DO for Pisco.
Name two major Chilean cocktail preparations featuring Pisco.
Piscola and Pisco Sour Explanation: The Chilean Pisco Sour typically omits egg white and bitters, while Piscola is mixed with Coke.
Which major disease has never taken hold in Chile, allowing own-rooted vines to thrive?
Phylloxera Explanation: Chile remains phylloxera-free due to geographic isolation and strict quarantine measures.
Which pioneering producer championed the Carmenère grape after its re-identification in the 1990s?
Viña Carmen Explanation: Jean-Michel Boursiquot discovered Merlot Chileno was actually Carmenère at this Maipo winery.
What can cause Carmenère to show elevated green, herbal notes if harvested too early?
High pyrazine levels Explanation: The grape needs extra hang-time and sufficient sunlight to reduce pyrazines.
What style of wine is most associated with the head-trained, dry-farmed vineyards of western Maule?
Carignan-based blends Explanation: The VIGNO initiative preserves these old bush vines and requires 85% Carignan.
Which major Chilean winery owns South America’s largest vineyard holdings at over 9,000 ha?
Concha y Toro Explanation: This Maipo-based giant also partners with Mouton-Rothschild for Almaviva.
Which iconic Chilean wine was a joint venture between Robert Mondavi and Viña Errázuriz?
Seña Explanation: The partnership launched in 1995, producing a Bordeaux-style red blend from Aconcagua.
What is the highest vineyard elevation currently planted in Elqui Valley?
Around 2,200 meters Explanation: Some vineyards in Paiguano and Alcohuaz push the limits of altitude in Chile.
Which cold, fog-laden wind phenomenon occurs in Limarí Valley each morning?
La camanchaca Explanation: This coastal fog helps moderate temperatures in an otherwise arid desert setting.
Where is the “Costa” area of Aconcagua Valley located?
Near Quillota and east of the Pacific Explanation: The river eventually cuts through the Coastal Range, creating cooler sites for whites.
Which subregion of Cachapoal is particularly prized for premium Carmenère?
Peumo Explanation: Warm, clay-rich soils and a long ripening season highlight Carmenère’s lush character.
Which southern region is often described as the last stronghold of old País, Moscatel, and Cinsault vines?
Itata Valley Explanation: Many vines are 60-100 years old, head-trained, and dry-farmed.
Which mountain range shelters the Bío-Bío Valley from direct ocean influence?
The Nahuelbuta Range Explanation: It lowers in elevation but still blocks much Pacific moisture, creating a cooler, windy climate.
What is the southernmost point in Chile currently hosting an experimental vineyard?
Chile Chico near Lake General Carrera (46° S) Explanation: Undurraga has planted vines here, pushing into Chile’s tundra.
When did Chile officially add Atacama and Austral to its list of viticultural regions?
2012 Explanation: The DO system update also introduced Costa, Entre Cordilleras, and Andes as complementary indications.
Which winery launched “Clos Apalta,” a flagship Bordeaux-style blend from Colchagua?
Casa Lapostolle Explanation: Owned by the Marnier-Lapostolle family, they purchased old Carmenère vines in Apalta.
What is the Chilean term for gobelet-trained bush vines?
Cabeza Explanation: Head-training is common among older País, Carignan, and Cinsault vineyards in the southern regions.
When did the massive earthquake strike Maule and Curicó, causing widespread damage to wineries?
February 2010 Explanation: It was an 8.8-magnitude quake that devastated infrastructure in central Chile.
What are the requirements for using the term Gran Reserva on a Chilean label?
Minimum 12.5% abv and some oak aging Explanation: The law’s “quality” categories like gran reserva and reserva especial lack strict aging mandates but do raise alcohol floors.
Which new Chilean DOs in far-flung areas were approved in 2024?
Rapa Nui DO and Chiloé DO Explanation: They expand Chile’s appellation map into the Pacific and Patagonia, though they are highly marginal for viticulture.
