Chile Flashcards
What it the term in Chile for Wines of Origin?
Denominaciones de Origen (DO)
The DO regions in Chile can be subdivided and subdivided again, what are the terms for these subdivisions?
13 Sub Regions then subdivided intoZones
Introduced in 2012 what are the 3 new terms introduced to describe where a wine is from and what do they mean?
Costa = From near the coastEntre Cordilleras = Between the (mountain) rangesAndes = From the mountain area
How would you describe the 4 key geographical features of Chile?
i To the West is the Pacific Oceanii Just inland are the Coastal Mountain Rangesiii To the East are the Andes Mountainsiv South of Santiago is a large depression between the two mountain ranges called ‘Central Valley’.
How would you describe the climate of Chile?What is the one risk of the climate?
Generally Warm MediterraneanDry, sunny, growing season = Grapes reliably ripen and low fungal risk.RISK - Drought but in some places water is in short supply
What weather is potentially associated withEl Niño La Niña
El Niño years - Rainfall can be very heavyLa Niña years - Drought may occur
What 3 things provides the cooling in Coastal areas and inside much of the Inland Mountain ranges?
The cold Humboldt Current flows up from Antarctica Prevailing winds blow cool air inland along river valleysCoastal areas can experience fog
What provides the cooling in the foothills of the Andes?
Cold air descends from mountains overnight providing a large diurnal range.
Climatically, what are conditions like between the Coastal mountains and the Andes?
More sheltered. Large expanses of flat land that is easier to cultivate
Working from North to South what are the 4 main wine producing regions of Chile?
Coquimbo RegionAconcagua RegionCentral Valley RegionSouthern Region
What 3 sub regions make up Coquimbo Region and what contributes to them making good wine?
Elqui Valley, Limari Valley and Choapa ValleyBrilliant sunshine and marked cooling from sea breezes or mountain air
What is a constraint to grape growing in Coquimbo Region?
Irrigation is essential but very expensive due to little of it.
Where would you expect to find Chile’s finest Chardonnay?
Limari Valley
What 1 white and 1 red wine would you expect from Elqui Valley?
Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah
What is the white wine that makes Limari Valley stand out?
Chile’s best Chardonnay
What are the 2 sub regions of Aconcagua Valley and what is the renowned Zone within one of the subregions?
Casablanca ValleySan Antonio Valley containing Leyda Valley Zone
What factors contribute to Casablanca Valley and San Antonio Valley being cooled?
They lie between the Pacific Ocean and the Coastal Mountains benefitting from morning fogs and afternoon winds from the Ocean
Except for the special regions what are growing conditions like in much of Aconcagua Region? What 3 grapes would you find there?
The vineyards on the fertile valley floor are some of the warmest growing conditions in Chile.Cabernet SauvignonSyrahCarmenère
What 2 black and 2 white grapes do well in Casablanca Valley and San Antonio Valley?
SyrahPinot NoirSauvignon BlancChardonnay
What grape has Leyda Valley gained an excellent reputation for growing?
Sauvignon Blanc
What are the 4 main sub regions of the Central Valley Region?
Maipo ValleyRapel ValleyCuricó ValleyMaule Valley
Where are the best vineyards in Maipo Valley located and what are they renowned for producing?
Located in the Andean foothillsA reputation for producing Cabernet Sauvignon with a ‘minty’ character
Rapel Valley is subdivided into 2 zones, what are they?
Cachapoal Valley and Colchagua Valley
What is the climate like in Cachapoal Valley and Colchagua Valley and what 3 black grapes are largely grown there?
Warm with little cooling although Colchagua valley is slightly cooler.Carmenére on warm valley floorCab Sav and Syrah is cooler parts
What are conditions like in Curicó Valley and Maule Valley and what is mainly grown there?
It’s warm and the soils are fertile.Mainly grapes for bulk red and white blends
Which 3 sub regions make up Southern Region?
Itata ValleyBio Bio ValleyMalleco Valley
What is the climate like in Southern region and which grapes perform well there?
Cooler and wetter the further south they are locatedPinot Noir, Chardonnay and some aromatic varietiesThe region is still in its infancy for wine
Roughly speaking how would you describe the climate of Chile?
The climate of Chile is diverse but can be described generally as warm Mediterranean
Which region is famed for its Carmenere?
Cachapoal Valley
Apalta is a region gaining a strong reputation for its premium wines, where is it located?
Colchagua Valley, on valley slopes
How would you describe the climate in Cachapoal Valley?
Warm, surrounded by mountains, no ocean influence
How would you describe the climate of Coquimbo region?
Brilliant sunlight, very, very dry
How would you describe the climate of Casablanca and San Antonio Valleys?
Cool, between the sea and Coastal mountain ranges.
How would you describe the climate of Aconcagua Valley?
Flat, fertile and very warm
Which region is developing a reputation for Old Bush Vine Carignan in Chile?
Maule Valley
