CHILE Flashcards
What are the climatic influences of Chile:
- Pacific Ocean (West)- Does a cold “humbolt current” in the ocean that provides a cooling influence on the coastal areas.
- Andes Mountains (East)- Causes irrigation in Aconcagua and Maule that affects Agentina as well with the melting snows running down from the Andes in a number of rivers.
Chile Varietal Labeling Law:
- Wine sold under the name of the grape must contain a min. 75% of the stated varietal. (85%** **EU market)
- Only Vitis Vinifera
Chile Regional Wine Law:
►Denominacion de Origen (DO): Very similar to the AVA system in the US for denoting geographic origin.
►The DO system defines :
- Zones
- Regions & Sub-regions ( Wine sold under the name of a region or sub-region of origin must contain min. 75% from the stated region or sub-region.) 85% EU market.
- Six regional DOs in Chile:
- Atacama
- Coquimbo
- Aconcagua
- Valle Central
- Sur
- Astral
Chile Vintage Labeling Law:
- Wine sold under a vintage must contain a min. 75% of the stated year’s harvest. (85% EU market)
What are the 5 main viticultural regions of Chile?
(North-South)
- Atacama
- Coquimbo
- Aconcagua (Casablanca)
- Central Valley
- Sur/South
Name the two primary climate moderators in Chile and their impact on climate.
- Humboldt Current: Brings cool, moist air and fog to coastal areas.
- Coastal Range: Blocks cool, moist air from Pacific and creates a rain shadow inland resulting in Mediterranean climate.
What is Chile’s signature variety?
- Carménère
What are the sub-regions of Aconcagua?
- Aconcagua Valley
- Casablanca Valley
- San Antonio Valley
What is the most famous DO for Cabernet Sauvignon in Chile?
- Maipo Valley, Central Valley DO (predominantly red wine region accounts 60% of the plantings)
Where is Casablanca Valley situated?
Dominant grape varieties?
Top producer?
- Aconcagua Region, Chile
- Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
- Pinot Noir
- Veramonte
Where is Rapel Valley located?
- Central Valley Region, Chile
Where is Elqui Valley, Limari Valley and Choapa Valley situated?
- Coquimbo Region
The Mission grape variety is known in Chile as?
- País
The grape variety Mission (País) is very common in which regions of Chile?
- Maule Valley (Central Valley)
- Bio-Bio Valley (South region)
Which region is home to Errázuriz?
- North of Santiago, Aconcagua Valley
Name the main grape varieties of Aconcagua Valley:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Syrah
Where is Maipo Valley situated?
Dominant grape variety?
- Central Valley, Chile
- Cabernet Sauvignon
What are the sub-regions of Central Valley Region?
- Maipo Valley
- Rapel Valley
- Curicó Valley
- Maule Valley
Who is behind Casa Lapostolle Winery?
- Marnier Lapostolle of Grand Marnier fame
What region is home to Miguel Torres Estate in Chile?
- Curicó Valley, Central Valley
Who is behind Concha y Toro the largest wine producer in South America?
- Baron Philippe de Rothschild company
Who is behind LOS VASCOS?
- Rothschilds of Bordeaux’s Ch. Lafite
What is the largest wine region of Chile?
- Maule Valley, Central Valley
What are the sub-regions of Sur DO/Southern Region?
- Itata Valley
- Bio-Bio Valley
- Malleco Valley
Name the main grape variety of Bio-Bio Valley and Malleco Valley:
- País (Mission)
Which is the most widely planted grape variety of Itata Valley?
- Muscat of Alexandria followed by País
Name the most widely planted grape variety of Atacama Region?
- PISCO GRAPES - Moscatel
What are the two zones of Rapel Valley?
What are their predominat grape varieties?
- Cachapoal Valley
- Colchagua Valley
Red Dominant:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Carménère
- Syrah
What is the climate of Chile?
- Hot and extraordinarily dry Atacama Desert in the north to cool southern regions
What is the most planted white grape variety of Chile?
- Chardonnay
What are the three geographic terms that can be put on a Chilean label to describe the vineyards proximity to the ocean or mountains?
- Costa (Coast)
- Entre Cordilleras (Between Mountains)
- Andes (Close to the Andes)
What are the sub-regions of Atacama Region?
- Copiapó Valley
- Huasco Valley
