Chile Flashcards
When did the history of sparkling wine in Chile begin? Who was responsible?
The mid-nineteenth century by Valdivieso
What is the trend in Chilean sparkling wine production?
The category has grown rapidly in recent years
What is the typical style of Chilean sparkling wine?
Tank fermented and fruity. Brut and slightly sweeter are the common styles.
Traditional method wines are also made
What are the principle varieties used in Chilean sparkling wine?
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc
What is the range of quality and pricing of Chilean sparkling wine?
Acceptable to very good in quality and inexpensive to mid-priced. Most wines are inexpensive and mid-priced wines are most likely to appear in export markets.
Where are the grapes for Chilean sparkling wine grown?
The cooler climates near the coast, in the Andean foothills, or in the milder southern regions
When are grapes for sparkling wine harvested in Chile?
Depending on the region, between early February and the first week of March
True or False
Both inexpensive and premium Chilean sparkling wines will be a blend of grapes from different valleys.
False. Premium sparkling wines come from specified regions while inexpensive sparkling wines will come from multiple valleys
What are the key regions for Chilean sparkling wine production?
Casablanca, San Antonio (Leyda), and Limarí, all cooled by the Pacific, are key
Curicó and Bío Bío are also important
What is unique about the cooling influences on Curicó?
Curicó is cooled by both the Pacific Ocean and the Andes
Which Chilean regions are historically known for growing Moscatel and País?
Itata and Maule
What vineyard management technique is important in Chile’s sparkling wine regions? Why?
Irrigation, due to the dry climate in the country. Only Itata is the exception as it receives higher levels of rainfall
How is the harvest for sparkling wine grapes in Chile conducted?
Predominantly by hand due to the country’s steep slopes and the presence of bush vines, though machine harvesting is feasible in some areas.
What is the most common production method for sparkling wine in Chile? What percentage of the category does it comprise?
Tank method accounts for 90% of the country’s sparkling wine production
True or False
Chile produces sparkling wine with older equipment, most of which dates to the mid-1970s
False. Chile has very modern, recently acquired equipment with which to produce sparkling wines