Chile Flashcards
Wset
Geography and climate of Chile
- Pacific ocean to the west with coastal mountain ranges and Andes to the east
- Warm Mediterranean climate
- Dry and sunny growing season
- Main challenge is lack of Randall and shortage of water that can be used for irrigation
- Conditions becomes cooler and wetter to the south of Chile
What are the weather patterns that affect Chile.
What is the effect of each of the patterns?
El Niño and La Niña can affect Chile’s wine regions in some years.
Rainfall levels can dramatically increase during El Niño years, whereas drought may occur in La Niña years.
What are the common features that moderate temperatures on the western and eastern edges of vineyard areas?
-The Cold Humboldt Current that flows up from Antarctica along the Chilean coast
-Winds that blow cool air along the river valleys. The cooling effect of these winds is the strongest in the areas where the coastal mountains are at their lowest, and in the parts is the valleys that lie closest to the Pacific.
-In the vineyards in the foothills of the Andes there is another cooling effect caused by cold air that descents from the mountains overnight and can cause a large diurnal range.
Between the two mountain ranges, the climate is more sheltered
The cooling influences became a reason to form a new labelling system.
What are the terms?
‘Costa’ - for coastal areas
‘Entre Cordilleras’ - the areas between the mountain ranges
‘Andes’ - mountain areas
These are the complimentary terms that producer chooses to use in addition to DO.
What is the most planted grape I’m Chile?
In what styles is it made?
Cabernet Sauvignon
It can be made in a range of styled form light and fruity to full-bodied premium examples.
These wines usually have very ripe black fruit aromas and flavours, often with a herbacious character.
What are the 5 black grapes planted in Chile?
Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Carmenère Syrah Pinot Noir
Describe Carmenère grape
Late-ripening variety, most successful in the warmest and sunniest sites.
The wines are usually full-bodied, with high levels of tannin.
Can have overtly herbaceous aroma when not fully ripe but best examples can achieve a balance between fruity and herbal aromas.
Two main white grapes in Chile?
What’s another grape that’s mostly used for brandy production
Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay
Muscat of Alexandria
What are the best regions for Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc production?
San Antonio Valley
Casablanca Valley
What are the sub-regions within Coquimbo region?
What do these areas benefit from?
Biggest challenge?
- Elqui Valley and Limarí Valley
- Benefit from brilliant sunshine and cooking influences from sea breezes or mountain air.
- Lack of water (irrigation is essential but expensive because water is less plentiful here compared with some other regions).
Elqui Valley developed a reputation for…?
Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah
Limarí Valley is best know for…
Chardonnay
Sub-regions withing Aconcagua Region?
Aconcagua Valley
Casablanca Valley
San Antonio Valley
Leyda Valley
What is a classic red wine area producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Carmenère within Aconcagua Region?
Aconcagua Valley
Zone within San Antonio Valley that is particularly cool and produces great examples of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay?
Leyda Valley
