Chile Flashcards
What are the four general defining geographical features in Chile? (West to East)
Pacific Ocean
Coastal Ranges
Central Valley
The Andes
What has caused gaps to form in the Coastal Ranges in Chile?
Rivers running from the Andes
What is the weather like during the growing season?
What is the general overall climate of Chile?
Dry and sunny
Warm, Mediterranean
What are shortfalls in rain made up for by?
What is the issue with this?
Irrigation
Increasingly short supply of irrigation water
Where in Chile will you find vineyards with cooler and wetter conditions?
The South
What is the name of the two phases of cyclical weather phenomenon experienced across the Pacific? What does each bring (in Chile)?
El Nino - Big Rains
La Nina - Drought
Where does the Humbolt current originate?
Antarctica
Name two ways in which prevailing winds blowing in from the Humbolt Current might cool vineyards
Winds blow inland up river valleys
Some fog may form close to the coast
Where will cool sea breezes have most effect?
Where coastal mountains are lowest
Where vineyards are closer to the sea
What may cool vineyards in the foothills of the Andes?
Cold air descending from mountains overnight
Why are the flat, easy to cultivate lands between the mountains less moderated?
They are more sheltered
What style of farming is generally practiced by both large and small estates?
Sustainable and Organic
What are the 3 new (2012) classification categories in Chile?
Costa
Entre Cordilleras
Andes
Can the new 2012 terms, Costa, Entre Cordilleras and Andes be used in conjunction with DO or are they replacement terms?
Can be used in conjunction
Why are the terms reserva, reserva especial, reserva privada and gran riserva, not great indications of quality overall? What are they useful for?
They have no real meaning
They can be useful for communicating quality levels within a producers portfolio
What are the 5 black varieties found in Chile?
Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Carmenere Syrah Pinot Noir
Which black grape is often thought of as Chile’s signature grape? What two clusters are balanced in best examples?
Carmenere
Black fruit and Herbal
Body and Tannin of Carmenere? When does it ripen?
Full and High
Late
Plantings of which two international varieties dominate Chile?
Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay
Where are the best examples of Sauvignon Blanc found? (general, example)
Flavours tend to focus on ripe apple and which two clusters?
Cooler regions
Casablanca and San Antonio Valleys
Citrus and Tropical