Chile: Grape Varieites

Question 1

Chile: Cabernet Sauvignon

Answer 1

-since 90’s big shift to Bordeaux
-many fine and super prem wines as a single variety or with Merlot, Carmenere or Syrah

Wines are full bodided with high ripe tannins , pronounced dark fruit , blackcurrant and mint or eucaplytus Some new oak brings spice and toast

Better quality are in the Andes, poorer soils keep vigour in control and cool night retain acid

Central Valley makes inexpensive Cab with less structure, complexity and intensity

Question 2

Chile: Merlot

Answer 2

Mainly from Central Valley and good on the xport market
-Soft tannins, medium body and dark fruit flavours
-used in blends
-some qulity producers are making more full bodied and complex Merlots

Question 3

Chile: Carmenere

Answer 3

• officially identified in 94 after being mistaken for Merlot
  -oftern used in blends but also in single varietal , very good wines
  -Full bodied, high tannin, medium acid, ripe black fruits ( blackberry) , bell pepper and eucalptus , spice , roasted coffee and dark chocolate when oaked
  -Site selection is importants
  -Warm, but not hot - gets alcoholic
  -clonal selection, site selection, harvest dates, and less extraction and new oak are evolving styles

Also Syrah and Pinot Noir in Casablanca

Question 4

Chile: Sauvignon Blanc

Answer 4

-most planted grape
-cooler areas such as Limari, Casablanca and San Antonio
-very good wines with high ecid and citrus to tropical with wet stones and herabaceuos
-lees contact and oak ageing increase complexity
-Central Valley - lots of good, inexpensive

Question 5

Chile: Chardonnay

Answer 5

-cool,coastal areas eg. Limari are a source of very good Chard
-Med-High Acid, citrus and stone fruit
Central Valley - ripe, tropical Chardonnay oaked or unoaked , inexpensive