Chile, Pauls Flashcards
What are the 4 main regions of Chile? List them from North to South.
Coquimbo, Aconcagua, Central Valley and Southern
Reserva Privada and Gran Reserva are labelling terms in Chile. What requirements are there for these labelling terms?
The wine must be a minimum of 12.5% ABV and must have spent a minimum of 6 months in oak
What is the Entre Codilleras?
It is a zone that sits between the Costa (coastal influence) zone and the Andes (mountain influence) zone
What requirements are there for the use of labelling term Reserva or Reserva Especial?
ABV must be a minimum of 12%.
Which grape variety was mistaken for Merlot, and only officially identified in 1994?
Carmenere
Black grape varieties account for what percentage of plantings?
75%
What is Pais?
A black grape variety that was the most commonly grown grape until the 1990’s. Now more Bordeaux varieties are being planted instead.
Production can be massively affected in Chile by El Nino, explain what El Nino means.
El Nino is part of a phenomenon that happens throughout the Atlantic. In El Nino years, rainfall dramatically increases which disrupts production. In El Nina years, rainfall dramatically decreases and drought can be a problem.
What percentage of vineyards use water irrigation systems?
Around 85%. Most of Chile is dry with low rainfall.
On a broad scale of Chile’s wine producing area, which environmental influences come from the West and East?
In the West, you have the low coastal mountain range. They average between 300-800m and prevent Atlantic sea breezes, however there are gaps which allow fog and breezes through for cooler conditions.
In the East, you have the Andes mountain range. Altitude increases here, and diurnal range allows for a slower growing season.
Carmenere has which levels for the following:
Tannin:
Acidity:
Body:
Tannin: High
Acidity: Medium
Body: Full
Black fruit aromas are common, and development of menthol, coffee when oaked.
What is Chiles most planted white grape variety?
Sauvignon Blanc
Where will you find large volumes of inexpensive tropical fruit Chardonnay?
Central Valley
When was the Chilean DO created?
1995
Which Ocean borders Chile’s wine producing regions?
The Pacific Ocean.