Chile Sparkling Wine

Question 1

Question 2

Most sparkling wine made in Chile is made by what method?

Answer 2

The Tank Method (About 90%)

Question 3

What are the three principal grapes for sparkling wine in Chile?

Answer 3

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc

Question 4

What is the quality/price level of most sparkling wines from Chile?

Answer 4

Acceptable-good, and from inexpensive, to mid-priced.

Question 5

What is significant about the grape growing region for sparkling wines in Chile?

Answer 5

Grapes for sparkling wine are generally grown in areas where there is some cooling influence, such as cooler coastal areas, the Andean foothills or the milder regions in the south.

Question 6

Where is low quality fruit typically harvested from?

Answer 6

The warmer, Central Valley.

Question 7

What are the three key regions for sparkling wine production in Chile?

Answer 7

Casablanca, San Antonio (Leyda) and Lamari. All three of these regions have a cooling element from then Pacific Ocean.

Question 8

Is sparkling wine production growing or shrinking in Chile?

Answer 8

The sparkling sector is “growing rapidly”

Question 9

How are Chilean sparkling wines labelled in terms of style?

Answer 9

The same as in the EU (Brut, Extra-dry, Demi-Sec, ect.)

Question 10

What is unique about the Chilean sparkling wine production market?

Answer 10

In general, a few very large companies dominate the sparkling wine market.

Question 11

What producer is thee most famous in Chile?

Answer 11

Valdivieso (They produce over 1/3 of all sparkling wines in Chile)

Question 12

What percent of Chilean sparkling wine is consumed domestically? What percent is exported?

Answer 12

2/3rds domestic consumption, 1/3rd export (the export market is growing rapidly, especially at the premium end)

Question 13

What is unique about the Chilean domestic sparking wine market?

Answer 13

The Chilean market for sparkling wines is made up almost entirely of domestic products (very few imported sparkling wines)

Question 14

Question 15

What is unique about the origin of the Argentinian sparkling wine trade?

Answer 15

It was started by Moet & Chandon in an attempt to base its first overseas subsidiary in Mendoza in 1959.

Question 16

Is the Argentinian sparkling wine market growing or shrinking?

Answer 16

Although the overall production in the country has been relatively limited throughout the years, the Argentinian sparkling wine business is just now starting to grow. As volume as grown, so have the range of styles, varieties used and brands available at different price points.

Question 17

How is most sparkling wine made in Argentina?

Answer 17

The Tank Method, although, there are sparkling wines made via the carbonation method and The Traditional Method.

Question 18

Where are the majority of sparkling wine producers based in Argentina?

Answer 18

Mendoza, with a small, but growing trade in Neuquen, Rio Negro, and San Juan

Question 19

What is the quality/price level of most sparkling wine from Argentina?

Answer 19

good - very good quality, mid - medium priced.

Question 20

Where are the higher quality grapes for sparkling wine production made in Argentina?

Answer 20

Lujan de Cuyo and Uco Valley

Question 21

Where are the lower quality grapes for sparkling wine production made in Argentina?

Answer 21

warmer sites in Mendoza, alongside grapes for still wine production.

Question 22

What is unique about the growing environment for sparkling wines in the greater Mendoza region of Argentina?

Answer 22

The extremely high altitude of these regions means that the climate can be cool enough to preserve delicate flavors and acidity in the grapes.

Question 23

What is unique about the choice of grapes used in classic Argentinian sparkling wine production?

Answer 23

Pedro Gimenez is the most planted grape varietal used for sparkling wine production, although it is becoming less popular as classic styles take over the market (Chardonnay and Pinot Noir)

Question 24

Question 25

What is unique about low end sparkling wine making in Argentina?

Answer 25

Cheap, inexpensive Argentinian sparkling wine is typically made via the carbonation method. It is also common to produce sparkling wines from carbonation with added fruit flavourings such as Strawberry.

Question 26

Like all other regions for sparkling, how are mid - higher quality sparkling wines made?

Answer 26

Mid priced wines will be made via the tank method, while expensive wines will be made via the Traditional Method. Some of the top Traditional Method wines will spend as many as 36 months on the lees.

Question 27

What is unique about Argentinas wine laws? Specifically a ruling made in 2005?

Answer 27

after a big boost in the decade after 2005, the Argentinian government agreed to remove a domestic tax of 12% on all sales of sparkling wine, for a portion of investment in the Argentinian wine business. This agreement was part of a wider policy to promote Argentinian wine.

Question 28

Who consumes the majority of Argentinian sparkling wine?

Answer 28

The domestic market consumes virtually all Argentinian sparkling wine. Most wine is sold for at-home consumption.

Question 29

Who are the leading producers of sparkling wine in Argentina?

Answer 29

LVMH, Llorente, Mumm (Pernod Richard), and Norton. Freixenet has recently attempted to enter the market to challenge existing producers.