Chilean Wines Flashcards
What two climate conditions led to the 2012 labelling terms?
There is also a cooling effect caused by cold air that descends from the mountains overnight and can cause large diurnal ranges in vineyards located at the foothills of the Andes.
The area between the two mountain ranges is more sheltered and easier to cultivate because the land is flatter.
Name the four geographical areas that define Chile’s grape growing regions.
The Pacific Ocean, The Coastal Mountains, The Andes Mountains and the Central Valley
What is the climate in Chile’s vineyard regions?
Warm Mediterranean
What is the most widely planted grape variety of either colour?
Cabernet Sauvignon
Describe the style of Cabernet Sauvignon wines in Chile?
Style: Range of styles from simple and fruity to full-bodied premium examples. Usually have very ripe black fruit aromas and flavours, often with a herbaceous character. Frequently blended with Merlot, Carmenere or Syrah.
Describe Carmenere and the style of wine it creates.
It is a late ripening variety that is most successful in the warmest sites. The wines are usually full-bodied with high levels of tannins. Carmenere can have overtly herbaceous aromas when not fully ripe but good examples achieve a balance.
Describe the two styles of Chilean Syrah.
Syrah - planted in a wide variety of sites and has a range of styles.
Cooler coastal or northerly regions such as Elqui Valley are lighter in body with peppery notes.
Warmer hotter regions such as Colchagua Valley display greater intensity of black fruit flavours and fuller body.
Describe where Sauvignon Blanc grows best and the style.
Sauvignon Blanc - performs well in cooler sites such as those of Casablanca and San Antonio Valleys.
Style: High acidity, intense fruity flavours. The wines have ripe apple, citrus and tropical flavours and sometimes herbaceous notes. Some have added richer flavours due to oak and lees stirring.
Describe where Chardonnay grows best and the style.
It has been made in a modern international style with ripe fruit and oak flavours; however, quality is improving. Limari Valley produces wines with structure, elegance and restraint.
Muscat of Alexandria
It is the third most planted white variety. It is mostly used for the production of the grape brandy Pisco.
Describe the Coquimbo Region’s climate.
borders the Atacama Desert and is the most northerly wine region. Three sub-regions. Fewer plantings but high quality. All three regions benefit from brilliant sunshine and cooling influences from sea breezes or mountain air. The challenge here is lack of water.
Name and describe the three sub-regions of Coquimbo.
Elqui Valley - reputation for Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah
Limari Valley - Chile’s best Chardonnay
Choapa Valley
Describe the climate and wines of the Aconcagua Valley.
It is a steep sided, narrow valley that enjoys cooling influences from the ocean and Andes Mountains. The vineyards on the valley floor are some of the warmest growing regions in Chile.
Cabernet Sauvignon - dominant grape variety
Syrah - pioneered in this valley and is becoming more important
Carmenere - also very important.
Red wine styles - rich, ripe fruit flavours with high alcohol and tannins.
Describe the climate and wines of the Casablanca Valley and San Antonio Valley.
They are neighbouring sub-regions with similar characteristics. They lie between the coastal mountains and the Pacific. They offer cooler sites, morning fogs, and afternoon winds that make them perfect for white varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc (SA Valley and Leyda Valley zone in particular)
Pinot Noir is the most planted black variety and gives wines red berry fruit and herbal notes in the coolest sites.
Syrah is also successful, especially in the Casablanca Valley, where wines are well structures with a peppery edge.
Describe the climate and wines from the Maipo Valley
Maipo Valley - heartland of Chilean wine industry. Surrounded by mountains and very little coastal influences. More premium sites are in the Andean foothills. Known for Cabernet Sauvignon that has a minty character.
