Grapes and wines of Chile Flashcards
List the four key geographical (and climate influencing) regions of Chile
West: Pacific Ocean
Inland: Coastal mountain ranges (with gaps from which rivers run which drain water from Andes)
East: Andes
South of Santiago: large depression between two ranges = Central Valley
Describe the climate and associated features of Chile
Warm Mediterranean climate
Dry, sunny growing season ensures grapes ripen reliably, and fungal disease is low risk
Irrigation can make up for low rainfall in most areas, but supply is decreasing
Cooler and wetter in southern regions
El Niño and La Niña: weather patterns affect wine regions in some years. El Niño increases rainfall, La Niña increases drought
HUMBOLDT CURRENT from Antarctica cool regions through river valleys by prevailing WINDS, also produces FOG close to coast. Cooling effect of winds is strongest in lowest parts of coastal mountains and areas closest to coast
At foothills of Andes, COLD AIR descends from mountains overnight and can cause large DIURNAL range
Between Andes and Coastal mountain ranges, climate is more sheltered, and easier to cultivate land
Describe the appellation system of Chile
GI: Denominaciones de Origen (DOs): Coquimbo, Aconcagua, Central Valley, Southern Region. Divided into 13 sub-regions. Originally based on administrative regions, so are very broad - sub-regions contain zones which have more uniform climates
In 2012 additional classification by distance from coast rather than latitude: Costa (coastal), Entre Cordilleras (between mountain ranges), Andes (mountain areas) - all complimentary terms, is producer’s choice whether to include on DO label.
Additional terms include Reserva, Reserva Especial, Reserva Privada, Gran Reserva - little overall meaning but can be used to communicate quality levels in a producer’s wine portfolio
What is the most widely planted grape variety? Describe its range of styles
Cabernet Sauvignon
Simple and fruity to full-bodied premium with very ripe black fruit aromas and flavours, often with herbaceous character
Often blended with Merlot, Carmenère, Syrah
Describe typical Merlot style
Merlot: successful exports of inexpensive fruity and medium-bodied wines, but some fuller-bodied complex examples exist
Describe Carmenère characteristics and typical wine style
Chile’s ‘signature’ grape variety
Late ripening, most successful in warmest and sunniest sites
Usually full-bodied, high tannin. Can be overly herbaceous when not fully ripe, but best examples achieve a balance between black fruit character and herbal aromas
Describe Syrah typical wine styles with notable regions
Planted closer to coast and at northerly regions (i.e. cooler) e.g. Elqui Valley = lighter body, peppery notes
Hotter climates e.g. Colchagua Valley = greater intensity with black fruit flavours, fuller body
Where is Pinot Noir showing considerable promise? Give a description of style here.
San Antonio and Casablanca Valleys
In San Antonio it produces wines with red berry fruit and herbal notes.
Describe Sauvignon Blanc wine styles
Best performs in cooler vineyard sites e.g. Casablanca, Valley, San Antonio Valley = high acidity, intense fruity flavours, ripe apple-focus, citrus and tropical flavours, sometimes herbaceous notes. Sometimes richer and more texture from lees stirring and oak.
Describe Chardonnay wine styles. Where can I find the most structured/elegant examples?
Mostly modern international style with ripe fruit and oak flavours, but quality and range is increasing.
Structured but elegant examples = Limarí Valley, Aconcagua Valley, Casablanca Valley
What is Muscat of Alexandria typically used for?
Mostly used to produce brandy Pisco
Where are aromatic varieties grown?
Viognier, Riesling, Gewurtzraminer=fresh and fruity examples from cooler regions e.g. Bío Bío and Itata Valley
Describe the climate of Coquimbo region and which varieties best perform here
Brilliant sunshine, marked cooling influence from sea breezes or mountain air, high altitude sites. -Cool northern region ideal for Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Chardonnay
Significant challenge for irrigation = increasingly expensive.
Describe the climate of Aconcagua Valley sub-region and which varieties best perform here
Cooling influences from ocean and Andes Mountains
Notably warm sites on valley floor
Classic red wine region: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Carmenère
Note Carmenère is being increasingly planted onto slopes or towards coast, to produce more elegant and restrained styles and to move away from traditionally rich, ripe fruit flavours and high alcohol/tannins from fertile and hot valley floor
Describe the climate of Casablanca Valley and San Antonio Valley sub-regions and which varieties best perform here
Varied: different soil types, aspects, between coastal ranges and Pacific ocean = noticeably cooler sites due to morning fog and afternoon winds from sea.
Dominated by white varieties: Sauvignon Blanc (San Antonio Valley & Leyda Valley zone)
Chardonnay
Pinot Noir = red berry fruit and herbal notes in coolest areas
Syrah = warmer eastern vineyards of Casablanca Valley, well-structured with peppery edge
