L3 - Chile - Chapter 36 Flashcards
What is the geographic area of Chile?
900 kilometers north to south
100 kilometers east to west
What are the 4 key geographical features of Chile?
-West- cool Pacific Ocean
-Inland - coastal mountain range
-East - Andes mountain range
-South is a large depression between the two mountain ranges where the Central Valley is
What is the climate of Chile?
-Warm mediterranean climate
-dry sunny growing season -grapes grow reliably
-minimal fungus
-water needed for irrigation
-drought more common
-El Nino (rain) and La Nina (drought) are common and regular influences
On the north axis -temperatures are moderated by the cold Humboldt Current flowing from Antartica. Cold air strongest in areas near the cost. Can bring fog.
Between mountain ranges the climate is more sheltered.
The two cooling influences are the reason additional Chilean labeling terms were introduced in 2012
Sustainable and organic farming is widely practiced.
What are the 4 most important wine DO regions in Chile?
1- Coquimbo
2- Aconcagua
3- Central Valley
4- Southern Region
Which terms may appear on wine labels following an amendment to Chilean wine classifications in 2012?
-Costa (for coastal areas)
- Entre Cordilleras (areas between mountain ranges)
-Andes (mountain areas)
These can be added to the DOs
What are the most important black grape varieties in Chile?
Black varieties are generally the most planted.
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted.
-Made in a variety of styles from simple & fruity to full-bodied premium examples.
-Usually have ripe black fruit aromas & flavors with herbaceous character
-frequently blended with Merlot, Syrah & Carmenere
Merlot -
-usually inexpensive and medium body & fruity
-some more complex full-bodied versiosn can be found
Carmenere -
-late ripening –needs sunny and warm sites
-native to Bordeaux, but not grown there and seen as a Chilean specialty
-full body
-high tannins
-overtly herbaceous when not fully ripe
-good examples can achieve a balance between black fruit character & herbal aromas
Describe Sauvignon Blanc from San Antonio and Casablanca Valleys in Chile.
Sauvignon Blanc from San Antonio and Casablanca Valleys:
-very good quality
-high acidity
-intense fruity flavors
-Ripe apple, citrus, tropical flavors
-added richness and texture from lees stirring and oak in some instances
Describe Chardonnay from Limari Valley.
Chardonnay from Limari Valley:
-very good quality
-medium to high acidity
-stone and citrus fruit flavors
-lees stirring, oak fermentation adn maturation
What are the three most important wine making regions from Coquimbo Region?
-Where is it located?
-What is the climate?
-smallest wine region in Chile
-Borders Atacama Desert
-most northernly region
-3 winemaking regions: Elqui Valley, Limari Valley, Choapa Valley
-known for high quality
climates:
-brilliant sunshine
-cooling influences (sea breezes and mountain air)
-some vineyards planted at high altitudes
-lack of water so irrigation is essntial and expensive beause of water shortage
Elqui - known for Sauv Blanc and Limari known for Chardonnay
Describe the Aconcagua Valley.
What is the most important varietal?
-Climate?
-2nd smallest wine region in Chile
Aconcagua Valley
-steep sided narrow valley
-cooling influences from the ocean and Andes
-fertile valley floor offers some of the warmest growing conditions in Chile
-Cabernet Sauvignon is most important grape varietal, but increasingly growing Syrah and Carmenere
-traditionally rich red wines with high alcohol & tannins, ripe, fruit flavors
Producers are now moving away from growing in the valley floor to slopes and coasts to get fresher fruit flavors
Describe the San Antonio and Casablanca Valleys
What is the most important varietal?
-Climate?
-Neighboring sub-regions with similar characteristics
-lie between coastal mountains and PAcific
-noticeably cooler sites due to morning fogs and afternoon winds
-white plantings dominate
San Antonio Valley is known for Sauv Blanc (especially Leyda Valley zone)
Chardonnay widely planted and capable of fine wines
Pinot Noir - red berry and herbal in coolest sites
Syrah- well-structured wines with perppery edge
Describe the climate and geography of the Central Valley.
What are the most planted varietals and style?
What are the 4 sub-regions
Central Valley is a warm flat region
-majority of Chilean vineyards here, grapes ripen easily, inexpensive fruity wine
4 sub-regions:
-Maipo Valley
-Rapel Valley
-Curico Valley
-Maule Valley
Describe the Maipo Valley.
What wines is it known for?
-Classic heartland of CHilean wine located next to capital SAntiago
-Surrounded by mountains and very little coastal influence
-Premium sites in Andean foothills
Known for cabernet sauvignon with distinctly minty flavor
Describe the Cachapoal Valley.
What wines is it known for?
Cachapoal Valley
-warm area cut off from ocean breezes
-Carmenere ripens well here
-Cab Sauv and Syrah perform well in cooler eastern end of the valley
Describe the Colchagua Valley.
What wines is it known for?
Colchagua Valley
central part of this valley is warner and open to some ocean influence
known for full bodied reds, Cab Sauv, Syrah, and Carmenere
Vineyards planted on teh slopes can produce high quality whites and premium reds
