South America Flashcards
Name the 5 major regions in Chile.
- Atacama
- Coquimbo
- Aconcagua
- Valle Central
- Southern Regions
Where did viticulture in Chile and other South American countries come from and when did it arrive?
- Spain by way of Mexico
- Mid-16th Century
Why was the wine industry in Chile initially hampered upon its creation and when/how did it overcome this?
- Restrictive laws from Spain to prevent competition
- Wine production was limited to sacramental purposes though some estates managed to get around this
- As South American countries achieved autonomy in 1800’s, European immigrants revived wine production with cuttings from their various homelands
Where is Chile located?
Southern half of South America’s Pacific Coast
How long (in miles) is Chile?
2,670 miles
What characterizes the geography in Chile?
- The country is very narrow, rarely exceeds 100mi in width
2. Bounded by Andes (east) and Pacific Ocean (west)
Chile - climate?
Hot and extraordinarily dry Atacama Desert in the north to cool southern regions
Name the two primary climate moderators in Chile and their impact on climate.
- Humboldt Current: Brings cool, moist air and fog to coastal areas
- Coastal Range: Blocks cool, moist air from Pacific and creates a rain shadow inland resulting in Mediterranean climate
What is the climate like between the Coastal Range and Andes Mountains?
Warm to hot Mediterranean
What marks the topography in Chile?
Significant variations in altitude
Chile - white grape varieties?
- Chardonnay
2. Sauvignon Blanc
Chile - red grape varieties?
RED (75% of plantings)
- Cabernet
- Merlot
- Carmenere
Red grape varieties account for __________% of plantings in Chile.
75%
Name two important aspects of viticulture in Chile.
- Phylloxera does not exists due to strict quarantine laws and geographical isolation
- Numerous rivers descend from Andes bringing snow melt water for irrigation and creating channels for cool air to flow inland from Pacific
What grape variety was long mistaken for Merlot in Chile?
Carmenere
What are the three high level designations of the DO system in Chile?
- Zones
- Regions
- Sub-Regions
What do DO stand for in Chile and what is it most similar to?
- Denominacion de Origen
- AVA system in United States
What marks a “Regional” DO in Chile?
Minimum 75% must be from region
Name the 6 regional DO’s in Chile.
- Atacama
- Coquimbo
- Aconcagua
- Valle Central
- Sur
- Astral
What are two aspects of wine law for varietal labeling in Chile?
- Only Vitis vinifera (no hybrids)
2. 75% min. of stated variety
What is the law for vintage labeling in Chile?
75% min. of stated year
What are the two most notable regions in Chile?
- Aconcagua DO
2. Valle Central DO
Name the two sub-regions of Aconcagua.
- San Antonio DO
2. Casablanca Valley DO
Where are San Antonio DO and Casablanca DO located?
- Chile; sub-regions of Aconcagua
- West of Coastal Range near Pacific
What grape varieties are grown in Aconcagua DO?
WHITE 1. Chardonnay 2. Sauvignon Blanc RED 1. Pinot Noir
Where is Valle Central DO located in Chile?
- Between the Andes and Coastal Mountains
- Stretches southward 200 miles from Santiago