Viticulture

Answer 1

110,000ha of vineyards

1. Irrigation is key in nearly 50% of all vineyards; either natural (melting Andes snow) or drip irrigation (since 90s)
2. Irrigation less necessary in coastal areas of southern regions
3. Relatively hi yields (70hl/ha).Formerly gobelet system (inherited from Spanish practices) but more Guyot.
4. Harvest: end of February for early maturing grapes (Chardonnay) to late April (Cab Sauv) & May (Carmenere).
5. Phylloxera-free but nematodes main risk as rootstocks have low resistance. Powdery mildew, botrytis bunch rot common.