Week 4 - Chile Flashcards
George Brown Continuing Education - Australia, NZ, SA, Chile and Argentina Wines
Name the 4 wine regions in Chile
- Coquimbo
- Aconcagua
- Central
- Southern
Name the 3 wine areas in Coquimbo.
- Elqui Valley
- Limari Valley
- Choapa Valley
Name the 4 regions in Aconcagua.
- Aconcagua Valley
- Casa Blanca Valley
- San Antonio Valley
- Leyda Valley
Name the 5 regions of the Central Valley
- Maipo Valley
- Cachapoal Valley (31,000ha)
- Colchagua Valley (na)
- Curico Valley (19,000ha)
- Maule Valley (29,000ha)
Describe the geography of the Central Valley Region.
- Santiago to Itata
- Vast, warm, flat
- Majority of vineyards here
- Grapes ripen easily
- High production based on cheap fruity Merlot and Chard
Name 2 regions in the Southern Region.
- Bio Bio
- Itata
Describe the wine regions of Chile.
Describe the geography of Chile.
4,300 km long
900km north to south, but only 100km wide
80/% of land mountainous
Isolated from rest of the world
Is Chile phylloxera free?
Yes. So very isolated area.
Name 2 areas that are free of phylloxera.
Barossa Valley
Chile
When did wine exports begin in Chile?
1980’s: wine exported
2000’s: Miguel Torres introduces modern technology
2000’s: Value wines
Now: developing reputation for high-quality wines
Describe the shift in quality of Chilean wine being served in restaurants.
History of value driven: inexpensive housewines served “by the glass options”
Now: talented winemakers moving to Chile making good wines; restaurants now serving quality
How are winemakers gaining a deeper understanding of Chile?
Winemakers have a better understanding of Chilean terroir, thus allowing them tremendous success in cool climates along coast and in Andes foothills
What is Chile’s Mission Statement?
“To establish Chile as the most
impressive and dynamic source of premium quality New World wines.”
In what years did vineyards double?
1993-2003
What is emphasized more: wines made in the vineyard or the winery?
Vineyard
What aspects of viticulture are grapegrowers focussing on? What is the goal of doing this?
- Vine management
- Clonal selection
- Irrigation
Goal is to improve quality.
What kinds of wine is Chile known for?
Lean and fruit forward Bordeaux Blends.
Describe the overall climate of Chile.
Multi-Climate Mediterrean region.
Describe the climate of Coastal Chile.
- Cool climate
- Moderated by Humboldt current
- Morning Fog
- Prominent wines
Saline, citrus driven whites
Pinot Noir
Describe the climate of the Entre Cordilleras.
- Warm Climate
- Inland from coast but below elevation of the Andes
- Bordeaux varietals with red fruit and elevated acidity
- Extreme diurnal shifts
Describe the climate of Chile’s Andes.
- Warm Climate
- Higher elevation vineyards in the
foothills of the Andes - Ripe fruit
- Primarily reds
- Elevated acidity
- Bigger structure
- Elevated tannins
Describe Chile’s appelation system.
Denominacion de Origen (DO)
* Some wineries are following but most don’t indicate
* Gaining momentum with increased focus on quality– greater need for higher price points
* Vintage Reserva means nothing but must display place of origin
What are the labelling requirements regarding listed varietals?
Wines must contain 75% of stated grape and region
What does VIGNO stand for?
VIGNO (2010) – sub system
* Vignadores de Carignan
* The first true Chilean appellation = old vine Carignan only
* Maule Valley
* Name is derived from vino, the Spanish word for wine, combined with the “G” from Carignan
Who created VIGNO?
Unique collective collaboration, combining both small and large Maule producers under a unified market vision
What is the aim of VIGNO?
Raise the bar to making quality wines for the participating wineries.
Name the 3 main types of Chile’s regions.
- Costa
- Entre Cordillera
- Andes
Name an excellent Chilean vintage.
2020