WINES OF THE WORLD 🇨🇱 Chile Flashcards
Main wine-regions of Chile
- Coquimbo
- Aconcagua
- Central Valley
- Southern
Type of soils in Chile
Alluvial and fertile soil with clay, sand, silt, and gravel, on the river valleys. Slopes are less fertile, more gravel with sand and silt in the coastal ranges, while volcanic and granite in the Andes. Little limestone, mainly in the Limarí Valley.
Climate of Chile
Mainly warm Mediterranean with a long, dry and sunny growing season, cooler and wetter further south. Rainfall varies from very low (N and inland) to very high (S and coastal), generally low rainfall (exception for Itata, Bío Bío and Maule). El Niño every 2-10 years (higher rainfall) and La Niña (drought), therefore high vintage variation. Cooling influence by the ocean. Fog due to the Humboldt Current that flows up from Antarctica bringing cold water and hence cool air, and heating during the day. Fog also due to the gaps on the coastal range. Fog moderates temperatures and increases humidity.
Hazards in Chile
Minimal risk of fungal disease. Forest fires. Drought in the warmer parts.
Main grape varieties of Chile
Blacks mainly. Some problems in the past with vine identification (Carmenere vs Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc vs Sauvignonasse and Sauvignon Gris). Some experimenting with aromatic whites and Mediterranean blacks. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Chardonnay, Carmenere, Syrah, Pinot Noir. País was the most planted.
Where old vines of País are located in Chile
Maule, Itata and Bío Bío.
Where old vines of Cinsaut are located in Chile
Itata and Maule.
Main training systems in Chile
Wide variety of training systems, VSP common.
Key winemaking operations for Chilean wines
Wide range of styles. Inexpensive wines follow temperature control, stainless steel. Experimenting with less new oak, more old oak, concrete and amphorae. Whole bunch and gentler extraction for reds, skin contact and lees ageing for whites.
How DOs in Chile are regulated on blending and alcohol
75+% grapes from that region, 85+% if exported to EU. If single variety, 75+% of that variety (85+% for EU). 11.5+% alcohol.
Labelling terms for Chilean wines
- Superior
- Reserva (12+% abv)
- Reserva Especial (12+% abv)
- Reserva Privada (12.5+% abv, ageing 6+ months oak if red)
- Gran Reserva (12.5+% abv, ageing 6+ months oak if red)
Which are the Chilean DOs
Created in 1995, five DOs (Atacama, Coquimbo, Aconcagua, Central Valley and Southern), plus one later (Austral).
The structure of Chilean DOs
Each DO has more sub-regions and smaller zones. ‘Areas’ for smaller DOs, belonging to a zone or a sub-region. Additional designations in 2011 due to the diversity from E to W - Costa (areas with coastal influence), Andes (areas with mountains influence) and Entre Cordilleras (areas in between); slow adoption from producers.
The largest companies in Chile
Concha y Toro, Santa Rita, Santa Carolina, San Pedro.
Types of businesses that operate in Chile
80% of production by four companies (Concha y Toro, Santa Rita, Santa Carolina, San Pedro). They own many vineyards in different regions, many brands and wineries. Some smaller wineries, especially in newer regions. Many investors arrived in Chile due cheap land (Torres, Mouton Rothschild, Lafite Rothschild, Jackson Family).
Types of wines made in Chile
Leading supplier for fruity and early drinking wines, but also more complex and structured. Rosés and sweets are increasing.
Where vineyards are located in Chile
Vineyards mainly in the valleys from E to W. Vineyards on slopes of coastal range or hills of the valleys (cooling influence). In the E of Chile, vineyards are on or near the foothills of the Andes (cool winds from the mountains).
Climate of Coquimbo
Low latitude, high temperature and sunlight. Cooling influence from mountains and Pacific Ocean. Morning fogs and cooling breezes by the Humboldt Current. Extremely low rainfall (100 mm).
Where Coquimbo is located
On the edge of the Atacama Desert (the world’s driest desert).
Hazards in Coquimbo
Drought.
Main grape varieties of Coquimbo
Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
Main DOs of Coquimbo
- Elqui DO
- Limarí DO
- Choapa DO
Elqui DO
Coquimbo’s DO. The northernmost, follows the River Elqui, no coastal mountains, fogs can reach further inland. Syrah and Savignon Blanc. Chile’s highest vineyards (intense sunlight and wide diurnal range).
Limarí DO
Coquimbo’s DO. Narrow, steeply-sided valley through the coastal mountains cut by the Limarí River, morning fog and breezes from the N and the river. Pockets of calcareous soils. Exploration about sites in the foothills of the Andes. Chardonnay in many style ranges. Also Syrah and Pinot Noir. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carmenere in the warmer E.
Types of wines made in Coquimbo
Traditionally, source of table grapes and those for Pisco, while now smaller-production wines that can reach premium prices.
Main sub-regions of Aconcagua
- Aconcagua Valley
- Casablanca Valley
- San Antonio Valley
San Antonio Valley
Aconcagua’s sub-region. S of Casablanca Valley, undulating hills to the W of coastal range, influence from the ocean. Mainly Sauvignon Blanc, also Pinot Noir, Syrah and Chardonnay. Leida Valley, first vineyards within San Antonio Valley (1990s), high quality, foggy mornings, cool breezes and afternoon sunshine; well-known for Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah.
Casablanca Valley
Aconcagua’s sub-region. S of the Aconcagua Valley, one of the Chile’s coolest regions, low hills to W and higher hills to N and E. Low-lying vineyards, spring frost. Good reputation for Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Also Pinot Noir and Syrah.
Main grape varieties of Aconcagua Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay.
Key characteristics of Aconcagua Costa
Morning fogs and ocean breezes, so fresh white wines from Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, or reds from Pinot Noir and Syrah.
Key characteristics of Aconcagua Entre Cordilleras
Warm and dry, afternoon breezes from the coast. Low rainfall (irrigation is essential). Ripe and full bodied wines with high alcohol and tannin, mainly from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Key characteristics of Aconcagua Andes
Vineyards up to 1000 m, cold air from the mountain, high diurnal range, so reds with ripe fruit flavour and fresh acidity.
Types of wines made in Aconcagua Valley
Smaller-volume wines away from the valley floor (mid to premium prices).
The first Chilean region to adopt the labelling system of Andes, Entre Cordilleras and Costa
Aconcagua Valley
Climate of Central Valley, Chile
Low maritime influence due to the shelter of the coastal ranges. Warm climate.
Main sub-regions of Central Valley, Chile
- Maipo Valley
- Rapel Valley
- Curicó Valley
- Maule Valley
Maipo Valley
Central Valley’s sub-region. N of Central Valley, surround Santiago, first vines in the mid-1500s, home of many family-owned wineries. Shelter from maritime influence by coastal range, warm and sunny conditions. Mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, also Carmenere and Syrah, Merlot for inexpensive. More attention on the area of Alto Maipo (Puente Alto and Pirque) at the E end of the valley, high altitudes, high diurnal range, premium wines (Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux blends).
Curicó Valley
Central Valley’s sub-region. Famous for inexpensive red wines from fertile lands, protection from coastal influence, many varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Chardonnay. Its potential is yet to be explored.
Maule Valley
Central Valley’s sub-region. S of Central Valley, most cultivated area. Traditionally, famous for high volumes of inexpensive wines while now higher quality, particularly from dry-farmed vineyards and old vines. Similar climate to Curicó, slightly cooler with higher rainfall. Wines with lighter body and higher acidity. Old bush vines (País and Muscat of Alexandria). Also Carignan. VIGNO, growers association, promotes old vines of Carignan, especially from Cauquenes. Also Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carmenere.
Types of wines made in Central Valley, Chile
High production of ripe, fruity and inexpensive red wines. Started also a small production of premium wines from the valley sides.
Main sub-zones of Rapel Valley
- Cachapoal Valley
- Colchagua Valley
Cachapoal Valley
Rapel’s sub-zone. Warmer, no maritime influence. Fertile valley for inexpensive wines from Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere and Syrah. While Carmenere of high quality from the Peumo area (protection from cold weather from the Andes, winds from the coast, long growing season). High-quality Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah from cooler E end of the valley in the Andean foothills.
Colchagua Valley
Rapel’s sub-zone. Larger, from Andes to Pacific coast, wide range of wines. Central part for inexpensive full-bodied and fruity reds. Higher quality from cooler areas, also premium and super-premium, Apalta for example (S-facing amphiteatre, cool breezes from W, poor soils). Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Carmenere. More coastal breezes in the most W, ideal for Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
Climate of Southern, Chile
Coastal hills diminish as you mover further S and climate gets cooler and wetter.
Main sub-regions of Southern, Chile
- Itata
- Bío Bío
- Malleco
Itata
Southern’s sub-region. One of oldest wine regions in Chile, traditionally for very cheap wines for blending, now revival. Problems with climate change and water shortages. Mainly old bush vines of País and Muscat of Alexandria, rediscovered for high-quality. Some old vines of Cinsaut.
Bío Bío
Southern’s sub-region. High rainfall, fungal disease, ocean breezes. Some old bush vines, but also modern vineyards plantings (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewurztraminer).
Malleco
Southern’s sub-region. A few producers, cool climate, so high-acidity wines from Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.
Main grape varieties of Aconcagua
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay.
Main grape varieties of Central Valley, Chile
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, País, Carignan.
Main grape varieties of Southern, Chile
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, País, Muscat of Alexandria.
