Chile Flashcards
(91 cards)
1
Q
Briefly describe what happened before and after 1980
A
- Before 1980s:
- Majority of cheap wine consumed domestically
- Half of vineyards pulled
- After 1980s:
- Shift to quality wines for export market
- Large areas replanted
2
Q
Climate
What is the general climate and tendencies towards north and south?
A
- Mostly warm, Mediterranean
- Long, dry and sunny growing season
- Becomes cooler and wetter further south
- Intense sunlight due to relatively low latitude
3
Q
Climate
What is the annual rainfall?
A
- North and inland: drier (80mm in Elqui)
- South and coast: wetter (1,200mm in Bío Bío)
4
Q
Climate
What weather phenomenons are there from the Pacific? What does it cause?
A
- El Niño: every two to ten years -> much higher rainfall
- La Niña: much lower rainfall or drought
- -> Vintage variations
5
Q
Climate
What are the two major factors influencing the climate?
A
- Pacific Ocean and Andes
- Provide a significant cooling influence
- Lengthening the growing season and allowing the grapes to retain acidity and aromas
6
Q
Climate
What are specific effects of the Pacific?
A
- Range of low mountains (300-800m) forms barrier against influence from the ocean
- Humboldt Current flows up from Antarctica and brings cold water and cool air
- Warm air rises from the land and cool air is sucked inland
- Morning fog moderates temps and increases humidity until it is burned away by the heat of sun
7
Q
Climate
What does the coastal range and the Andes create and what does it mean for grape growing? Where do they merge?
A
- Create a large, dry, warm and sunny central valley -> grapes for high volumes of inexpensive wines
- Coastal range and Andes merge to the north of Santiago (in Coquimbo and Aconcagua)
8
Q
Climate
Where are higher quality grapes grown?
A
- Where there are cooling influences
- Gaps in the coastal ranges
- Altitude or aspect
9
Q
Climate
What are effects from the Andes?
A
- Cool mountain air descends
- High diurnal ranges
- Altitude can also moderate temps
10
Q
Soil
Describe the soils in the three distinct parts
A
- River valleys: fertile soils, mainly alluvial
- Slopes in coastal ranges: less fertile, more gravel with sand and silt
- Slopes in Andes: less fertile, volcanic, mainly granite
11
Q
Vineyard Management
What is the total area under vine?
A
137,000 ha
12
Q
Vineyard Management
What influence does the climate in inland and coastal regions have on grape growing? (incl. diseases and organic/sustainable viticulture)
A
- Mostly dry and sunny:
- Healthy, fully ripe grapes with high levels of tannins and anthocyanins
- Lower diesease risk -> Sustainable and organic viticulture easy to practice
- Coastal areas:
- Fungal diseases can be an issue
13
Q
Vineyard Management
Is irrigation allowed? Comment on water availability and climate change
A
- Widely practiced (85% of vineyards)
- Except in Itata (and Bío Bío and Maule) where vineyards can rely on rainfall (old vines with deep roots)
- Pure water from melting snow brought down from the Andes
- Climate change: higher temps and less snowfall
14
Q
Vineyard Management
What is a significant hazard?
A
- Forest fires (from major forest plantations)
- If not directly affected, smoke taint is a problem
15
Q
Vineyard Management
Comment on Phylloxera
A
- Phylloxera free
- -> Geographical barriers and strict quarantine rules
- -> Considerable plantings of old, ungrafted vines (mostly bush vines)
16
Q
Vineyard Management
What is the common training system and how is harvest conducted?
A
- VSP most common
- Mostly by hand, mechanization in flat Central Valley
17
Q
Grape Varieties
What is the ratio between black and white varieties?
A
- 75% black
- 25% white
18
Q
Grape Varieties
What are the most grown varieties? (in descending order)
A
- Cabernet Sauvignon (by far most grown)
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Merlot
- Chardonnay
- Carmenere
- País
- Syrah
19
Q
Grape Varieties
How did the plantings of varieties change from before 1990s and after?
A
- Before 1990s: País most planted variety, mostly for inexpensive wines
- After 1990s: mostly international varieties
20
Q
Grape Varieties
What is a very current trend regarding varieties?
A
Trend towards greater diversity
21
Q
Grape Varieties
What range of wines does Chile produce?
A
- Increasingly diverse
- Leading in inexpensive fruity wines
- Can also produce very good and outstanding quality wines
- Lots of experiments in winemaking
- Rosé and sweet wines also produced
22
Q
Grape Varieties - Cabernet Sauvignon
What styles of wines does it produce?
A
- Chile’s most finest and expensive wines
- Single varietal or blended with Merlot, Carmenere or Syrah
23
Q
Grape Varieties - Cabernet Sauvignon
Where are higher quality wines grown and what is the resulting style? (aromas, acidity, body, tannin, maturation)
A
- Sites near the Andes: poorer soils control vigor and cool nights slow down ripening
- Pronounced dark fruit, particularly blackcurrant, often with a herbaceous (mint or eucalyptus) character
- Retained acidity
- Full body
- High, but ripe tannins
- Maturation in at least a proportion of new oak (toasty, spicy notes)
24
Q
Grape Varieties - Cabernet Sauvignon
Where are large amounts of inexpensive, fruity wines grown and what is the resulting style compared to higher quality wines?
A
- Flatter parts of the Central Valley
- Dark fruit and herbal notes
- Less structure, complexity and intensity
25
**Grape Varieties - Merlot**
What are different styles of Merlot produced? Where are they popular?
* **Inexpensive Merlot** with dark fruit, medium body and soft tannins, mainly from the Central Valley
* -> Great on export markets and for blends
* **More complex** examples with riper fruit and fuller body are achieved with lower yields
26
**Grape Varieties - Carmenere**
How is it used?
* Often in blends
* Increasingly as single varietal wine
27
**Grape Varieties - Carmenere**
Describe the typical style of a good to very good quality example (aromas, acidity, body, tannin)
* Ripe black fruit (blackberry), herbaceous characteristics (bell pepper, eucalyptus) and notes of spice, roasted coffee or dark chocolate (when oaked)
* Medium acidity
* Full body
* High tannin
28
**Grape Varieties - Carmenere**
What is important when growing this variety?
* Site selection: ripens two to three weeks later than Merlot
* Needs warm, sunny sites, otherwise overly herbaceous with harsh tannins
* If too ripe, can be overly alcoholic
29
**Grape Varieties - Syrah**
What is the trend in plantings? What is the range of styles produced? (regions, aromas, acidity, body)
* Strongly increasing
* **Cooler-climate** (San Antonio, Casablanca, Limarí and Elqui)
* Fresh black fruit, pepper and cloves
* Higher acidity
* **Warmer-climate** (Colchagua Valley)
* More intense, riper black fruit
* Fuller-body
30
**Grape Varieties - Pinot Noir**
What is the trend in plantings? What is the typical style produced? (regions, aromas, alcohol)
* Strongly increasing
* **Cooler areas** (Casablanca and San Antonio)
* Red fruits with herbal characters
* Medium to high alcohol
31
**Grape Varieties - Sauvignon Blanc**
What are two general areas where it is grown and what is the typical style? (aromas, acidity, quality, lees, oak)
* **Cooler areas** (Limarí, Casablanca and San Antonio):
* Citrus to tropical flavors with wet stones or herbaceous notes
* High acidity
* Very good quality
* Some use lees contact and oak ageing
* **Central Valley**:
* Large amounts of good quality, inexpensive Sauvignon Blanc
32
**Grape Varieties - Chardonnay**
What are two general areas where it is grown and what is the typical style? (aromas, acidity, quality, oak)
* **Cool coastal areas** (Limarí):
* Citrus and stone fruit
* Medium(+) to high acidity
* Very good quality
* **Central Calley**:
* Large amounts of inexpensive Chardonnay
* Ripe tropical fruit
* **Both oaked or unoaked**
33
**Wine Law and Regulations**
What is the hierarchy of the appellation system? (incl. examples)
* **Regional DO** (Denominacione de Origen) (e.g., Central Valley)
* **Sub-region** (e.g., Rapel Valley)
* **Zone** (e.g., Colchagua)
* **Area** (e.g., Apalta)
34
**Wine Law and Regulations**
What new set of designations was introduced in 2011? Why?
* Because diversity between east and west is much higher than north/south
* Split in 3 set:
* **Costa** (areas influenced by coast)
* **Andes** (areas influenced by mountains)
* **Entre Cordilleras** (areas in between)
* Labeling: e.g., Maipo Andes
35
**Wine Law and Regulations**
What requirements are there to require for DO status with respect to regional and varietal labeling and min alcohol levels
* Regional: min 75% from that region (85% if exported to EU)
* Varietal: min 75% from that variety (85% if exported to EU)
* Min 11.5% abv
36
**Wine Law and Regulations**
What are additional labeling terms regarding alcohol and oak ageing and how are they used?
* **Reserva**: min 12% abv
* **Reserva Especial**: min 12% abv
* **Reserva Privada**: min 12.5% abv, min 6 months in oak
* **Gran Reserva**: min 12.5% abv, min 6 months in oak
* Some producers use these terms to distinguish their wines, many do not use them
37
What are the four main wine growing regions? (from north to south)
* Coquimbo
* Aconcagua
* Central Valley
* Southern
38
**Coquimbo**
What are the three DOs?
* Elqui
* Limarí
* Choapa
39
**Coquimbo**
Describe climatic influences and their effect on grape growing
* **Low latitude**
* **High summer temps** and intense sunlight
* **Cooling influence** from mountains and Pacific
* **Morning fog and cooling breezes** through Humboldt Current
* -> delay fruit ripening and produce intense fruit, balanced by fresh acidity
* Alcohol levels can be high
40
**Coquimbo**
What is the rainfall and what does that mean for irrigation? What is a threat?
* Very little or no rainfall (down to 100mm)
* Irrigation is essential
* Lower snowfall through climate change is a threat
41
**Coquimbo**
What do the difficult growing conditions mean for the final wines?
* Small production
* Premium prices
42
**Coquimbo - Elqui Valley**
Where is it located and what are climatic influences?
* Very far north
* Region follows the River Elqui
* Lack of coastal mountains -> morning fog can reach further inland
43
**Coquimbo - Elqui Valley**
What grape varieties do well in the areas affected by fog?
* **Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc**
* Cooling influence leads to high acidity and fresh fruit flavors
44
**Coquimbo - Elqui Valley**
Where are more extreme vineyards located and what varieties do well?
* Highest vineyards at up to 2,200m at the eastern end of the valley
* Very **intense sunlight and wide diurnal range**
* Deep-colored, intensely fruit flavored and fresh **Syrah** wines
* Other Rhône varieties and Malbec also planted
45
**Coquimbo - Limarí Valley**
Where is the region and where are vineyards located and what are climatic influences based on the location?
* 100km south of Elqui
* Along the Limarí River
* Steep valley through the coastal mountains
* **West**: cooled by morning fog and cool breezes from Pacific and valley cut
* **East**: foothills of the Andes at 1,500m and higher -> cooling influence through altitude
46
**Coquimbo - Limarí Valley**
What is the soil and what effect does it have?
* Pockets of calcareous soils (unusual for Chile)
* Retain moisture well
* Very useful against drought
47
**Coquimbo - Limarí Valley**
What is the most planted white, what the most successful black variety? What other varieties are grown?
* **Chardonnay** (most planted)
* **Syrah** (most successful red wine)
* **both** in a range of styles along the valley (lighter, fresher west; fuller, riper east)
* Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carmenere
48
**Aconcagua**
What are the three important sub-regions?
* Aconcagua Valley
* Casablanca Valley
* San Antonio Valley
49
**Aconcagua - Aconcagua Valley**
What is the difference in climate between the central part and the vineyards along the Pacific?
* Central part: hot and dry
* Pacific: Some of Chile's coolest vineyards, with white wine production dominating
50
**Aconcagua - Aconcagua Valley**
What newly introduced distinction between vineyards becomes especially clear here?
Andes, Entre Cordilleras and Costa sub-divisions
51
**Aconcagua - Aconcagua Valley**
Describe the climate, climatic influences, and rainfall in the central part
* Warm and dry
* Moderated by afternoon breezes from the coast
* Rainfall is low (250mm)
* Irrigation is essential
52
**Aconcagua - Aconcagua Valley**
What varieties and type of wines are produced in the central part of the valley? (aromas, body, tannin, alcohol, varieties)
* Ripe fruit
* Full body
* High tannins
* High alcohol
* Mostly from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
* Plantings of Syrah and Carmenere are increasing
53
**Aconcagua - Aconcagua Valley**
Where do producers go in the central part of the valley to produce a more elegant style? Describe the style (aromas, alcohol, price)
* Cooler sites at the eastern and western ends of the valley
* Fresher, more complex wines
* Lower alcohol
* Smaller-volume
* Mid- to premium priced
54
**Aconcagua - Aconcagua Valley**
What are climatic influences in Aconcagua Costa and what varieties are used?
* Morning fogs and ocean breezes
* Ideal for producing fresh white wines
* Particularly from Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay
* Also Pinot Noir and cool-climate style Syrah
55
**Aconcagua - Aconcagua Valley**
What are climatic influences in Aconcagua Andes and what type of wines does it produce?
* Vineyards at up to 1,000m
* Sunny and warm days
* Cold air from mountains at night
* Large diurnal range
* Red wines with pronounced ripe fruit flavors, balanced by fresh acidity
56
**Aconcagua - Casablanca Valley**
Where are vineyards located and what are the major climatic influences? What is a problem?
* Low hills to the west let cooling ocean breezes through
* Higher hills to the north and east restrict cool, humid air from escaping
* -> one of Chile’s coolest wine-producing regions
* The more west and low, the cooler the climate
* -> Spring frost can be a problem
57
**Aconcagua - Casablanca Valley**
What are the most planted varieties and what is the typical price level?
* Sauvignon Blanc
* Chardonnay
* Pinot (red berry and herbs)
* Syrah (with spicy, peppery aromas from warmer, sheltered sites)
* Mid- to premium-priced (due to small production)
58
**Aconcagua - San Antonio Valley**
Where is it located and what is the major climatic influence?
* South of Casablanca Valley
* Heavily influenced the ocean
59
**Aconcagua - San Antonio Valley**
What is the most important variety? Describe its characteristics (aromas, acidity, body) and name 3 other varieties grown.
* **Sauvignon Blanc**
* Citrus fruit, herbaceous notes, sometimes wet stones
* High acidity
* Medium body
* **Other varieties**
* Pinot Noir, Syrah and Chardonnay
60
**Aconcagua - Leyda Valley**
Where is it located, what is special about this region (incl. influences on grape growing), and what are the main varieties?
* Within San Antonio Valley
* Combination of foggy mornings, cool breezes and bright afternoon sunshine
* Grapes ripen while retaining acidity
* Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah
61
**Central Valley**
Describe the climatic influences, soil, and what types of wines are generally produced here
* Largely sheltered from maritime influences by the coastal ranges
* Grapes are on warm, fertile, well-irrigated plains
* Perfect for producing ripe, fruity, inexpensive red wines (successful on export market)
62
**Central Valley**
Where do producers go to get more complex and elegant wines? What effect does it have on the price?
* Valley sides, either Andean foothills or close to the Pacific
* Only suitable for small production, so wines reach premium or even super-premium levels
63
**Central Valley**
What are the four sub-regions?
* Maipo Valley
* Rapel Valley
* Curicó Valley
* Maule Valley
64
**Central Valley - Maipo Valley**
What is the climate and climatic influences?
* Sheltered from maritime influence by coastal ranges
* Warm and sunny growing conditions
65
**Central Valley - Maipo Valley**
What grape variety is the region known for and what is the typical style? (intensity, aromas, tannins, quality, price)
* **Cabernet Sauvignon**
* Intense aromas of cassis and often a minty character
* High but soft tannins
* Good to very good quality
* Inexpensive to mid-priced
66
**Central Valley - Maipo Valley**
What other grapes are used to produce high-quality wines? What varieties are used for inexpensive wines?
* **Very-good quality**
* Carmenere
* Syrah
* **Inexpensive**
* Merlot
67
**Central Valley - Maipo Valley**
Where are producers increasingly planting vineyards? Describe the altitude and climatic influences. What varieties and in what style are typically grown? (quality and price)
* Vineyards increasingly at high altitude (up to 1,000m)
* At the eastern end of the valley (called "Alto Maipo")
* Cool nights and high diurnal range
* **Fresher, more elegant styles of wine**, mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends
* Very good and outstanding quality wines for super-premium prices
68
**Central Valley - Rapel Valley**
Why is the name rarely used and what are the two sub-zones?
* Because it is sub-divided into two sub-zones
* **Cachapoal Valley**
* **Colchagua Valley**
69
**Central Valley - Rapel Valley - Cachapoal Valley**
What are the climatic influences and soil? What types of wines from what grapes are produced?
* Warmer as largely cut off from maritime influences by the coastal ranges
* Warm, fertile valley floor
* Large volumes of inexpensive red wine
* Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere and Syrah
70
**Central Valley - Rapel Valley - Cachapoal Valley**
What wines does the area around Peumo produce?
* Very good, full-bodied, concentrated Carmenere
* Sheltered from cold weather from the Andes
* However, winds from the coast
* -> Long, warm growing season for late-ripening Carmenere
71
**Central Valley - Rapel Valley - Cachapoal Valley**
Where are highest quality Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah grown?
Cooler eastern end of the valley in the Andean foothills
72
**Central Valley - Rapel Valley - Colchagua Valley**
Describe the two very different styles of wines produced and where they are produced
* Warm, fertile central part: **large volumes of inexpensive**, full-bodied, fruity red wines
* Cooler and/or less fertile areas: some of Chile’s **finest-quality and most expensive wines**
73
**Central Valley - Rapel Valley - Colchagua Valley**
Describe two further locations of vineyards and what grapes are grown there
* **Most western end** (fully exposed to influence from coast): Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
* **Further inland**, just east of coastal ranges (warmer but influence from coastal breezes): Syrah and Carmenere
74
**Central Valley - Curicó Valley**
Where are vineyards planted? How are they supplied with water and what types of wines is the region known for? (incl. grape varieties)
* **Warm, fertile soil**
* Irrigation water from rivers
* **Inexpensive, high-volume red wines**
* Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Chardonnay
75
**Central Valley - Maule Valley**
What was it traditionally known for and what is it developing towards?
* **High volumes of inexpensive wines** from warm, fertile sites in the central part of the valley
* **Very good quality red wines**, from dry-farmed vineyards and old vines
76
**Central Valley - Maule Valley**
From what varieties do 100-200y old bush vines exist and what type of wines does the black variety produce? (color, aromas, acidity, body, tannins, quality)
* **País** and Muscat of Alexandria
* Pale color
* Strawberry and raspberry, often spicy or herbal notes
* Medium acidity
* Medium body
* Low to medium(-) tannins
* Good and very good quality
77
**Central Valley - Maule Valley**
What other black variety, besides País does Maule has significant old bush vine plantings of (where)? Describe the general style (aromas, acidity, tannins, quality, price)
* **Carignan**
* Area of **Cauquenes** in the south, near the coast
* Raspberry, cherry and black plum fruit, often with spicy notes
* Medium(+) to high acidity
* Medium(+) to high tannins
* Very good quality
* Premium priced
78
**Central Valley - Maule Valley**
What other varieties, besides País, Muscat of Alexandria, and Carignan, are grown?
* Cabernet Sauvignon
* Merlot
* Carmenere
79
**Southern Region**
What are the three sub-regions (from north to south)
* Itata Valley
* Bío Bío Valley
* Malleco Valley
80
**Southern Region**
What are the climatic influences, rainfall, and what risks and effects for grape growing result from it?
* Fewer coastal hills further south -> **influence from Pacific**
* **Higher latitude** (36°–38°S) -> longer days for ripening
* **Cooler and wetter** climate (summer temps not too hot)
* Rainfall 1,000mm
* **Fungal disease** can be a problem
* Mitigated through ocean breezes and canopy management
81
**Southern Region - Itata Valley**
What was it previously known for and what is currently happening?
* One of Chile's oldest wine-producing regions
* Mainly very cheap grapes for blending
* **Now**: many leading producers purchase or establish vineyards
82
**Southern Region - Itata Valley**
By what type of vines is it dominated (%) and what varieties are they?
* Old bush vines (> 75% if plantings)
* Muscat of Alexandria
* País (high-quality, distinctive wines; dry-farmed)
* Cinsault
83
**Southern Region - Itata Valley**
Describe the typical style of Cinsault from old bush vines (aromas, acidity, alcohol, quality)
* Red and black fruit flavors with liquorice notes and a saline edge
* Fresh acidity
* Medium alcohol
* Good to very good quality
84
**Southern Region - Itata Valley**
What other varieties (besides existing bush vines) are increasingly planted by newcomers?
* Chardonnay
* Pinot Noir
* Merlot
* Cabernet Sauvignon
85
**Southern Region - Bío Bío Valley**
Describe the two different types of vineyards and varieties grown
* **Dry-farmed, old bush vines** with traditional varieties:
* e.g., País
* Rise in **modern vineyards** with international varieties:
* Pinot Noir
* Chardonnay
* Sauvignon Blanc
* Riesling
* Gewurztraminer
86
**Southern Region - Malleco Valley**
What is the climate and what varieties are grown here?
* Cool climate
* High acidity
* Early ripening varieties
* Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir
87
**Wine Business**
How much wine does it export compared to other nations worldwide? What types of wines are mainly exported? What is the current trend?
* 4th place
* Low avg. value
* Promoting higher-priced wines for export
88
**Wine Business**
What are main export markets?
* China (trade agreement)
* USA
* Japan (trade agreement)
89
**Wine Business**
What businesses are mainly invovled in production of wine?
* 80% of production through 4 companies
* Concha y Toro, Santa Rita, Santa Carolina and San Pedro
90
**Wine Business**
What are two recent movements in businesses involved?
* Foreign investors (e.g., Mouton or Lafite Rothschild)
* Very small wineries emerge producing high quality wine
91
**Wine Business**
What is the domestic wine consumption and what does that mean for exports?
* LOW
* Roughly 20-30% of production
* Exports are VERY important
