Chile

Question 1

When were vines first brought to Chile? Who by? What styles of wine were made?

Answer 1

Spanish settlers brought vinifera in the 1550s, before taking it across the Andes to Argentina.
Earliest vineyards were first planted in N Chile before spreading south to the Central Valley and later the southern regions where large amounts of cheap wine were made.
These wines were unsophisticated by modern standards and made in an oxidative style from varieties such as Pais (Criolla Chica in Argentina) and Muscat.

Question 2

What events in the 19th century saw a boom in Chile’s wine production?

Answer 2

Chile gained independence from Spain, and were then free to exploit the country’s vast mineral resources, and some re-invested their new-found fortunes into vineyards. In 1851, one of them, Silvestre Ochagavia Echazarreta, imported vines from Bordeaux and brought a French winemaker with them.

Meanwhile, an experimental nursery had been established in the 1830s, including stocks of European vines, meaning that when phylloxera ravaged Europe later in the century, many European winemakers were drawn to Chile.

As a result, by the start of the 20th century the wine industry was booming, though the majority of production was basic, cheap wine consumed locally.

Question 3

What events led to the pulling up of vines in the 1980s?

Answer 3

By the middle of the century domestic demand was decreasing and Chile was isolated politically from the rest of the world.
About half of vineyard area had been pulled up by the early 1980s, including in some of what are now considered the best wine growing regions.

Question 4

What events took place in Chile in the 1980s and 90s, and how did they change the wine industry?

Answer 4

The return to democracy and the free market.
P began investing heavily in new technology and shifted their focus to quality wine on the export market.
Large areas of new vineyards were replanted.
New vineyard areas were established, eg in Casablanca, San Antonio and Limari Valleys.
There has been further development in new coastal and mountain regions, and the traditional regions of Itata and Maule are being rediscovered for quality.

Question 5

How has winemaking changed in recent years?

Answer 5

Previously accused of producing cheap and reliable wines that were a little formulaic or uninspiring.
The past decade has seen a move, in line with global trends, to less extraction, less oak and a more elegant style of wine.
Chile has also produced a number of outstanding wines that compete with the best in world markets, and has expanded its range with aromatic whites from cooler, more southern areas.

Question 6

What is the size of Chile, and what is the size of vineyard areas?

Answer 6

The narrowest and second longest country in the world, extending 4,300 km from N to S, but only 175km wide.

Hemmed in by the Atacama Desert to the N, Andes to the E, Pacific to the W and the glaciers of Patagonia so the S, the main vineyard area is only 1000km long, stretching from Elqui Valley in the N (30 degrees S) to the Malleco Valley (38 degrees), and rarely more than 100km wide.
However, in recent years a number of vineyards have been planted in the Atacama desert and further S in Cautin and Osorno

Question 7

What is the general climate of Chile?

Answer 7

Despite covering 8 degrees of latitude the climate is broadly similar. Most have a warm Mediterranean climate with a long, dry growing season, although it becomes cooler and wetter further south.
The low latitude means sunlight is intense.
Annual rainfall varies with northern areas being drier (as low as 80mm in Elqui) and coastal, southern areas being wetter (1200mm in Bio Bio).

Question 8

Why can vintage variation be significant in Chile?

Answer 8

Like other Pacific countries, it is affected by the El Nino/La Nina phenomenon, which occurs every 2 to 10 years.
The former brings much higher than average rainfall, the latter lower or drought conditions.
This, coupled with the fact P are planting in more climatically extreme parts of the country, mean VV can be significant.

Question 9

Where are most vineyards planted? How does this influence climate?

Answer 9

Many are on valleys running E to W, so most of the climatic variation depends on where the vineyards lie from E to W.
The Pacific Ocean and Andes mountains provide a significant cooling influence at either end of the valley, lengthening the growing season and allowing grapes to retain acidity while ripening aromas.

Question 10

What natural factors affect climate?

Answer 10

Along a significant stretch of the coast run a range of low-lying mountains (300-800m) forming a barrier against the influence of the ocean. The vineyard area to the W of these is fully exposed to ocean influences.
The Humboldt current runs up from Antarctica bringing cold water and cool air. As warm air rises from land in the day, cool air is sucked inland. It also creates morning fog which moderates temperatures until burned away by the afternoon sun, and also increases humididty.

Question 11

Where is best for production of high volume, inexpensive wines?

Answer 11

The coastal range and Andes effectively merge to the N of Santiago (in Coquimbo and Aconcagua), but to the S they part to create a large, warm, dry and sunny central valley.

Question 12

Where received cooling influences?

Answer 12

Fogs and breezes entering the valley, moderating vineyards just to the E of the coastal ranges.
Planting on the slopes of coastal ranges or hills also provides a cooling influence either through altitude or aspect, and vineyards here can yield higher quality grapes.

Question 13

What are the growing conditions of E vineyards?

Answer 13

Planted on or near the foothills of the Andes.
Cool mountain air descends at night leading to high diurnal ranges, and altitude, where relevant, can moderate temperatures.

Question 14

What is the range of soils?

Answer 14

River valleys offer fertile soils mainly alluvial in nature, with areas of clay, sand, silt and gravel.
The soil on slopes is less fertile: in coastal ranges there is more gravel with sand and silt, whilst in the Andes, the soil is volcanic, mainly granite.
There is little limestone in Chile, but most significant outcrops can be found in the Limari Valley in the N.

Question 15

Why has there been recent increased interest in single vineyard wines?

Answer 15

In recent years there’s been remarkable advance in the understanding of terroir.

Question 16

What is the current size of Chile? How much does this produce, and how have both these figures fluctuated?

Answer 16

Roughly 137,000 ha under vine.
Area increased rapidly in the 1990s and early 2000s, but has since slightly declined.
Production has also increased greatly, ranging from 3-6m hL in the 1990s to 9-13m hL in the 2010s. There can be marked fluctuations in production each year depending on the effects of El Nino.

Question 17

What do the sunny and dry conditions across the majority of wine regions result in?

Answer 17

Ideal for producing ripe, healthy grapes. Intense sunshine means grapes ripen reliably with high levels of tannins and anthocyanins.
In many areas, the dry conditions means theres very little risk of fungal disease and so no need for spraying. However, in coastal areas where there’s higher humidity fungal disease can be an issue.
Overall, sustainable and organic viticulture is widely practised and enthusiastically promoted by leading producers and trade bodies.

Question 18

What is the state of water availability?

Answer 18

Due to low rainfall, just over 85% of vineyards are irrigated. The exception is in Itata, and to a lesser extent Bio Bio and Maule where vineyards can rely on rainfall and the old vines have root systems deep enough to survive drought years.
Like Argentina, Chile has access to supplies of pure water from melting snow running down the Andes by many river valleys crossing the country.
Where rivers are not present in a region (eg, Casablanca) irrigation may come from aquifers via wells.
However, as a result from climate change, years have been getting drier and snowfall is reducing in the Andes, reducing access to water.

Question 19

What is a key hazard across the country?

Answer 19

Forest fires. Commercial forestry is a huge industry and large plantations (primarily pine and eucalyptus) can fuel major fires.
Vineyards are not usually directly affected, but those nearby can be affected by smoke taint.

Question 20

What is the history of grafting in Chile?

Answer 20

It has remained largely phylloxera free due to geographical barriers and strict quarantine control: considerable plantings of old, ungrafted vines of Pais, Muscat, Carignan and Cinsault in Itata and Maule.
However, many vineyards were planted relatively recently and are grafted to protect against nematodes.

Question 21

What is the key training method?

Answer 21

Traditionally seen a wide variety, VSP is now most common.

Question 22

What is the key method of harvesting?

Answer 22

Mechanisation where possible in the flat vineyards, and increasingly being used in the Central Valley where labour is becoming increasingly hard to find.
Overall the proportion of machine harvesting is low.

Question 23

What is the breakdown of top plantings in Chile?

Answer 23

Black dominates, with 75% of plantings.
Cab Sauv 41%
Sauv B 15%
Merlot 12%
Chardonnay 11.5%
Carmenere 11%
Pais 10%
Syrah 8%

Question 24

Which variety was popular until the 1990s? Where is it now?

Answer 24

Most planted was Pais. Traditionally used for inexpensive wine on the domestic market.
Around 75% of vines have now been pulled up since the 1980s.
However, it is undergoing a revival with some good quality wines being made from old vines in Maule, Itata and Bio Bio

Question 25

Which varieties came to popularity in the 1990s? What confusion followed?

Answer 25

Since the 1990s, there has been a significant shift in focus to international varieties, particularly the Bordeaux varieties. There have been some issues with vine identification in Chile. Carmenere was confused with Merlot and called Chilean Merlot until it was identified in 1994. Similarly, the majority of the vines called Sauvignon Blanc by the Chileans were almost certainly Sauvignonasse and occasionally Sauvignon Gris and have only recently been correctly identified.

Question 26

What is the current state of plantings?

Answer 26

Seeking diversity. Though the top 4 varieties make up 60% of plantings, P are increasingly experimenting with a broad range of different varieties from aromatic whites such as Muscat, Gewurz and Riesling, and to black Med varieties such as Carignan, Cinsaut, Grenache and Mourvedre.

Question 27

What range of styles are being produced now?

Answer 27

Increased diversity. Chile has become a leading supplier of inex fruity wines made in temp controlled steel intended for early drinking. However, it is capable of making wines in the mid category, and outstanding wines in premium and super. A growing number of P, including the largest wineries, are experimenting with less new oak, greater use of old oak, concrete and, occasionally amphorae; greater use of whole bunch and extraction for reds; use of extended skin contact and lees for whites. Rose and sweet wines are being increasingly produced.

Question 28

What is the most planted variety in Chile, and what are the profiles of different methods of production?

Answer 28

Cab Sauv, producing Chiles finest and most expensive wines, either as single varietal or in a blend with Carmenere, Merlot or Syrah. Mid and premium tend to be full bodied with high but ripe tannins and pronounced dark fruit, especially blackcurrant, often with herbaceous characteristic. Maturation in at least a proportion of new oak brings toasty, spicy notes. Inex, fruity wines come from Central Valley. They may show dark fruit and herbaceous, but with less structure, complexity and intensity.

Question 29

What have proven to be the best sites for Cab Sauv?

Answer 29

Near the Andes, where poor thin soils have helped keep vigour in control, and cool nights have slowed ripening and retained acidity.

Question 30

What different styles of Merlot are produced?

Answer 30

Inex from the Central Valley has done especially well on export markets with soft tannins, medium body and dark fruit flavours. Also widely used in blends. More complex, fuller bodied examples with riper fruit charcs are made by producers keeping yields low.

Question 31

What is the history of Carmenere? What is it's profile?

Answer 31

Only officially identified in Chile in 1994, before that it was mistakenly planted as Merlot for many decades. Often used in blends, though increasingly used as a single varietal. Good and v good examples tend to be full bodied with high levels of tannins, medium acidity and ripe dark fruit (blackberry), herbaceous (bell pepper, eucalyptus) and notes of spice, roasted coffee or dark chocolate when oaked.

Question 32

Which variety is site selection important for?

Answer 32

Carmenere, as it ripens 3 weeks later than Merlot and needs warm (but not too hot), sunny sites, otherwise is overly herbaceous with harsh tannins. If allowed to get too ripe, it can become overly alcoholic.

Question 33

Why will Carmenere styles evolve in the future?

Answer 33

Research into clonal selection, site selection, harvest dates, less extraction and oak use in the winery.

Question 34

What is the history of Syrahs plantings? Where is it planted and what's the profile?

Answer 34

Only first planted in the mid 1990s, but have been increasing rapidly. Produces a range of styles: cooler climates San Antonio, Casablanca, Limari and Elqui with higher acidity, fresher black fruit and notes of pepper and clove, to the warmer climate style of Colchagua Valley, fuller bodied with more intense, riper black fruit.

Question 35

What is the profile of PN?

Answer 35

Improving rapidly, especially in cooler areas such as Casablanca and San Antonio. The best wines show red fruits with herbal characters and medium to high alcohol.

Question 36

What is the most planted white grape? Plantings and profile?

Answer 36

Sauv B. Thrives in cooler areas such as Casablanca, Limari and San Antonio, where it can produce very good wines with high acidity and flavours ranging from citrus to tropical sometimes with a hint of wet stones or herbal characs. Some P use lees and oak to add complexity. Large amounts of inex Sauv B are made in Central Valley.

Question 37

Where is Chardonnay widely grown? Profile?

Answer 37

Cool areas, especially Limari, are increasingly becoming recognised as a source of very good quality wine. They have medium + to high acidity with citrus and stone fruit flavours. Large amounts of inex wines are made in Central Valley, with ripe tropical fruit flavours. Wines can be oaked or unoaked.

Question 38

What is the largest geographical definition? When was it introduced?

Answer 38

1995, Chile created a system of Denominaciones de Origen (DOs). 5 main regional DOs were introduced: Atacama, Coquimbo, Aconcagua, Central and Southern, largely along political boundaries. A 6th, Astral, was later added.

Question 39

What is the second largest geographical designation?

Answer 39

Further divided into sub-regions which tend to follow river valleys. e.g, Central Valley was divided into the Maipo, Rapel, Curico and Maule Valleys

Question 40

What are the smallest 2 geographical designations?

Answer 40

Later, smaller zones were created within sub-regions, eg Colchagua and Cachapoal Valleys within Rapel Valley. There’s a growing number of smaller DOs called ‘areas’. They either belong to a zone, eg, Apalta is part of Colchagua Valley, or sub-region (no zone exists), eg, Puenta Alta belongs to the sub-region of Maipo Valley.

Question 41

What designation has been made across the country from E to W? Why?

Answer 41

Chile has greater diversity in soils and climate from E to W than N to S. To reflect this, a further set of designations was introduced in 2011, splitting the valleys into Costa (coastal influence), Entre Cordilleras (area between) and Andes (mountain influence). This can be applied to the existing DO system, eg Aconcagua Costa or Maipo Andes. Producer take-up has been slow.

Question 42

What legislation applies to DO wines?

Answer 42

To qualify, 75% of grapes must come from that region (or 85% if exporting to the EU, in line with EU legislation). Varietally labelled wines must be 75% (85% to EU). DO wines must have a minimum alcohol 11.5%.

Question 43

What are the number of other legally recognised labelling terms? What do they represent and what is their use case?

Answer 43

Superior, Reserva, Reserva Especial, Reserva Privada and Gran Reserva. Very little meaning except they have higher minimum alcohol requirements: 12% for Reserva and Reserva Especial, 12.5% for Reserva Privada and Gran Reserva. Red wines labelled Riserva Privada and Gran Reserva must be aged in oak for a minimum of 6 months. Some P use these terms to distinguish wines within their portfolio, but more commonly use different branding and label design to indicate wines of different price and quality levels.

Question 44

What are the 4 main wine producing regions, from N to S?

Answer 44

Coquimbo Aconcagua Central Valley Southern

Question 45

What has Coquimbo historically been used for? What’s the current use case? How many DOs?

Answer 45

Traditionally table grapes and those destined for Pisco (grape brandy) production were grown, but since the 1990s winemakers have started to recognise its potential for producing high-quality wine. 3 DOs: Elqui, Limari and Choapa.

Question 46

What is the general climate in Coquimbo?

Answer 46

At this low latitude (Elqui is 30d S), summer temps are high and sunlight is intense: cooling influences from the mountains and Pacific coast are essential to delay ripening, producing wines which show intense fruit flavours balanced by fresh acidity. Alcohol levels can be high.

Question 47

What is the state of water availability in Coquimbo?

Answer 47

While the Humboldt current brings morning fogs and cooling breezes, it brings no rainfall: Coquimbo is situated on the edge of the Atacama dessert, the worlds driest dessert, and average rainfall is less than 100mm. Irrigation is essential but reduced snowfall in the Andes in recent years has led to water shortages and is threatening the regions viability for wine production, just as it’s beginning to gain an international reputation.

Question 48

What is the main scale of production in Coquimbo?

Answer 48

Difficult growing conditions and difficulty to access (coastal ranges and Andes meet here) mean the focus is on smaller batch production which can be premium.

Question 49

Where does Elqui lie? How does topography influence viticulture?

Answer 49

The N most of Chile’s principal wine growing regions, around 400km N of Santiago. The wine region follows the route of River Elqui, from plains near the coast, through low rolling hills and into the Andes. The lack of coastal mountains and the route covered by the river means morning fog can reach further inland than other regions. Syrah and Sauv B have shown well in fog influenced areas, having fresh fruit and high acidities. Here is also home to some of Chiles highest vineyards, up to 2,200m at E end. The even more intense sunlight and wide diurnal range produce deep-coloured, intensely fruit flavoured, yet fresh Syrah. Other Rhone varieties and Malbec show promise.

Question 50

Where does Limari lie? Topography and soils?

Answer 50

100km S of Elqui. The Limari River cuts a narrow, steeply sided valley through the coastal mountains. The W of the region is cooled by morning fog and cool breezes that enter from the bay to the N (where there’s no coastal mountains). Some P are exploring the far E of the valley, on sites up to 1,500m and higher. Unusually for Chile there’s pockets of calcerous soils which retain moisture well, extremely useful in desert like conditions and in years where drought is an issue.

Question 51

Which varieties perform well in Limari?

Answer 51

Chardonnay is most planted, ranging from lighter and crisper in the W, and riper, fuller styles in the E. P are also experimenting with PN in these soils, but so far Syrah has proved the most successful red wine, in a range of styles along the valley. The warm E end of the valley floor provides good growing conditions for Cab Sauv, Merlot and Carmenere.

Question 52

What is an overview of the Aconcagua region?

Answer 52

Home to 3 important sub-regions: Aconcagua San-Antonio Casablanca. These offer a greater diversity of soils and microclimates than anywhere else in Chile. eg, central part of Aconcagua Valley if hot and dry, whereas the vineyards along the Pacific are some of the coldest in Chile, and white dominates.

Question 53

How does climate vary in Aconcagua Valley?

Answer 53

The distinction between Costa, Entre Cordilleras and Andes is maybe the greatest in Aconcagua Valley: P have been among the first to start adopting them on their label

Question 54

What is the general climate, water availability and resulting prominent wine styles in central Aconcagua?

Answer 54

Warm and dry, though slightly moderated by afternoon breezes from the coast. Rainfall is around 250mm and irrigation is essential. Built a reputation for ripe, full bodied red wines with high alcohol and high tannins, esp from Cab Sauv and Merlot, though Syrah and Carmenere are on the rise.

Question 55

How are producers in Aconcagua achieving producing fresher, more complex wines with lower levels of alcohol?

Answer 55

They've started to move away from the valley floor to cooler sites on the sides and at the E and W end of the valley. These tend to be smaller production and command mid and premium prices.

Question 56

Which style of wine is produced in Aconcagua Costa?

Answer 56

As morning fogs and breezes are relatively unimpeded by hills and create conditions which are ideal for producing fresh white wines, esp from Chard and Sauv B, but also PN and cool climate Syrah.

Question 57

What style of wine is produced in Aconcagua Andes?

Answer 57

Vineyards rise up to 1000m. Days are sunny and warm, but cold air descends at night, leading to a large diurnal range. It generally produces reds with pronounced ripe fruit balanced with high acidity.

Question 58

Where does Casablanca Valley lie? What natural factors influence climate?

Answer 58

S of Aconcagua, it extends only 30km inland. Low hills to the W do little to diminish the influence of the ocean, while higher hills to the N and E restrict cool, humid air from escaping: one of Chiles coolest wine regions. There is still variation, with the most W sites being the coolest.

Question 59

What's a key climatic hazard in Casablanca Valley?

Answer 59

It's not near enough to the coast to receive much moderation at night, and such cold nights in low lying vineyards mean spring frosts can be particularly severe.

Question 60

When were first plantings in Casablanca Valley? What styles are produced now?

Answer 60

As recently as 1980, but quickly established a reputation for white wines, esp Sauv B and Chard. There are some high quality reds too: PN with red berry (strawb) and herbal notes, and from the warmer more sheltered sites: cool-climate Syrah with spicy, peppery characs. Due to relatively small production, wines tend to be mid to premium.

Question 61

Where does San Antonio Valley lie? Climate and styles?

Answer 61

S of Casablanca Valley within Aconcagua. An area of undulating hills W of the coastal range. Heavily influenced by the ocean, but its hills give a range of sites with greater or lesser exposure to the ocean, and a variety of aspects and soil types. Sauv B is flagship (high acidity, medium body and flavours of citrus fruit alongside herbaceous notes and sometimes aromas of wet stones), alongside Chard, PN and Syrah.

Question 62

Where is the Leyda Valley located? Plantings, climate and styles?

Answer 62

The first vineyards were only planted in this zone within San Antonio in the late 1990s, but has since become known for the quality of its production. Located a few km from the coast, the combo of foggy mornings, cool breezes and bright afternoon sunshine allow flavours to ripen while retaining acidity. Sauv B, PN, Chard and Syrah are key.

Question 63

Where does the Central Valley lie? What natural factors affect the climate and the style of wine its most well known for?

Answer 63

Stretches S from Santiago between the coastal ranges and the Andes. The vast majority of Chilean wine comes from this region. Largely sheltered from maritime influences by the coastal ranges, grapes grow prolifically here on the warm, fertile, flat, well-irrigated plains, making it well suited for producing the ripe, fruity, inexpensive red wines which have made Chile so successful on the export market.

Question 64

Where are producers who are seeking to produce higher quality, more complex and elegant wines within the Central Valley looking to plant?

Answer 64

They've begun to exploit the variety of soils and conditions offered by the valley sides, the Andean foothills and the parts of the valleys closest to the Pacific. These tend to be suitable for only small-batch production, so prices are premium or often even super premium.

Question 65

Mums Rate Chilean Merlot

Answer 65

Central Valley Sub-regions. Maipo Rapel Curico Maule

Question 66

Where does the Maipo Valley lie? What is it known for?

Answer 66

The N most of Central Valley sub-regions, and surrounds the capital Santiago. Vines have been grown here almost since the capital was established in the 1500s, and it is still home to many family wineries which were established in the 19th century and continue to dominate the Chilean wine industry.

Question 67

What natural factors influence climate in Maipo, and what are key styles?

Answer 67

Coastal ranges shelter from any ocean influence (for eg, Casablanca and San Antonio are on the other side of the ranges, and are much cooler). Plantings are dominated by black grapes, and the region is especially known for Cab Sauv, which, from valley floor sites have high but soft tannins, intense aromas of cassis and often minty. Good to v good and inex to mid. Very good Carmenere and Syrah also grown. Merlot grown for inex wines.

Question 68

Where can you find very good - outstanding and premium to super wines within Maipo?

Answer 68

The Alto Maipo: Maipo is almost entirely surrounded by mountains and P are increasingly planting at altitude (up to 1000m) at the E end. This region and the sub-regions Puente Alto and Pirque have become known for these styles. Nights cooled by mountain breezes result in a wider diurnal range, producing fresher, more elegant styles of wine, mainly Cab Sauv and Bordeaux style blends.

Question 69

Where does the Rapel Valley lie? Why do you rarely see the name on the label?

Answer 69

Runs S from Maipo (in Central). The main viticultural area has been split into 2 zones named after the rivers that merge to form the Rapel River: Colchagua and Cachapoal.

Question 70

Where is the Cachapoal sub-region located? What styles of wine are produced?

Answer 70

The more N of the two sub-regions in Rapel. The warmer as cut off from maritime influences by the coastal ranges. The warm, fertile valley floor generally produces large volumes of inex reds, esp cab Sauv, Carmenere and Syrah. The area around Peumo is recognised for producing very good, full bodied, concentrated Carmenere. The highest quality Cab Sauv and Syrah tend to be grown at the cooler E end in the Andean foothills.

Question 71

Where is Peumo located? What styles of wine is it known for?

Answer 71

An 'Area' within the Cachapoal 'zone'. Recognised for producing very good, full bodied, concentrated Carmenere. It's location within the winding valley of Cachapoal river means it's sheltered from cold weather from the Andes, yet experiences winds funnelled from the coast: reduces frost risk and ensures a long, warm growing season for late-ripening Carmenere.

Question 72

Where does the Colchagua Valley lie? Topography and wine styles?

Answer 72

Larger than Cachapoal, extending from the Andes to the Pacific coast: produces a wide range of wines. Warm, fertile flat central produces large volumes of inex, full bodied, fruity red wines but, as elsewhere, viticulture has expanded into cooler and/or less fertile areas, allowing Colchagua to develop a reputation for producing some of Chiles finest quality and most expensive wines.

Question 73

Where is Apalta located? What style of wine is it known for?

Answer 73

An 'area' within the Colchagua 'zone'. The centre of Colchagua is home to hilly areas that have proven suitable for the production of very good and outstanding wines selling for premium and super premium. Apalta is one example of this. A S facing amphitheater, it captures cool breezes from the W, provides S facing slopes that slow ripening, and is based on poor soils reducing vigour. Cab Sauv, Syrah and Carmenere, often blended, can produce ripe but structured wines.

Question 74

Which styles of wine are produced in the W end, and just over the coastal ranges within Colchagua?

Answer 74

W: vineyards are exposed to Pacific and the cooler conditions are ideal for Sauv B, Chard and PN. A little further inland, just E of coastal ranges, conditions are warmer but ocean breezes provide moderating influences. Black varieties such as Syrah and Carmenere are able to fully ripen.

Question 75

What is Curico Valleys reputation? Climate, water availability and plantings?

Answer 75

Inex, high volume wines planted on fertile lands in the central part of the valley. Several rivers flowing through the region means irrigation water is easier to source than in other regions. Summers are warm and dry, largely sheltered from any coastal influence. A range of varieties are grown, though Cab Sauv, Sauv B, Merlot and Chard are mostly grown. Another diverse region with a wide range of soils and climates, and some P are experimenting with different styles but the potential is yet to be explored.

Question 76

Where is Maule Valley located? What is it known for?

Answer 76

A sub-region at the S end of Central Valley. Has more plantings than anywhere else in Chile. Traditionally known for being a P of high volume inex wines. It still produces these from fertile sites in the central part of the valley, but is increasingly becoming known for being a P of very good reds from dry farmed, old vine vineyards.

Question 77

What is the general climate and water availability of Maule? Resulting styles?

Answer 77

Similar to Curico, though slightly further south so slightly cooler with more rainfall, that tends to fall mainly in winter. Can be enough to sustain the vines in the growing season giving P the option to dry farm. Cooler climate: reds are lighter in body and higher in acidity than many valley floor wines from further N.

Question 78

What unique style of wine is Maule becoming known for? Profile?

Answer 78

As one of Chiles oldest producing regions it has significant stocks of old vines, notably Pais and Muscat of Alexandria, many of which are between 100 and 200 years old. Traditionally grapes were used to make inex wines for the local market but interest has been revived recently, and good and very good styles of wine have started to be produced, especially of Pais. Generally pale in colour, medium bodied with medium acidity and aromas of strawberry and raspberry, often accompanied with spicy or herbal notes. Tannin level is generally low med -, but can be rough in nature: gentle extraction and techniques such as carbonic maceration is often deployed.

Question 79

Where has the highest plantings of Carignan? History and profile?

Answer 79

Maule, with many old bush vines dating back to when the variety was first introduced in the 1940s. It's undergoing a revival, largely thanks to VIGNO, a self-regulating growers association that promotes old vine, dry farmed Carignan especially from Cauquenes in the S of the region towards the coast. Raspberry, cherry and black plum, often with spicy notes and med + to high tannins. V good and premium.

Question 80

Which plantings have been on the rise in Maule?

Answer 80

Commonplace Chilean varieties: Cab Sauv, Merlot and Carmenere. Expanding into the foothills of the Andes, where cooler conditions mean white grapes can successfully grow.

Question 81

What is an overview of Southern Region: sub-regions, climate, topography, rainfall and canopy management?

Answer 81

3 sub-regions; from N to S Itata, Bio Bio and Malleco. Coastal hills diminish the further S you go and, with fewer hillsides to protect from Pacific ocean, the climate is cooler and wetter. Eg, in Bio Bio rainfall regularly exceeds 1000mm and summer temps rarely exceed 30 celsius. Fungal disease can be a problem, though ocean breezes coupled with good canopy management can mitigate risk. Despite cooler days, the higher latitude (36-38) means days are longer, helping ripening.

Question 82

Where is Itata Valley located? Why has it recently seen a revival?

Answer 82

Furthest N sub-region within Southern Region. Produces mainly very cheap grapes for blending, but recently many leading P have purchased or established vineyards over concerns about climate change and water shortages.

Question 83

What styles of wine are found in Itata?

Answer 83

Newcomers are planting modern varieties: Chard, PN, Merlot and Cab Sauv, but the region is dominated by old bush vines (3/4 of vineyard area) of Pais and Muscat of Alexandria, which are being rediscovered as sources of high-quality, distinctive wines, especially when dry farmed. Itata also have some old vine Cinsault, producing some good and v good wines with medium alcohol, fresh acidity, and red and black fruit with liquorice and a saline edge.

Question 84

What styles of wine are found in Bio Bio Valley?

Answer 84

Some dry-farmed, old bush vines with a mix of traditional varieties in the region. Also many modern vineyard plantings with international varieties which have seen a significant increase this century. PN and Chard, and P are seeing the potential in aromatic whites such as Sauv B, Gewurz and Riesling.

Question 85

What is the Malleco Valley home to?

Answer 85

The most S of Chiles established wine producing regions. Currently only home to a handful of P. Cool climate means early ripeners dominate: Chard, Sauv B and PN. Wines are marked by high acidity.

Question 86

Where does Chile sit in the conversation of exports?

Answer 86

The 4th largest wine exported in the world, with around 70% of production exported. In 2018 that equated to 9.3m hL at a value of over 1,680m €. This represents a low value per unit volume, with only Spain and SA out of the major exporters representing a lower value to volume ratio. Current campaigns by promotional body, Wines of Chile, are focused on the promotion of mid, premium and super premium wines to encourage the image of Chile as a top producer.

Question 87

What is the state of domestic wine consumption in Chile?

Answer 87

Relatively low for a producer company, at 2.3m hL in 2018, making focus on exports all the more important.

Question 88

How has Chile succeeded on the export markets? Which countries are its top market?

Answer 88

The economy is one of the strongest in S America, and as heavily focused on exports it has signed a number of free trade agreements, notably with China and S Korea (which allow tariff-free trade). This approach has had a significant impact with China now being its largest export market. The next most important are the USA, Japan (also benefits from a trade agreement, with reduced import tariffs) and the UK. Exports to other S America countries are also strong, with Brazil as Chile's 5th largest market, helped by the MERSCOUR free trade area.

Question 89

Who accounts for 80% of Chilean wine production? What's their history and current state of affairs?

Answer 89

Although smaller wineries are being established in the smaller regions, Concha y Toro, Santa Rita, Santa Carolina and San Pedro, all of which can trace their history back to Chile's first wine boom in the 1850s. They each own vineyards across different regions, and source grapes from a significant number of smaller growers. As well as numerous brands and wineries in Chile, they each own wineries in Argentina too.

Question 90

Which foreign investors has Chile attracted? Why?

Answer 90

Has attracted a number, such as Torres, Mouton Rothschild, Lafite Rothschild and Jackson Family Wines, who were attracted by relatively cheap land and running costs (though has to be offset against the cost of importing materials and equipment).

Question 91

What is MOVI and what does it represent?

Answer 91

Movimiento de Vinateros Independientes. A product of the emergence of very small wineries and producers in the last decade within Chile, of which a number of them are part of MOVI, a group of small P making quality wines promoting themselves together in the export and domestic markets.