Chile Flashcards
(44 cards)
What mountain range separates Chile beyond its 3,000 miles up the west coast from the rest of the Continent?
The Andes Mountains
What is the capital city of Chile?
Santiago
Name the 6 Denominations of Origin (DOs) in Chile.
Atacama Coquimbo Aconcagua Valle Central (Central Valley) Sur (The Southern Region) Austral Region
What is the new area at the southernmost limit of grape growing in Chile?
The Austral Region
The northern most regions of Chile ( Atacama & Coquimbo) have what type of climate?
Dry, desert-like
-grapes are historically destined for pisco production or table grapes
Where are Chile’s most suitable vineyards for fine wines mostly situated?
In the Central Valley
-to the south of Santiago where the proximity of the Andes cool the temperatures and the Humboldt Current cools the vines
Where are the Coastal Mountains located?
Between the Central Valley and the Pacific Ocean.
What current forces cool sea air inland to affect the Central Valley vineyards during the day?
The Humboldt Current
In comparision to the deserts in the North, describe the climate of the southernmost areas of viticulture for Chile?
- rainfall is higher
- the overall growing season is cooler and shorter
In what year was Chilean Wine Law established?
1995
Vintage, varietal, and Denomination of Origin, if listed on the bottle, must comprise a minimum ____% of the blend according to Chilean wine law.
75%
- only permitted varieties, hybrids are forbidden
- many wineries observe an 85% min. for all 3 categories in order to comply with EU standards for export.
Chilean law requires all wines to show a minimum alcohol content of ____%.
11.5%
Wines labeled “Reserva” and “Reserva Especial” must have a minimum ____% abv.
12%
Wines labeled “Reserva Privada” and “Gran Reserva” require a min. ____% abv?
12.5%
Reserva Especial and Gran Reserva indicate what?
mandatory time in oak
What are the leading grape varietals in Chile after Cabernet Sauvignon and Pais?
Merlot Sauvignon Blanc (and Sauvignon Vert) Chardonnay Carmenere Syah Semillon Pinot Noir Cabernet Franc
What color grape demands the largest total acreage in Chile?
Red-73%
What is the northernmost wine growing region in Chile?
Atacama
- viticulture is only possible through irrigation
- the region’s wines are generally distilled
Name the 3 valleys of Coquimbo.
Elqui Valley DO
Limari Valley DO
Choapa Valley DO
What grape varietal is gaining attention in Elqui’s cool, high altitude vineyards?
Syrah
The limestone soils and cooler climate of Limari are a good match for what grape?
Chardonnay
What sub-region of Coquimbo is located where the Andes and the Coastal Mountains converge?
Choapa
Where does the Aconcagua DO get its name from?
The Aconcagua River
-rather than the Argentinean peak (the highest mountain in the Americas.
What are the 3 valley’s of the Aconcagua Region?
Aconcagua Valley
Casablanca Valley
San Antonio Valley
