Chili Flashcards
(146 cards)
1
Q
What happened in the middle of the 20th century?
A
-wine industry in decline due to decline in domestic demand (political isolation)
-half of Chile’s vineyards pulled out in 1980s
2
Q
What happened when Chile returned to a democracy and free market?
A
-1980s/90s producers investing in new technology
-focus to quality wine and export
-re-plantation of vineyards in new areas and mountain regions
3
Q
Is there a big difference in latitude in Chile?
A
-Yes, 30 degrees in the North and 38 degrees in the south
-despite of this, a consistent climate
4
Q
What is the main climate of Chile?
A
-Warm Mediterranean
-Long, sunny dry growing season
-low latitude= intense sunlight
5
Q
What about the annual rainfall in Chile?
A
-North and inland -> low rainfall
-Coastal&south -> more rainfall up to 1200 mm
6
Q
What are 2 weather hazards in Chile? What can it cause?
A
-Winds occuring every 2-10 years
-el niño= higher than average rainfall
-la niña= lower rainfall/drought
-vintage variation (also due to plantings in climatically extreme areas)
7
Q
Name 2 cooling influences in Chile
A
-Pacific ocean
-Andes
-prolonging the growing season and retaining acidities & aromas
8
Q
What runs along the coast of Chile? What does this mean?
A
-low mountains (300-800 metres)
-forms a barrier against influences of the ocean
-vineyards to west of these mountains = fully exposed to ocean influences
9
Q
Explain how Chile gets cooling influences in the more inland areas
A
-Humboldt current from Antartica = cold water thus air
-warm air rises from the land during the day, sucking in cold air -> morning fog which moderates temperatures
-then it burns away due to heat of the day, increasing humidity
10
Q
What happens to the Andes and coastal range in the south?
A
-Create a large,dry and sunny central valley in between
-Grapes for high volume, inexpensive wines
11
Q
Plantings on slopes of coastal ranges or hills in the valley mean what?
A
-provide cooling influences through altitude or aspect
-can yield higher quality grapes
12
Q
Where are vineyards planted near the Andes? What does this mean?
A
-Foothills of the Andes
-cool mountain air descending from the mountain overnight = higher diurnal range
-altitude can also moderate temperatures
13
Q
What is the soil type in river valleys?
A
-fertile
-clay, sand, silt, gravel
14
Q
What is the soil type in the coastal ranges?
A
-less fertile
-gravel, sand and silt
15
Q
What is the soil type in the Andes?
A
-Volcanic, granite
16
Q
What do the dry and sunny growing conditions mean for grapes?
A
-ideal for healthy, fully ripe grapes
-intense sunshine= can ripen reliably with high levels of anthocyanins
17
Q
Are fungal diseases a problem in Chile?
A
-No, due to dry conditions -> spraying not neccessary
-some risk in humid coastal areas
-lots of sustainable and organic viticulture
18
Q
Is irrigation common? If so, where is the water sourced from?
A
-Yes, 85% of vineyards irrigated
-excess pure water from melting snow of Andes brought down by river valleys
-rivers not present? from aquafiers via wells
-but climate change= less snow=less water from andes
19
Q
Apart from el niño/el niña, what is another weather hazard?
A
-Forest fires
-grapes can be affected by smoke taint
20
Q
Chile has remained phylloxera free. What does this mean in terms of plantings?
A
-old bush vines, ungrafted vines
-Pais, Muscat, Carignan and Cinsault
21
Q
Why are grafted vines becoming more popular?
A
To protect against nematodes
22
Q
What is the most planted grape variety in Chile? Since when?
A
-Cabernet Sauvignon
-3/4 of plantings are black grape varieties
-after 1990s: international varieties, especially Bordeaux
23
Q
What was the most common black grape variety planted up to the 1990s, where was it used for?
A
-pais
-inexpensive wine for domestic market
-75% pulled up
24
Q
What has been an emerging trend?
A
-greater diversity
-aromatic varieties: muscat, viognier, riesling
-mediterranean varieties: carignan,cinsault, grenache
25
There is an increasing diversity in wine styles. Name 2
-Inexpensive fruity wines, temp controlled ss, intended for early drinking
-also good to very good, mid-priced to outstanding for (super) premium prices
26
What are winemakers experimenting with?
-less new oak, more old oak
-concrete or use of amphoras
-use of whole bunch and gentler extraction for reds
-whites: more skin contact&lees contact
27
Which grape variety can produce Chile's finest and most expensive wines?
-Cabernet Sauvignon
- single variety or blended with merlot,carmenere or syrah
28
Explain the style of a mid to premium priced Cabernet Sauvignon
-full-bodied
-high, ripe tannins
-pronounced dark fruit (blackcurrant)
-herbaceous character (mint,eucalyptus)
-maturation in at least proportion of new oak -> spicy and toasty
29
What are the best sites for Cabernet Sauvignon?
-poorer soils near Andes
-controls vigour
-cool nights help to retain acidities
30
What style can be expected from inexpensive Cabernet Sauvignon?
-from flat, central valley
-simple, fruity wines
-maybe some herbaceousness and dark fruit but less structure, intensity and complexity
31
For what quality range is Merlot used? explain
-inexpensive mainly from central valley
-well on export markets due to soft tannins, medium body and dark fruit flavours
32
Describe a Carmenere of good to very good quality
-full bodied
-high levels of tannins
-medium acidity
-ripe black fruits (blackberry)
-herbaceous (eucalyptus,bell pepper)
-when oaked: spice, roasted coffee, dark chocolate
33
Why is site selection important for Carmenere?
-ripens 2/3 weeks later than Merlot
-needs warm (not too hot) sites otherwise too herbaceous/harsh tannins
- too ripe= overly alcoholic
34
What style does syrah produce in a cooler climate?
-higher acidity, fresh black fruit
-notes of pepper and cloves
-in: San Antonio, Casa Blanca, Limari&Elqui
35
what style does syrah produce in a warmer climate?
-fuller-bodied
-more intense, riper black fruit flavours
-Colchagua valley
36
Where is Pinot Noir grown? Which style?
-cooler areas: Casablanca, San Antonio
-red fruit with herbal characteristics, med-high alc
37
What is Chile's most planted white grape variety?
Sauvignon Blanc
38
Where can Sauvignon Blanc produce very good quality wine? What is the style?
-In cooler regions:Limari, Casablanca, San Antonio
-high acidity, citrus to tropical, sometimes wet stone or herbaceous
39
What do some winemakers do with Sauvignon Blanc?
-lees contact & oak ageing to add complexity
40
What is another region where Sauvignon Blanc is grown? which style?
-Central Valley
-good quality, inexpensive
41
Name a cool region where Chardonnay thrives well, explain the style
-Limari
-Very good quality
-med (+)-high acidity
-citrus&stone fruits
42
What is the style of Chardonnay in the Central Valley?
-inexpensive
-ripe,tropical fruits
-oaked or unoaked
43
How many DOs does Chile have?
-5:Atacama, Coquimbo, Aconcagua,Central and Southern Valley
-6th added later: austral
-also sub-regions which follow river valleys
44
What are the smaller zones called 'areas'?
-belong to a zone: Apalta as a part from Colchagua
-or: sub-region (where no zone exist) Puente Alta part of Maipo
45
A further set of designations was introduced in 2011. Name these designations
-Costa (coastal influences)
-Andes (mountain influences)
-Entre Cordilleras (areas in between)
-on top of DO system, can be labelled both: Aconcagua Costa or Maipo Andes
46
How many % of grapes must come from DO to be classified?
-75%
-85% for wines exported to EU
47
A single varietal wine must contain ... % of this variety and ... % when exported to EU
-75%
-85%
48
What is the minimum alcohol level for wines with a DO status?
11% abv
49
What do the terms: Superior Reserva (gran, especial, privada) mean?
-higher min. alcohol: 12% reserva (especial) and 12.5% reserva privada&gran
-Reserva Privada/Gran Reserva: min. 6 months in oak
50
What are the 3 DOs of Coquimbo?
-Elqui
-Limari
-Choapa
51
What is the latitde of Coquimbo? What does this mean?
- around 30 degrees = low
-summer temperature high and intense sunlight
52
What are the cooling influences of Coquimbo? Why are they essential?
-Mountains & Pacific ocean
-with low latitude essential to have cooling influences
-delay fruit ripening
53
What style of wines can be produced in Coquimbo?
-intense fruit flavours balanced by fresh acidity
-alcohol levels can be high
54
What does the humbolt current do to Coquimbo?
-brings fogs and cooling breezes to the region
55
What about rainfall in Coquimbo? Explain
-very low
-due to its location: edge of atacama desert
-average rainfall less than 100 mm a year
56
Is irrigation essential in Coquimbo? Wat about the water availability for irrigation?
-Yes
-Reduced snowfall in Andes = water shortage, threatening the region's future wine production
57
Why are wines in Coquimbo often premium priced?
-due to difficult growing conditions and difficult access to the region -> smaller production of wine
58
What is the location of Elqui?
-Most Northern part of Chile's principal vineyards
-Follows the route of river Elqui
59
How can fog in Elqui reach further inland compared to other regions?
-Lack of coastal mountains
-route carved by the river
60
Which grape varieties grow well in the fog affected areas of Elqui?
-Sauvignon Blanc
-Syrah
61
What do the grapes grown under a layer of fog show?
-high acidity
-fresh fruit flavours
62
Are the vineyards in Elqui high? if yes, where can those vineyards be found?
-Yes, highest of Chile up to 2200 metres
-Eastern end of the valley
63
What kind of style results from high altitude plantings in Elqui?
-more intense sunlight& wide diurnal range = deeply coloured, intensely fruit flavoured
64
Where is Limari river located?
-100 km south from Elqui
65
What does the limari river create?
-A narrow steep-sided valley through the coastal mountains
66
Which cooling influence does the west of Limari have?
-morning fog and breezes
-enter from bay to the north where there are no coastal mountains
67
Why are producers also exploring the far east of Limari?
-Due to high altitude of Andes up to 1500 metres = altitude a cooling influence
68
What type of soil is there in Limari?
-Calcareous soils
-Unusual for Chile
69
Why is this soil type so important in Limari?
-Retains moisture
-Important for an extreme dry climate and in years of drought where water availability can be an issue
70
What is the most planted grape variety in Limari? What style does it produce?
-Chardonnay
-full range: lighter body with high acidity at coastal end of valley
-riper, fruitier, fuller bodied styles further inland
71
Which grape variety thrives well in Limari?
Syrah
72
Which other black grape varieties grow in Limari? Where?
-Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carmenere
-warmer eastern end of valley floors
73
What is the weather in the central part of Aconcagua valley?
-warm& dry
-somewhat moderated by afternoon breezes from coast
74
What is the rainfall in Aconcagua?
-250 mm
-irrigation needed
75
Which style of wine is produced from the central part/valley floors of Aconcagua Valley?
-ripe, full bodied, high levels of alcohol& tannins red
-Cabernet Sauvignon & merlot, also some Carmenere& syrah
76
Some producers shift from valley floor to where in Aconcagua Valley? Why?
- cooler sites, to produce fresher, more complex wines -> valley sides and east and west
- smaller volume wines from mid to premium priced
-Aconcagua Costes
-Aconcagua Andes
77
What is the part of Aconcagua Valley called with coastal influences? What is the weather like?
-Aconcagua Costes
-morning fogs and ocean breezes not blocked by hills
78
Which grapes are grown in Aconcagua Costes?
- cooler conditions ideal for fresh white wines
-Chardonnay & Sauvignon Blanc
-also pinot noir & syrah
79
What is the climate in Aconcagua Andes? What are the cooling influences?
-vineyards up to 1000 m
-days: sunny& warm
-cold air descend from mountains at night = higher diurnal range
80
What style of wine is produced in Aconcagua Andes?
-red wines with pronounced ripe fruit flavours but balanced by fresh acidity
81
Where is Casablanca valley located?
- South of Aconcagua Valley
- 30 km inland
82
What makes the grape growing conditions special in Casablanca?
-Low hills to the west do not block influences from ocean
-higher hills in north&east = restrict cool humid air from escaping creating one of Chile's coolest wine-producing areas
83
What are the coolest vineyards of Casablanca?
Most westerly& low lying vineyards
84
Does Casablanca receive moderation at night?
-No
-Not close enough to the coast
-cool nights
85
What do cool nights mean in Casablanca?
- spring frost can be severe in low lying areas
86
What grapes are mostly grown in Casablanca?
-Sauvignon Blanc
-Chardonnay
-some Pinot Noir& syrah
87
What is the style and quality of Pinot Noir in Casablanca?
-high quality
-red berry (wild strawberry), herbal flavours
-mid to premium priced
88
What is the style of Syrah in Casablanca?
-typicial cool climate with spicy peppery notes
89
Where is San Antonio located?
-to the south of Casablanca
90
What is the topography and climate of San Antonio?
-hills to west of coastal range
-heavily influenced by ocean but hills give a range of sites with greater/lesser exposure
91
Which grape variety is the flagship of San Antonio? describe the style
-Sauvignon Blanc
-high acidity, medium body,citrus fruit, herbaceous notes and sometimes wet stone
-also: syrah, pinot noir & char
92
Leyda valley is a sub-zone of...
San Antonio
93
What is the weather of Leyda Valley like? How does this impact grape growing
-only few km from coast = foggy mornings and cool breezes
-together with: afternoon sun
lead to: grapes' flavours to ripen well and retaining acidity
94
What is the quality of wines from Leyda Valley? Name grape varieties
-Sauvignon Blanc & Chardonnay
-Pinot Noir & Syrah
95
What are the weather conditions in the central valley? What does this mean in terms of grape growing?
-largely sheltered from maritime influences by coastal ranges
-warm climate
- grapes grow on warm, fertile soil, well irrigated soils: ripe, fruity, inexpensive red wines
96
Which other sites are a part of central valley? what prices are the wines sold for?
-valley sides
-Andean foothills
-sites with proximity ocean
-small production=premium to super-premium
97
How many sub-regions does the central valley have?
4
98
When are wines labelled as 'Central Valley'
-inexpensive, high-volume
-grapes sourced from different sub-regions
99
Where is Maipo home to in terms of business?
-many family-owned businesses since the 19th century
-still dominating the Chilean wine industry
100
What are the grapegrowing conditions in Maipo Valley?
- sheltered from coastal influences by coastal ranges (san antonio and casablanca are on other side of coastal range= much cooler)
-resulting in warm and sunny conditions
101
Which grape variety is Maipo known for?
Cabernet Sauvignon
102
What style does Cabernet Sauvignon produce on valley floors in Maipo?
-high but soft tannins
-intense aromas of cassis and minty character
-good to very good
-inexpensive to mid priced
103
Which other black grape varieties are grown in Maipo? What quality?
-Carmenere & Syrah -> very good quality
Merlot -> inexpensive
104
What is a trend amongst producers in Maipo? Where is the location?
- plantings up to 1000 m, eastern end of valley
-name: alto maipo with sub-regions Puente alto and Pirque
105
What are the sub-regions of Maipo alto? what style of wine can be produced?
-Puente Alto & Pirque
-very good & outstanding wines
-nights cooled by mountain breezes = wider diurnal range -> more fresh&elegant wines
-Cabernet Sauvignon and bordeaux style blends
106
What is the climate of Cachapoal?
-Warm
-Cut off from maritime influences due to coastal ranges
107
What style of wine is produced in Cachapoal? Why?
-mainly inexpensive red wines from Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere and Syrah
-warm fertile valley floor
108
What style does Peumo produces? Why?
-full-bodied, concentrated carmenere of very good quality
-Lays within winding valley of Cachapoal river -> sheltered from cold weather andes
-also wind funnelled from coast -> reduces frost risk
-long and warm growing season for late ripening carmenere
109
Where are higher quality Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah grown in Maipo?
Cooler Eastern end of valley in Andean foothills
110
Why does Colchagua produce a wide variety of wines?
-Larger than Cachapoal
-From Andes to Pacific coast
111
What style does the warm, fertil central part of Colchagua produce?
-inexpensive red
112
What is an example of a hilly area within the central valley of Colchagua?
Apalta
113
What makes Apalta special? for what prices are wines from Apalta sold?
-south-facing amphitheatre with south-facing slopes (to slow ripening)
-Captures cool breezes from the west
-poor soils to reduce vigour
-very good to outstanding at (super)premium prices
114
Which grape varieties are planted in Apalta?
-Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah & Carmenere
-often blended
-ripe and structured styles
115
What is the climate in the Western end of Colchagua? Which grape varieties grow here?
-fully exposed to the coast -> cooler conditions
-Sauvignon blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
116
What is the climate further inland to the east of the coastal ranges? Which grape varieties grow here?
-warmer conditions
-coastal breezes moderate
-syrah&carmenere are able to ripen fully
117
What is the quality of wine from Curico? What are the influences?
-inexpensive, high-volume red from fertile central valley
-several rivers provide water for irrigation = easy access
-warm&dry summers, sheltered from coastal influences
118
Which grapes grow in Curico Valley?
-Wide variety
-Cabernet Sauvignon & merlot
-Sauvignon Blanc & char
119
Where is Maule Valley located?
-Southern end of the Central Valley
120
What is remarkable about Maule Valley?
Most vineyard plantings of Chile
121
Where was Maule traditionally known for? Where is it known for now?
-inexpensive high volume red from Pais from warm fertile sites
-now: very good quality of old vines and dry-farmed vineyards
122
What is the difference regarding climate compared to Curico in Maule?
-also warm
- slightly cooler with higher rainfall (mainly in winter)
123
Is the rainfall in Maule enough for grape growing?
-Can be enough to sustain the vines over summer and a number of producers choose to dry farm
124
What is the difference between wines from Maule and other more Northerly regions in Chile on valley floors?
-due to cooler climate red wines can be lighter in body and higher in acidity
125
What are the training systems of old vines in Maule? What does this mean?
-bush vines
-100-200 years old of Pais and Muscat de Alexandria
-Although traditionally used for inexpensive wines, now used for good to very good quality wines of Pais
126
Describe a good quality Pais
-pale in colour
-medium-bodied,medium acidity
-strawberry, raspberry, herbal notes
-low - med - tannins
-tannins can be rough -> gentle extraction methods such as carbonic maceration
127
Which international grape variety is also planted in Maule?
-Carignan
- Most of Carignan plantings are in Maule
128
What is VIGNO ?
-A growers association in Maule
-promotes old-vine, dry farmed Carignan
particularly from Cauquenes
129
Where is Cauquenes located? What style of wine is produced there?
-in Maule, south of the region near the coast
-Carignan
-raspberry, cherry, black plum, spicy notes
-medium (+) - high acidity and tannins
-very good, premium priced
130
What is the climate of the Southern Region?
-coastal hills diminish when moving south
-fewer hillsides = less protection from Pacific
-cooler& wetter
-bio bio <1000 mm rainfall (very high)
-summer temperatures not higher than 30
131
Although it is cooler and wetter in the Southern Region, what helps for ripening grapes?
the higher latitude: longer days during growing season
132
What is the risk in the Southern Region with rain? How can this be combatted?
-fungal diseases
-good canopy management and sea breezes can mitigate the risk
133
in Itata Valley, why is there a shift from very cheap grapes used for blends to better quality grapes?
-due to clmate change and water shortage, itata can be interesting for producers
134
Itata is dominated by plantings of... what style does it produce?
-Old bush vines Muscat of Alexandria&Pais
-Muscat: high quality distinctive wines especially when dry farmed
135
What old vine international variety is planted in Itata? describe the style
-Cinsault
-Good to very good
-medium alcohol, fresh acidity, red&black fruit, liquorice
136
What old bush vines are planted in Bio Bio? what international varieties?
-Pais
-also: pinot noir & chardonnay
137
In Bio Bio there is a trend for elegant aromatic varieties. which ones?
-Riesling, Gewurztraminer & Sauvignon Blanc
138
What is the climate of Malleco? Which grape varieties grow here?
-cool climate
-marked by high acidity
-pinot noir, chardonnay & sauvignon blanc
139
Chile is the .... largest exported of the world
4th
140
How many % is exported?
70%
141
Domestic consumption is relatively low, what does this mean for export?
-need to focus on export
-free trade agreements with China & South Korea (tarriff free trade)
-china biggest export market
142
What are the 4 biggest export markets?
-China, USA,Japan,UK
143
Is there a majority of small wineries or large companies in Chile?
-large companies
-80% produced by 4 companies (Concha y toro, Santa Rita,Santa Carolina, San Pedro
144
Where do the large companies source their grapes from?
-Own vineyards in different regions
-or from smaller growers
-they also have wineries in Argentina
145
How did Chile attract foreign investors? Name a few
-relatively cheap land and running costs
-Torres, Mouton Rothschild, Lafite Rothschild
146
What is MOVI?
-Movimiento de viñateros Independientes
-very small wineries and producers
-quality wine, promoting them domestically and on the export markets
