Chile

Question 1

What is the regulatory system in Chile?

Answer 1

DO’s (denominations of origin)

Question 2

What is the climate and topography like in Chile?

Answer 2

• fertile soils
• plentiful supply of irrigation water from rivers
• climate is generally hot
• most vines, especially inexpensive are planted on the floor of the Central Valley that runs north-to-south between the Coastal mountain range and the Andes
• benefit from cooling breezes and coastal fogs form the cold Pacific Ocean or increasingly, altitude as vineyards are planted on hillside sites

Question 3

What is the best region for premium Cab, Merlot and blends?

Answer 3

• Maipo

- Rapel Valley (including Colchagua and Cachapoal)

Question 4

What is the best region for premium Chardonnay?

Answer 4

• Casablanca

Question 5

What is the best region for premium Pinot Noir?

Answer 5

• Casablanca

- San Antonio

Question 6

What is the best region for premium SBs?

Answer 6

• Casablanca

- San Antonio

Question 7

About Carménère:

Answer 7

• Very important black grape variety
• Introduced in Chile at the same time with Cab and Merlot- Often used as a blend
• Varietal wines:
• • Deep in color
• • Med-to-full bodied
• • Med or high acidity
• • Med or high alcohol
• • High levels of tannin
• • Flavors of dark fruit (blackberry) and peppery spice
• • When under-ripe, can show pungent green bell pepper and green bean flavors