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45 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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what area of mexico had first vinefera grapes and still considered best area
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gaudalupe valley
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what are the 4 major regions of chile?
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maipo, rapel, curico, maule
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what is aregentina's most widely planted red grape?
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bonarda
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what are the 2 main growing regions of argentina
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zona alta del rio mendoza
valle de uco |
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Argentina
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South of Bolivia and Paraguay, west of Uruguay, east of Chile. On the Atlantic Ocean. The wine-making region in Argentina ranges between the 22° and 42° South latitude. It spreads at the foothills of the Andes mountain range along over 2,400 km; from the province of Salta to the province of Río Negro, with a variety of climates and soils that makes each region a unique land
Climate: Generally semi-desert conditions, with hot days and cool nights. Significant diurnal temperature differences. Temperatures can range from 10ºC at night to 40ºC during the day. Long dry summers and autumns. Rain and hail can be issues. Soil Type(s): Soils range from sandy to clay. Soils are deep, permeable, and poor in organic matter. Practices and Special Issues: Water for irrigation is plentiful. Most vines are ungrafted, although there is some phylloxera is present and spreading. Long, dry summers and ample irrigation has led to very high yields in the past. Highly developed systems of flood irrigation through canals and ditches. Drip irrigation, however, is gaining ground. High yields are still common. Varietal(s): Torrontes, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Ugni Blanc, Muscat, with small amounts of Riesling, Pinot Gris, Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier. Malbec, Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo, some Syrah and Pinot Noir. ‘Pink’ varieties have traditionally dominated. Criollas and Cereza account for over half of the total crop, and are used for bulk wine production. The shift towards white wine drinking in the 1980s led to more plantings of white varieties. Industry Notes: 5th largest wine-producing region in the world, and the largest in South America. Strong local consumption keeps exports to a relative minimum. |
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Patagonic Region
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Argentina
The Patagonic region was the last one to become a viticultural area. Vine growing is a secondary activity. The main agricultural activity is fruit and vegetable growing. The provinces of Neuquén and Río Negro are the southernmost limit of vitis vinifera in Argentina. Vineyards are located at lower altitudes than in other Argentine viticultural areas to avoid excessively low temperatures. Patagonic crops are a constant presence along the margins of abundant mountain rivers: the Limay, Neuquén, Río Negro and Colorado rivers. Young, alluvial soils. The most representative wines of this region are white varietals like Semill6n. Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. |
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• Subregion Río Negro
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ArgentinaPatagonic Region
The climate here is slightly cooler and wetter than in Neuquén. Probably the most suitable area for fine wine production. One of the most southerly wine regions in the world. Only accounts for 10% of Argentina’s vineyard area. Area needs to attract more foreign investment. |
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Northwestern Region Argentina
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Argentina
Covers the provinces of Salta, Catamarca, La Rioja and Tucumán. Located between 22° and 29° south latitude. Torrontés Riojano, introduced in this region by missionaries in the 16th century, grows next to varieties such as Chardonnay, Chenin and Cabernet Sauvignon, in terroirs located at 1,000 to 1,800 meters above sea level. The towns of Santa Maria, Tinogasta and Andalgalá in the province of Catamarca and Airnachá del Valle, in the northern end of the province of Tucumán, have ranked as excellent producers of table grapes and high quality fine wines, especially white wines made from Torrontes grapes. |
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• Calchaqui Valleys
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Argentina
Northwestern Region In Salta, Cafayate is considered the most important denomination, accounting for more than 70% of the planted vineyards. La Poma, Cachi, San Carlos and Molinos also stand out as wine producing areas. Sandy soils supply excellent drainage conditions. Irrigation water is supplied by rivers that have formed the valleys of Calchaquí and Santa María. o Subregion Salta: While this region produces less than 5% of the country’s total output, it is considered the 2nd most important region in Argentina. Home to the highest vineyards in the world. o Subregion Cafayate: Top-quality Torrontés. |
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• Catamarca Valleys
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Argentina
Northwestern Region Several varieties of vitis vinifera are grown, among them Torrontés Riojana and Bonarda. Notorious differences in relief cause climate variations that account for the existence of two well defined viticultural areas, the Western and the Eastern Valleys. The Western Valley receives low rainfall, and vines are grown mostly for table grapes and raisins. The Eastern Valleys get twice as much rainfall. Temperatures are higher and summers are hot. Almost all the wineries in this area are located in the Eastern Valleys. The main viticultural areas are Tinogasta (with 70% of total production), Fiambalá, Belén and Capayán. o Subregion Catamarca: Relatively small area. Most of the grapes go into brandy production. Some quality Pinot Noir apparently from Penaflor and Lavaque wineries. |
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• La Rioja Valleys
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Argentina
Northwestern Region Chilecito, Anguinan, Famatina and Nonogasta are the main viticultural areas in this subregion’s production, where most of the vineyards are flanked by two low mountain chains, Famatina on the west and Velazco on the east. The grapes of this region are used to make wines with high sugar concentration and low acidity. They are highly aromatic varieties including the Torrontés Sanjuanina, Muscat of Alexandria and Torrontés Riojana. Torrontés Riojana is the most suitable variety for this subregion. |
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• Central Region
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Argentina
The Central Region is considered the stronghold of Argentina's viticultural industry. This region covers the San Juan Valleys and the five subregions within the province of Mendoza. Mendoza and San Juan together have more than 92% of the country's total vineyard acreage. Low relative humidity and scarce rainfall (between 100 and 350 mm per year). |
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• San Juan Valleys
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Argentina
Center-West Region This area, Argentina’s second largest, is mostly dedicated to the mass market. Vineyards are located in fertile valleys irrigated by the Jachal and San Juan rivers. More than 46,000 hectares of vineyards grown in San Juan are spread in the Tulum Valley, Jachal Valley, Calingasta, Iglesia, Zonda Valley, Ullum Valley, and Perdenal Valley. Summer temperatures in these valleys are very high. The region has very well differentiated soils. The eastern river margins have sandy, clay soils that are very fertile and shallow. The western river margins, with gravel and clay sediments, offer more suitable soils for growing grapes. The valleys of Calingasta and Jachal, situated at higher altitudes, provide cooler summers and temperature variation for varieties such as the Torrontés Riojano, Muscat of Alexandria, Torrontés Sanjuanina, Bonarda, and Syrah. |
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• Central Mendoza Region
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Argentina
Mendoza This region, located in Mendoza, is also called the First Region. It includes the vineyards of most of Maipú and Luján and a smaller area of the departments of Las Heras and Guaymallén. Also Perdriel, Agrelo, and Ugarteche. The soil contains fine alluvial sediments on the surface with sand, lime, and clay on gravel subsoil. It is organically poor. The climate is temperate, warm, sunny, and arid, with little rainfall and moderate humidity. Many of the best-known bodegas are located here. o Subregion Maipú: o Subregion Luján de Cuyo: Recognized for premium Malbec production. Has substantial plantings of old vines. o Subregion Agrelo: High altitude vineyards which have recently begun to develop an outstanding reputation for Malbec. |
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• Uco Valley Region:
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Argentina
Mendoza Located to the southwest of Mendoza. Although a relatively new region, already producing some of Argentina’s best wines. The Tunuyán and Tupungato rivers are the backbone of the Uco Valley. The valley extends over a broad area of the departments of San Carlos, Tunuyán and Tupungato. Similar to the other subregions of the Central Region, but vineyards in the Uco Valley grow at the highest altitudes in the whole region, between 900 and 1,200 meters above sea level. Altitude is responsible for high acidity, which must be controlled by malolactic fermentation in some cases. Foreign investment has increased dramatically in this area recently. The most widely cultivated varieties are Malbec, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. White varieties are also grown: Torrontés Riojano, Semil1ón (the most planted white grape in the valley), Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. o Subregion Tupungato: The highest and most westerly subregion in Mendoza. Chardonnay is the most planted grape in the region, but some reds from Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon are also produced. o Subregion Tunuyán: o Subregion San Carlos: |
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• East Mendoza Region
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Argentina
Mendoza Has the largest plantings in the province, but is better known for quantity than quality. Vineyards are located at lower altitudes than Central Mendoza of the Uco Valley. This is the hottest region in Mendoza. Includes the districts of San Martín, Junin, Rivadavia, and Santa Rosa. Although is has traditionally been dismissed as a source of basic wines, warm climate varietals such as Torrontés, Bonarda, Tempranillo, Malbec, and Syrah have prospered recently. o Subregion Maipú: o Subregion Luján de Cuyo: Recognized for premium Malbec production. Has substantial plantings of old vines. o Subregion Agrelo: High altitude vineyards which have recently begun to develop an outstanding reputation for Malbec |
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• North Mendoza Region
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Argentina
Mendoza : Mediocre reputation. Covers 4 districts: Guaymallen, San Martín, Las Heras, and Lavalle. This area has a low altitude. The soils are shallow, somewhat salty and fairly permeable in the lower areas, making this area suitable for the production of fruity whites and young reds. Best known for soft, everyday whites from Chenin Blanc, Torrontés, and Pedro Ximenez. |
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• South Mendoza (or San Rafael) Region:
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Argentina
Mendoza The departments of General Alvear and San Rafael constitute the southernmost crop-producing area of the province. The southern vineyards are at a lower altitude than vineyards in the rest of this region. A semi-detached region 150 miles southeast of Mendoza City. Accounts for 18% of the province's planted vineyards and produces relatively unknown wines. Soils are of the limy, alluvial type. A cooler climate, and the main grape is Chenin Blanc. Also Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. |
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Chile
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Long narrow country on the west coast of South America, just south of Peru and west of Bolivia and Argentina. No more than 120 km across at its widest point.
Dry table wines predominate, especially Carmenère, Sauvignon Blanc, and increasingly Cabernet Sauvignon. Climate: 5000 km of coastline, with the Andes Mountains to the east, extensive desert to the north, Pacific to the west, and the Antarctic region to the south. Most of the wine is produced between the latitudes of 32º-38º south. Steady, long ripening season. Day after day of sunshine, with a nightly descent of cool air from the Andes. Summer is virtually rainless. Hot sun is tempered by cool breezes off of the Pacific and Humboldt Current. Soil Type(s): Diverse, due to volcanoes, glaciers, desert, and ocean. Alluvial, clay, and loams. Flat, fertile land in parts, although there are mineral deficiencies for grapes. Practices and Special Issues: Chile is free of phylloxera. Irrigation is essential in almost half of the vineyard areas. Ample water supply from the Andes. Drip irrigation was introduced in the 1990s. Some bore holes to access water. The past approach was to train for maximum yield. Over-cropping during the 1990s led to boring wines. Aim now is more for quality. Varietal(s): The main grape varieties are: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carmenère, País, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc (and Sauvignonasse), Sémillon, Torrontel (aka Torrontés), Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Malbec. Vine identification has been a problem. Most ‘Sauvignon Blanc’ was Sauvignonasse (aka Tocai Friulano). Some real Sauvignon Blanc has since been planted. Some of what was called Merlot was Carmenère (aka Grand Vidure). Red grapes make up 70% of Chile’s total plantings, white grapes 30%. Cabernet Sauvignon accounts for 36% of total plantings, Merlot (including Carmenère) 11.5%, and Carmenère, now correctly identified, 6%, giving these Bordeaux grapes 53% of total plantings and 70% of all red grapes plantings. País (once thought to be Tempranillo) as of 2004 makes up only 13% of total plantings. Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc plantings each make up 29% of white varietals. Curiously, Muscat d’Alexandrie is the third most planted white variety with 6,000 ha, giving it 23% of white grapes. Semillon has 1.5% of total plantings, and Viognier accounts for 0.7%. Overview: Chile’s wine appellation laws were drawn up in 1994 and use the county’s administrative regions as the framework for demarcating the various different wine regions, such as Maipo and Maule. (For reference, Chile has 13 administrative regions [perhaps 15 by 6/18/2007, see http://www.statoids.com/ucl.html for updates then], which have both numerical denotations (I-XIII) and names—e.g. Valparaiso for Region V.) Though this system deserves criticism for being too broadly focused and with administrative rather than wine-growing divisions at its heart, it has nonetheless provided a serviceable structure within which Chilean wine has been able to evolve in a relatively progressive manner. However, as there is an ever greater focus on individual wine-growing sites in Chile and a consequent need to provide a regulatory structure to cater to smaller scale developments, there will be increasing pressure to reform this system. It should also be noted that “viticultural regions” may also be referred to as “viticultural zones” or “appellations”. Though 13 individual valleys are recognized as DOs, from Elquí in the north to Malleco in the south, over 90,000ha of the total 113,000ha (80%) under vine are concentrated in the four valleys south of Santiago—Maipo, Rapel, Curicó and Maule. |
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The North chile
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Overview: Until very recently, wine wouldn’t have been made in Chile’s northernmost regions. Thanks to the sustained efforts of a committed number of wine pioneers in Limarí and latterly, Elquí, fine wine is now firmly on the map in the north and looks to have a very bright future. It took around a decade from the first incursions in wine in 1993 for the north finally to hit the big time.
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Atacama VR
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Chile
The Viticultural Region of Atacama exists within the administrative region “III Región de Atacama”. Although the Atacama Region does not yet officially possess any wine vineyards, it is mentioning as there may well be developments here in the future. The Atacama Region is something of a gateway to the Atacama Desert proper, which is situated farther north. There are 8740 hectares of vines in the region, over 90% of which supply table grapes and the remainder are used for pisco. Grape growing is focused in the south, in the two sub-regions of Copiapó and Huasco. The coastal hills are mountainous and join with the Andes, with no central valley. Sub-regions: Copiapó Valley, Huasco Valley |
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• Copiapó Valley
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Chile
Atacama VR Does not yet officially possess any wine vineyards. |
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• Huasco Valley
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Chile
Atacama VR Does not yet officially possess any wine vineyards. |
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Coquimbo VR
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Chile
The Viticultural Region of Coquimbo exists within the Chilean administrative region “IV Región de Coquimbo”. Coquimbo is Chile’s northernmost wine-producing region. This is a transitional zone between the desert conditions of the north and the more Mediterranean climates to the south. As in the Atacama Region, the Andes are an imposing presence, though here even more so because they divert to the west and merge with the coastal range. This makes for an inaccessible and varied landscape across much of the region. The Coquimbo Region contains 21,707 hectares of vines, of which 47% are used for table grapes, 43% for pisco, and just 10% for wine. |
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• Elquí Valley:
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Chile
Coquimbo VR A steep-sided narrow river valley that “burrows its way westward toward the coast away from the imperious mountains”. The consensus until recently was that wine made in the Elquí Valley was either destined for distillation or the least discriminating palates. This skepticism was challenged abruptly in 2005 at the 2nd Annual Wines of Chile Awards in Santiago when a wine from the Elquí Valley won the “Wine of the Show” award (Falernia’s Alta Tierra Syrah 2002). Falernia dominates Elquí’s quality wine production. 90% of the 451ha of vineyards are planted to red varieties. Sub-regions: Elquí Valley, Limarí Valley, Choapa Valley |
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• Limarí Valley:
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Chile
Coquimbo VR Limarí enjoys what Elquí does not: an expansive plateau of relatively flat land stretching between the mountains and the low coastal hills. Over a decade after wine appeared in Limarí, the region is now making excellent progress. Limarí accounts for 75% of the region’s wine vineyard, with over 90% of it planted to red grapes and some 40% grown on pergolas. |
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• Choapa Valley
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Chile
Coquimbo VR Currently the least important of the three areas for wine. There are 109 hectares of registered vineyards and Choapa’s sole fine wine exponent to date is De Martino. |
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Aconcagua VR
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Chile
Overview: The Viticultural Region of Aconcagua exists within the administrative region “V Región de Valparaiso”, and so officially it also includes Casablanca and San Antonio as “sub-regions”. It is a good example of how wine denominations drawn up along political or administrative lines are ill-suited to charting wine’s complexity. The truth, of course, is that the Aconcagua Valley is very different from Casablanca, which is again different from San Antonio. One should be careful when using the term Aconcagua, as one usually means the Aconcagua Valley itself (i.e. that defined by the Aconcagua River), with no relevance to Casablanca or San Antonio and the wider Aconcagua Region, unless explicitly stated. Sub-regions: Aconcagua Valley, Casablanca Valley, San Antonio Valley |
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• Aconcagua Valley
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Chile
Aconcagua VR Most northerly region. A steep-sided, flat-floored valley that winds a sinuous path west from the Andes to the ocean around Vina del Mar. The terrain is relatively mountainous here, in what is essentially a transitional zone between the broad, flat expanses of the central valley depression to the south and more inaccessible areas to the north, where the Andes dominate. The valley takes its name from Mount Aconcagua, the highest mountain peak outside Asia. In general, Aconcagua benefits from a consistent climate characterized by high levels of light and a long, dry, warm growing season. Aconcagua can be broadly divided into three main climatic sectors. The first is the far eastern end, from San Felipe toward the Andes, where temperatures tend to be hot in summer. It is one of the warmest viticultural zones in Chile. However, this area is at relatively high altitude (800-900m) and does benefit from the cooling nighttime air that descends from the Andes and whose influence also affects areas farther to the west. This cool night air, and the day/night temperature fluctuation in this inland part of Aconcagua, is one of the valley’s most important climatic features. The second climatic zone is between La Calera and San Felipe, in what is effectively one big wind tunnel. Here the temperature fluctuations are also compounded by the influence of cool coastal winds which are sucked in from the Pacific by the hot air rising off the land in the afternoon. The daytime January average here is still warm, but tempered by the afternoon breezes and cool nights. The third climatic area lies at the coastal extreme of Aconcagua, roughly from La Calera to the south and west, where the cooling, humid influence of the Pacific Ocean is unimpeded by hills. Average daytime temperatures are a bit cooler still here, more so closer to the Pacific Ocean. The day-night temperature fluctuation is less marked here. Aconcagua’s soils area varied. On the valley floor, clay-based loams of alluvial origin with good water retention are common. Near to the river, the loams tend to be sandier and rockier. The hillsides are generally characterized by granitic sands, often in a shallow soil with rocky sub-soils, good drainage and low fertility. Good red wines. Cabernet Sauvignon does particularly well (Aconcagua is home to Errázuriz’s iconic Don Max Cabernet Sauvignon). Syrah is showing some promise. The western section is cooled by Pacific breezes and is turning out to be good for white varieties, especially Sauvignon Blanc. A network of canals and gullies are dug to flood the vineyards with melted snow run-off. Major players in this area are: Errázuriz, Aconcagua’s most venerable producer, split from Mondavi in 2004, which has recently finished a major restructuring and is continually improving. Also Sena, formerly a joint venture between Mondavi and Errázuriz, now wholly owned by Errázuriz. |
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• Casablanca Valley
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Chile
Aconcagua VR Newest and coolest area. Located between Chile’s capital, Santiago, and its second city, Valparaiso. January daytime temperatures in the middle of the region are mid range. Close enough to the sea to draw in its cooling influence but not close or low enough in altitude to be moderated at night, which causes low night-time temperatures. Morning fog is created by the icy Humboldt Current. Too far from the Andes for any cooling effect or available water for irrigation. Expensive bore-holes have to be sunk. This lack of available water is a limiting factor in development of this area. Rapidly developing a reputation for white wines, especially Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The current view is that good reds can be produced here as well. Sandy soils are susceptible to infestation by nematodes. Spring frost is a threat to the point that huge windmills have been installed to circulate air; heating pots, micro-aspersion and even helicopters are sometimes used. Although frosts don’t occur every year, they hit in 2003, 2004, and 2005. Major producers: Casablanca has attracted many growers—official figures show 79 wine-growing properties in the area. Many are private growers who sell to wineries, or vineyards established and owned by wineries based outside Casablanca. Among those owning their own vineyards in Casablanca but based elsewhere are Morandé, Casa Lapostolle, Errázuriz, Emiliana, Santa Rita and Carmen. Other wineries sourcing fruit from growers include Montes, Cono Sur, and De Martino. |
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• San Antonio Valley
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Chile
Aconcagua VR : San Antonio is like a westerly extension of the Maipo Valley, although officially it falls under the Aconcagua Region. (Before acquiring its own appellation in 2002, its first wines from the 2001 vintage had to be released under the Aconcagua appellation.) The ocean is the dominant climatic force here; its breezy, humid, moderating presence is pervasive. Key growing areas here are Leyda, Rosario, and Lo Abarca. Leyda is the most extensive, the most southerly of the three and is set on rolling hills about 15km from the Pacific. Soils are slow-draining, shallow clay over decomposed granite. Rosario is San Antonio’s northernmost wine area and borders Casablanca. Lo Abarca is the most extreme of the three viticultural zones. Just four km inland from Cartagena on the coast, it is accordingly maritime. The area often receives morning mists and stiff afternoon breezes. The area is quite hilly, and soils are rich clays with some calcareous content as well as poorer, granite-based soils on the steeper slopes. Wine is a new enterprise for the San Antonio region. Since the first wines were released in 2001, San Antonio has enjoyed a rapid emergence and success that has been phenomenal. The focus from the start has been on premium wines. Stand-out varieties here are Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Chardonnay. Pinot Noir is making solid wines here, but often lack complexity thus far, and producers may rely on oak use to compensate. More modern clones have recently been planted and may yield better success on that front. Other varieties currently planted include Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Gewürztraminer, and Sauvignon Gris. Important producers here are Viña Leyda, Casa Marin, Garcés Silva (Amayna), and Matetic. Cono Sur has purchased land here and a new winery is planned to vinify Cono Sur’s top lines. San Antonio Valley has at present one official sub-region, Leyda, though others may well follow, such as Cartagena. Zone: ○ Leyda Valley: See above. |
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Central Valley VR
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Chile
The oldest, most central, most important, and most traditional wine region. Contains 4 wine districts. Sub-regions: Maipo Valley, Rapel Valley, Cachapoal Valley, Colchagua Valley, Curicó Valley, Maule Valley |
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• Maipo Valley
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Chile
Central Valley VR Corresponds to the administrative “XIII Región Metropolitana de Santiago” (Metropolitan Region). The only Chilean administrative, and hence winemaking, region without a coastline. One of Chile’s best known regions, mainly because this was where the majority of the country’s big wineries were established in the mid-19th century. Landlocked, hills and mountains form Maipo’s borders on all sides. The Andes in the east, the Chacabuco range forms the border with Aconcagua in the north, the western border is the coastal range, and in the south the Paine range of hills separates Maipo from Cachapoal. Conditions during the growing season are warm days and cool nights. The warmest climate in the Central Valley. Broadly speaking, Maipo sits on a gentle slope that runs down from east to west. It is common to hear the terms Alto (upper), Medio (central), and Bajo/Costa (lower or coastal) used to differentiate vineyards in the respective areas. As yet these are still relatively imprecise definitions. While the system will doubtless be better defined, in general terms the Alto Maipo is in region’s easterly piedmont at the foot of the Andes, as distinct from the flatter, warmer central parts of the region (Medio) and the more moderate coastal reaches in the west (Bajo/Costa). Maipo’s soils are generally granitic, but differ in texture, fertility, and depth between the different viticultural sub-regions described above. Essentially red wine country and traditionally has been home to the best Cabernet Sauvignon terroirs. Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are the most planted varieties. Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot are also grown. Producers have consistently delivered a recognizable style of wine to the world – earthy Cabernet Sauvignon with notes of dried fruit and eucalyptus oil. The Chilean equivalent of Barossa Shiraz or Marlborough Sauvignon. Due to the region’s proximity to Santiago, this region houses many of the country’s major companies. Major producers are: Almaviva, Antiyal, Aquitania, Baron Phillippe de Rothschild, Carmen, Concha Y Toro, De Martino. |
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• Rapel Valley
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Chile
Central Valley VR The political divisions of Chilean Region VI (VI Región del Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins) define the limits of the Cachapoal and Colchagua wine-making regions (or zones), which are collectively known as Rapel. Cachapoal is the northernmost of the two, mainly covering land in the north-south central depression and west to the Rapel reservoir; Colchagua sits in the south, bordering Curicó but also covering a swath of coastal territory that reaches up to the Rapel River, which borders Maipo. Varied soil, with clay, limestone, and loam. Zones: ○ Cachapoal Valley ○ Colchagua Valley |
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• Cachapoal Valley
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Chile
Central Valley VR Between Maipo and Colchagua. At the western tip is the Rapel reservoir, the south ends at an area of land around San Vicente. General climatic pattern is one of warm summers and cold, damp winters, with a well-defined dry season lasting six to eight months of the year. Largely isolated from maritime influence, temperatures during the growing season in the central and eastern territory are hot in the day and cool at night, with low relative humidity. The region’s far eastern, sub-Andean territory is known as Alto Cachapoal. Here, average daytime summer temperatures are similar to elsewhere in the central depression, but exposure to fresh winds from the south and southwest, and cool air from the mountains to the east, moderates conditions later in the day. This is especially true at night, when temperatures drop. Slopes are shallow in incline until the steep rise to meet the Andean foothills in the east. Soils are well suited to viticulture, with alluvial and colluvial mix of stones and gravels together with sandy clay loams. The region’s central territory is general warmer and dryer than Alto Cachapoal. Despite being located between Maipo and Colchagua, two of Chile’s most recognized wine regions, Cachapoal is one of the country’s lesser-known appellations. There are several reasons for this. One is that producers here have tended to be less ambitious and unified than elsewhere. Another is that wines have not been good or terroir-focused enough to draw attention to the region. What’s more, much of the wine has been sold under the Rapel denomination, a catch-all term that covers both Colchagua and Cachapoal. While some Rapel wines are blends of fruit from Cachapoal and Colchagua, others are not. The wineries simply prefer the association with Colchagua or that Rapel is an easily-pronounceable regional name. As a result, Cachapoal has become “the wallflower of Chilean wine.” Work on clonal selection, soil analysis, marketing, and an improvement in many of the wines in recent years are an encouraging trend. Red wines have always been Cachapoal’s strong suit. Solid Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Carmenère also does well. |
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• Colchagua Valley
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Chile
Central Valley VR Colchagua is not defined by one major geographical or climatic feature. It is a large region that contains a range of diversity. Generalizations tend to take the region’s central heartlands as a standard reference point. Here conditions are generally warm in the summer and vines are planted on flat land in fertile alluvial soils. Colchagua is fundamentally a red wine region. Cabernet Sauvignon is still by far the most planted variety, and can produce excellent top level wines. Varieties like Syrah, Carmenère, Petit Verdot, and Malbec are currently proving Colchagua’s brightest stars. Some good Sauvignon Blanc. |
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• Curicó Valley
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Chile
Central Valley VR South of Santiago. Bordered by Colchagua to the north and Maule to the south. Marks the start of Chile’s cooler, rainier winemaking territory that extends to the south, though in summer this is by no means a cool-climate region. Along with the Maule winemaking region, Curicó officially forms part of “VII Región del Maule” often called simply “Maule”. Understandably, this tends to cause confusion and has not helped Curicó develop a clear-cut sense of identity as it tends to get lumped together with Maule in people’s minds. The two regions have also tended to share a reputation as Chile’s volume producers: between them, they account for around 43% of the national vineyard. Both regions have continued to grow, and improvements are urgently required in Curicó, which has lagged behind other Chilean winemaking regions. Officially, Curicó is subdivided into two zones, the Teno and Lontué valleys. The distinction is largely administrative and of little relevance to those seeking to make sense of the region’s wines. Frosts are a particular threat. Irrigation is not quite as essential. Best wines are red, especially Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec; others are being planted. Zones: ○ Teno ○ Lontué |
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• Maule Valley
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Chile
Central Valley VR Along with the Curicó winemaking region, Maule officially forms part of Chilean administrative “VII Región del Maule”. Chile’s largest winemaking region, and separated into three sub-regions: Claro, Loncomilla, and Tutuvén. Claro and Loncomilla are the most significant. Claro occupies the northern part of the region and Loncomilla the south, with both stretching between the coastal range and the Andes. Tutuvén occupies the region’s southwestern extreme in the eastern coastal range. Maule’s wines are commonly stereotyped as basic and best used for bulk, but in recent years have been producing better wines. Volcanic soils. Has three times the rainfall of Santiago. Similarly dry summers. Sea mists and winds keep the temperature down. Red varieties occupy 82% of plantings, with Cabernet Sauvignon leading, followed by País, Merlot, and Carmenère. Maule’s reds tend to be lighter in body and higher in acidity than the Chilean norm, showing more fresh red fruits rather than ripe black fruits. Zones: ○ Claro Valley ○ Loncomilla ○ Tutuvén |
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Southern VR
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Chile
Overview: Chile’s Southern Region is a transitional zone in many senses. It marks the transition between the warm, dry Mediterranean climates of areas to its north and the cooler, rainy conditions of the south. In another, it is a wine region undergoing a period of change, experimentation and vinous Renaissance. The three wine regions of Itata, Bío Bío, and Malleco comprise the Southern Region (Región del Sur). Though the area is generally cooler and rainier than the regions to the north, its well-defined summers and mild autumns allow grapes to ripen before the autumn rains and winter cold set in. The marginal nature of these regions does nevertheless mean that vintage variation can be a more significant factor. Sub-regions: Itata Valley, Bío Bío Valley, Malleco Valley |
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• Itata Valley
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Chile
Southern VR : In the Chilean administrative region “VIII Región del Biobío”, which also includes Bío Bío. Itata shares many climatic characteristics with Bío Bío and Malleco, such as cold winters, warm days, and cool nights during a well-defined summer, rainy late autumns, and substantial precipitation. However, being the most northerly wine-growing area in the Southern Region, Itata generally has slightly more summer heat. Chilly nights are the norm in all areas during the summer. Rainfall is concentrated in the winter months. Soils are fine-grained, water-retentive loams and clays on the flat land, with rockier content near the river courses and finer textured sands on the hillsides. The region is fairly homogeneous in terms of its underlying geology, in a way that many Chilean regions are not. Production in Itata is still dominated by dry-farmed, untrained, high-yielding, non-noble varieties cultivated in a host of small holdings. Nevertheless, a few wine growers who are working well are producing results that are starting to give an idea of the region’s strengths and weaknesses. With regard to varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah seem to have good potential in the warmer areas. Maule-based Calina has been buying fruit from all over Chile since the mid-nineties and has consistently used Itata as a source for its top-line Cabernet Sauvignon, citing better tannins and natural acidity. Chardonnay is a work in progress. |
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• Bío Bío Valley
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Chile
Southern VR “VIII Región del Biobío”, one of the country’s 13 administrative areas, is known as Biobío. Within this administrative region are located the smaller wine regions of Bío Bío and Itata. Bío Bío takes its name Chile’s second longest river. It affects both climate and soils in its vicinity. Like Itata and Malleco, it has a transitional climate between the dry Mediterranean conditions of central Chile and the rainy, cooler climate of the south. Summers are generally warm and dry, though short in duration and with cool nights, with rains common in both autumn and spring. Frosts are a risk during spring. Winds are relatively frequent during the growing season and the area benefits from long daylight hours owing to its southerly latitude. The coastal influence is minimal here, due to the Nahuelbuta coastal range, which restricts the ocean’s cold and humid intrusion. As a result the climate is predominantly continental in character. Winemakers’ biggest challenge is achieving full ripeness before the rains come at the end of April. This means selecting the right varieties and training systems for each site, maintaining low yields, sulphur spraying, and reacting quickly to challenges such as frosts and rains. 81% red wine. País is the most planted variety, followed by Pinot Noir, Moscatel de Alejandria, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay. Though Bío Bío is an extensive region it has only three significant producers: Córpora, Quitralman, and Canata. |
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• Malleco Valley
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Chile
Southern VR Within the Chilean administrative region “IX Región de la Araucanía”. Malleco’s climate, like Bío Bío’s, is a transitional one between Chile’s warm, dry Mediterranean center and its cool, rainy south. Malleco receives more annual precipitation than most other wine-growing regions of Chile. However, much of this falls during the winter months, and even this far south there is a clearly defined dry summer period of around 2 to 3 months. While Malleco can certainly be cold, especially during the winter, it is relatively warm in summer. Soils are mainly red clay underlain by coarse granitic rock. The soil is fertile and rich in organic material. The two varieties currently planted in the SoldeSol vineyard are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. However, there is also an interest in growing varieties like Gewürztraminer, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc here. Nevertheless, for now it is Chardonnay that has the hegemony on the region’s wines, which unlike much Chilean Chardonnay is praised for its high natural acidity. There is only one winemaking operation in Malleco currently: SoldeSol. It is not a winery, it is a brand made by Maipo-based producer Aquitania. |
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Brazil
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Portuguese immigrants and Spanish missionaries first brought vinifera vines to Brazil in the 1500s. Modern industry was founded by Italian immigrants in the late 1800s. Vinifera plantings only represent 20% of vineyard acreage. Mostly hybrids. Per capita consumption of wine is low.
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Peru
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Phylloxera devastated the once-thriving grape growing industry. Most of the grapes go into Pisco production. Virtually no exports except for Malbec from the producer Tacama.
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Uruguay
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The 4th largest wine industry in South America. Very dedicated wine drinkers (don’t export much wine). Modern era began with immigration of Basques in the late 1800s. Planted Tannat, which was originally called Harriague. Softer style than Madiran. Eat lots of beef here. Look out for this country.
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