Winemaking was first introduced to Chile by Spanish settlers in the 1500’s, but it wasn’t until the 1980’s that much of the world had their first sips of Chilean wine. At this time, Chile began exporting its wine reserves after strict trade barriers were lifted that once prevented wines to be released from Chile. Since then, Chile has experience remarkable growth. In 1984, Chile’s total wine exports amounted to 2%, less than 30 years later they’re currently exporting 70% of their wines, making Chile responsible for roughly 8% of the world’s wine.
Chile is dominated by red wines, accounting for almost three quarters of their total production. The most prominent red wine is Cabernet Sauvignon followed Merlot and, finally, Carmenere, the “lost grape of Bordeaux.” Chile has also received high praise for the production of wines made from Pinot Noir despite the fact the plantings of this grape a relatively small. Chile’s red wines are often blended into interesting cuvees that stray from the ordinary by incorporating a combination or all of the three main red varieties as well as Petite Verdot, Syrah, and other grapes.
Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are the most prominent white grape varieties, but Chile also has a solid reputation for their Semillion, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and dry-styled Pedro Ximenez wines among others.
Chile remains one of the few wine-producing regions that has not been devastated by phylloxera, the louse the destroyed much of the world’s vineyards in the 1800’s. Because of this, Chile has several vineyards that date back to upwards of 150 years. These old vines, mostly of Carignan and Mourvedre, produce concentrated, intriguing wines that are highly sought after.
Despite th lack of phylloxera, Chile has begun to experiment with various clones and rootstocks that will help better ward off other natural pests, such as nematodes, and naturally occurring problems such as drought. Chile continues to exercise strict regulation laws for importing rootstocks. Each vine imported into Chile must remain in isolation for 7 or more years to ensure all potentially harmful pests have been eliminated.
Historically, Chile has long been recognized as a place with great winemaking potential. Many of Europe’s prestigious winemaking families, such Chateau Mouton Rothschild and Chateau Lafite Rothschild opened wineries on the country’s soil. Other prestigious winemakers from other parts of the world such as Californian Winemaker Robert Mondavi and Catalan Winemaker, Miguel Torres did the same.
Chile’s geographical location and shape play an important role in its winemaking. Despite having nearly 9000 meters between the northernmost and southernmost winemaking areas of the country, larger variation of climate can be found from East to West. To the west, Chile is bordered by the Pacific Ocean which produces a cooling, west-sweeping wind known as the Humboldt Current. To the East, Chile is separated from Argentina by the Andes Mountains. The Andes play an important role – they protect Chile from outside pest, such as phylloxera, that have affected other parts of South America and they also play a role in the climate of the country.
As winemaking has progressed in Chile, there has been an increased focus on both the soil structure and the distinct microclimate of each area. Extensive studies have been conducted to determine which varieties will best express themselves where. Many of Chile’s vineyards are organic, though a small proportion is certified as such. Many winemakers believe it is important to follow natural winemaking practices in order to achieve a natural-tasting wine. In addition to increased attention to vineyard practices, young, highly-trained Chilean winemakers are also making great strides in the winery. Many have been trained abroad in some of the best wineries and winemaking schools available and this knowledge in conjunction with state-of-the-art winemaking facilities has proved useful.
Here are a few key facts to know about Chile:
Chile has fourteen distinct valleys, they are:
o Elqui Valley
o Limari Valley
o Choapa Valley
o Aconcagua
o Casablanca
o San Antonio
o Maipo Valley
o Rapel Valley
o Cachapoal Valley
o Colchagua Valley
o Curico
o Maule Valley
o Itala Valley
o Bio Bio
o Malleco
Chile’s wine label laws live by the rule of 75% (must be 85% to be distributed in all export markets)
· 75% vintage
· 75% variety
· 75% Denomination of Origin
Wine classifications
· Quality wine: Min 11.5% ABV
· Reserva and/or Reserva Especial: 12%
· Reserva Privada and/or Gran Reserva: 12.5%
· Mandatory time spent in oak
Photos courtesy of www.mattwilson.cl for Wines of Chile
– Description from
Constance Chamberlain
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