Chile

Chile is one of the most exciting regions in the New World.
Winemaking is confined to a small central belt of the country which has a moderate climate. Wine has been made in Chile for centuries and fortunately was never affected by phylloxera which ravaged the vineyards of the Old World. Recently Chile has been recognised by the likes of France and the USA as a serious contender in the area of wine production.

Geography and climate

The two greatest influences on Chile's climate are the huge mass of the Pacific Ocean to the west and, most importantly, the spectacular mountain range of the Andes which runs as a boundary down the entire eastern edge of the country.
These two monumental forces serve to cool the air. In the Andes case, they also provide a supply of irrigating water which drains down off the mountain and is channelled to the sea via a system of canals built by the Incas.

Grapes

The rampant Phylloxera that has affected and influenced wine growing practises in Europe, the US and Australia never made it across the Andes or survived in the sandy coastal soils. Therefore Chile's vineyards are planted with ungrafted rootstock: a rare phenomenon in modern wine production.
Chile grows most of the "international" varieties, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet and Merlot. One of the most interesting varieties to look out for on a Chilean label is Carmenère, a variety once believed to be Merlot, but now discovered to be a forgotten Bordeaux grape which has been produced in Chile all along. Want to try one? Click here.

Rules and Regulations

Traditionally wineries sourced their grapes from all over the country, but in recent years Chile has begun to demarcate its vineyard regions into a system of controlled viticultural areas. Thus, the labelling of modern Chilean wines will carry the name of one of these areas.

Aconcagua

This northerly, hot and generally arid region is best suited to red wine production. Some quality Cabernet Sauvignon is produced. Look out for some very serious Chardonnays from hillside vineyards, as well as excellent Merlots.

Maipó Valley

The Maipó region, just south of Santiago, is one of Chile's best-known quality wine regions. Here also are some of the biggest names of the Chilean industry such as the giant Santa Rita. Cabernet Sauvignon is the mainstay of the region, also look out for Carmenere.

Rapel Valley

The largest of the fine wine areas, the Rapel valley features a range of climates and soil types. Merlot is one of the stars here. You will see the name Colchagua valley on Rapel bottlings, a small high-quality sub-region towards the coast.