CHILE

The Chilean vineyards date back to the Spanish colonization in the XVIIth century. Their natural isolation, geographic extension spread and regional diversity convey to them a personality of their own. Their red and white wines, both complex and powerful, have gained worldwide success.

Surface : 205 000 hectares

Production : 12,5 Mhl

Consumption : 3,5 Mhl

Terroir :

soils : poor, cobbly, rocky in the Andean valleys
climate semi-arid : permanent irrigation supply provided by the melting of the snows of the Andes mountains
main white grapes varieties : chardonnay, sauvignon
main red grapes varieties: cabernet sauvignon (dominant), merlot, carménère, pinot noir, syrah

Main wine regions

Located along valleys flowing down from the Andes to the Pacific coast

Legislation

Since 2002, labeling of denomination of regional origin has been instituted. The indication « Varietal » guarantees that at least 75% in volume (85% for exports) of the wine correspond to the grapes, grape variety and the year of production of the region of denomination. The terms « Reserva » and « Gran Reserva » relate to ageing in oak barrels.

Sites :

No Winebrotherhood identified as yet

CHILE

Wine-discovery tour sponsored by F.I.C.B.in Italy (Piedmont)