W3 Wine School

Chilean Wine

Chile

Chile has the Pacific coastline to the west, and the Andes Mountains to the east.


Wine Regions

Chilean Varieties 2017

Cabernet Sauvignon
43 000 hectares
Sauvignon Blanc
15 000
Mission
13 000
Merlot
12 000
Sultanina
12 000
Chardonnay
12 000
Carménère
11 000
Syrah
8 000

Wine Regions (from North to South)

Atacama Region

Atacama has two sub-regions:

Atacama, the most northern region in Chile, mainly produces Pisco (distilled spirit) and table grapes.


Coquimbo Region

Coquimbo is the most northern of the principal wine regions in Chile.

Coquimbo has 3 sub-regions:

Like the Atacama region, Coquimbo is known for it's production of Pisco and table grapes.

Black GrapesWhite Grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon

Elqui Valley:

Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Franc
Merlot
Syrah

Sauvignon

Limari Valley:

Chardonnay

SoilClimate
Soil

Hilly
Calcareous Clay

Soil

Brilliant Sunshine
High Altitudes
Mountain Air (Choapa)
Morning Fog (Limari)
Cooling Sea Breezes (Equi)

Aconcauga Region

The Aconcagua region has three sub-regions:

Aconcagua Valley is a hot and dry valley, not the best suitable for wine production, but the valley is known for producing modern style quality wines. It was formed by the Aconcagua River, which runs from the Andes Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. On the banks there are alluvial and colluvial terraces that are ideal for growing wine grapes.

Casablanca Valley has a growing season up to a month longer than the other regions. It has become one of Chile's quality wine regions. The region is best known for crispy white Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, but also for cool climate Pinot Noir in the coastal area.

San Antonio Valley produces quality Pinot Noir and internationally respected Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

Black GrapesWhite Grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Noir
Syrah
Merlot
Carménère

Sauvignon

Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc

SoilClimate
Soil

Alluvial Terraces
Colluvial Terraces

Soil

Hot and Dry

Central Valley Region

The Central Valley region has 4 sub-regions:

  • Valle del Maipo
  • Valle del Rapel
  • Valle del Maule
  • Valle de Curicó

Maipo Valley is the home to some of the best wines in Chile. It is is known for producing a rich and fruit-driven Cabernet Sauvignon described as the "Bordeaux of South America".

Maule Valley is Chile's largest wine region. It has been known for producing cheap table wine, but the production is gradually beeing replaced with better quality.

Black GrapesWhite Grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Noir
Syrah
Merlot
Carménère

Sauvignon

Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc

SoilClimate
Soil

Alluvial Terraces
Colluvial Terraces

Soil

Very Hot and Dry

The Southern Region

The Southern Region has 3 sub-regions:

Southern Region is popular for boxed and bulk wine. It is further to the south, has more rainfall, lower temperatures and fewer hours of sunlight that the northern regions.


Chile is New World

Old World

New World

Where wine grapes was imported

USA
Argentina
Australia
Chile
South Africa
New Zealand
Vineyard in Chile

Chilean vineyard in the foothills of the Andes




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