The Chilean Charm
The Chilean wine industry has seen many enological advancements, yet there is much to be discovered in this vast country. The diversity of Chile is evident in its climate, geography, and geology. These factors allow for a range of wines to be produced from the far north to the deep south.
Chile is fortunate to be surrounded by natural barriers on all sides. The Andes Mountains define the eastern side of Chile, and the western side runs into the Pacific Ocean. The Atacama Desert borders the north, and Patagonia in the south. These landscapes help define and protect Chile, particularly from grapevine diseases. The notorious phylloxera, an insect responsible for grapevine devastation in many wine regions, has not made its way into Chile. The isolation from phylloxera has allowed vines to remain on their original root stocks with some vines aging well over 100 years old.
The climate in Chile varies in each region allowing different grape varieties to show their optimum potential. Coastal regions, such as the Casablanca Valley, are well suited for Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon blanc. The trade winds bring cool temperatures and foggy mornings that clear into the day to allow for perfect ripening. The central regions are diverse in their geology as many vineyards extend towards the mountains. The warmer temperatures and unique soil showcase well for Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere. Varieties such as Muscat, Carignan, and Pais are preferred further south in the regions of Bio Bio and Itata.
The Chilean wine industry is largely dependent on exportation. Major wine companies have found a successful business model of exporting wines to be sold at a value cost in other countries. The affordable cost and high quality of these wines are appealing to frequent wine consumers. However, smaller producers in Chile struggle to receive recognition on the global market. Smaller producers may not have the resources to export, and wine tourism is only recently seeing an increase.
No matter what the scale of production, Chile is home to beautiful vineyards and a talented workforce. Join me as I work to discover the many treasures throughout this country!