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;5Mhl
 
Terroirs
 
  • 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 :
  • Aconcagua
  • Casablanca
  • Maipo
  • Rappel
  • Curico
  • Maule
  • Itata
  • Bio Bio.
 
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.
 
Site : www.winesofchile.org