Wine reviews and more…
Finish: Rogue Wash
Dimensions:
20″(W) x 14″(D) x 42″(H)
Vintage Report 2007-2008
National Association of Agricultural Oenologists Engineers
Introduction
The National Union/Association of Agricultural Engineers and Oenologists has prepared the 2008 Vintage Report.
To this effect, information from July, 2007 has been gathered to consider climatic antecedents and their effect in the grape’s phenological stages development from before the budding to the end of the 2008 season.
This report includes the climatic and phenological information from winter 2007 to autumn 2008. It also includes temperature and rainfall comparative tables of several seasons in great part of the analyzed areas.
Although to date many wines have not yet finished their malolactic fermentation, this vintage’s most relevant aspects can be analyzed.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Winter 2007 is seen as the coldest in the last 40 years, with lowest average temperatures below the average and a high frequency of frosty days with less rainfall than the average. This low temperatures and lack of rainfall conditions extended to the beginning of springtime, causing frost damages in early varieties in some areas of the Maipo and Casablanca Valleys, which affected their final production.
In general, in most of the vine-growing areas, budding started 7 to 15 days late, with a leaf bud’s high budding percentage, which forced to heavy disbudding works.
Although springtime started cold, October and November were unusually warm. This temperature rise speeded up physiological processes and notoriously shortened the days distance between late budding and blooming start, with a concentration in the blooming periods in different varieties. Many areas had shorter budding development in the blooming period, which may have influenced in the setting for not having enough amount of leafs to feed the future bud.
Springtime and summer had total lack of rainfall and in some areas drought notoriously affected the production, especially the País grape in dry land in the seventh region and in some areas of the Colchagua Valley.
White wines harvest started within the estimated dates, with healthy grapes but lighter and smaller bunches. In general, there were regular performances in Sauvignon Blanc and a relevant decrease of the Chardonnay in certain areas, having first wines a good quality.
Reds harvest started later than the previous season. Although having average to high sugar contents, a greater ripeness in tannins was expected. Production first estimates show 10-15% less harvest, with light bunches and smaller berries in Merlot as well as in Cabernet Sauvignon. This might have been determined from the cold springtime 2006 and might have resulted in a lower induction of leaf buds. Adding this to winter and springtime 2007’s draught, the low water reserves may have later influenced in the smaller size of bunches.
2008 has again shown dehydration effect in Merlot bunches and unusually also in Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a worrying issue requiring a serious technical analysis. Hydric restrictions, caused either by draught in some areas or by the vineyard’s stressed handling, may have influenced or increased the risk of having this problem.
Summer and early autumn registered high temperatures. After April the 11th’s rain, temperatures dropped heavily. There was a first autumn frost on April the 14th, affecting some low areas in Curicó, Marchigue and other areas. This caused some grapes earlier entrance to wine cellars in the affected areas.
To date, the Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon early harvested are already finished and in some late areas the last Carmenere and Syrah were harvested the last week of May and are in their process last stage. In general, the grapes health was quite good all over the country, at least until before the mid April’s rainfall.
March 27th-28th rainfall affected a percentage of table grape quality, which could not be exported and was already late for the raisin’s market. It is estimated a big part of this grape was sent to winemaking, although exact final figures are yet unknown.
LIMARI VALLEY
Figure 1 Limarí Valley locations Map
General Conditions
This report includes the Quebrada Seca and Cerrillos de Tamaya locations (figure 1).
Just like in other valleys in Chile, winter was very cold and there were some winter frosts in Quebrada Seca that delayed the budding.
2007-2008 springtime temperatures were lower than the previous season but did not reach frost category.
Due to budding delay harvest was late and along the whole ripeness period. White varieties quality is exceptional with much aromatic power, especially in Sauvignon Blanc. Red varieties like Carmenere and Syrah show very good quality.
Climatic Characteristics
Rainfall
In Cerrillo de Tamaya 29.7mm of rainfall were registered (15.3mm in June and 14.4mm in August) (Figure 2). In a regular year rainfall in this area reaches 123mm, so there was a 75% deficit.
Figure 2. 2007-2008 rainfall. Limari Valley
In Quebrada Seca, rainfall was even lower: 28.3mm between May and August, distributed in 3.6 – 11.2 – 1.3 and 11.7mm respectively.
This rainfall was accompanied by low temperatures in July (4.2°C lowest average and -0.7°C absolute) and in August (3.4°C lowest average) and by two frost events each month.
During September, lowest average temperature was 5.7°C and 6.1°C in Quebrada Seca and Cerrillos de Tamaya. That is, more than 2°C lower than the same season in 2005 (8.5°C) (Figure 3).
Temperatures during the season were lower than those in the 2004-2005 season. This caused an approximate 10 days delay in budding and a general delay in the other phenological stages.
Figure 3 Lowest average temperatures. Interseasons, Cerrillos de Tamaya, Limarí Valley
September high average temperatures were an average of 1°C lower, that is, 18.3°C and 18.1°C compared to the 19.5°C in the 2005 season (figure 4). Differences are not as big as the lowest average temperatures, but had an effect in the budding delay.
Figure 4 Interseasons highest average temperatures. Limarí Valley.
During October there were normal lowest and highest average temperatures. This allowed a good vegetative growth and possible normal blooming and Veraison.
The annual degrees-day for the Ovalle area was 1,799.6, which is considered lower than normal. This caused an approximately 7 to 15 days delay in harvest dates, which allowed to harvest white varieties in their best ripeness moment with balanced acidity, pH and probable alcohol degree. Red varieties also had to wait to be harvested at their best.
Wines characteristics
Sauvignon Blancs are fresh and elegant, with very good fruit definition, good varietal tipicity, citric notes, white fruit and delicate exotic notes. The natural acidity gives intensity and fruit in mouth.
Cold springtime and grapes protected by well handled foliage, reached very interesting balances between alcohol, acidity and pH.
Chardonnay wines present great varietal tipicity with white flowers, apples, white peaches, dry fruits and honey notes. Complementary diversity in different lots made it a very good year for blending.
The Viognier variety had some partial dehydration problems and sun bathed grapes. Harvest was made according to expected dates. Wines have flower notes and fruit like peach and apricot. Good balance in mouth, great volume diversity mixed with mineral notes.
Some red varieties were 6 to 10 days delayed. Others, like Cabernet Sauvignon, were harvested in historic dates.
Syrah wines this season are characterized by a great complexity of floral aromas with strong ripe fruit, meat tones and licorice. Much volume and high intensity tannin load. They also present big concentration and styles diversity with much exuberance and elegance.
Carmenere wines were very expressive and ripe. Much fruit (ripe sweet red pepper, plum, blackberries and blueberries) expressed in different intensity. Great volume and silkiness. Very good year for cold areas Carmenere.
Cabernet Sauvignon had a complicated season. Some were very fruity with some vegetal tones. Those with higher ripeness have cassis and a varietal side very typical in the variety. Very tense, firm and tight tannins of high tannic structure. There are some rather drying lots and others requiring time to polymerize to reach integration. It was a very hard year for Cabernets since it was hard for the skin to keep well-rounded and healthy waiting for the phenolic ripeness. However, some vineyards present a potential higher than that obtained in previous years.
ACONCAGUA VALLEY
General conditions
This season had a cold and dry winter. Springtime was rather cold, and budding was 10 to 15 days delayed.
Highest average temperatures were higher than those of the previous seasons, but minimum average temperatures were lower during October and November which affected directly the blooming and setting period.
In spite of March and April rainfalls the season had very good health levels, without developing fungus illnesses. All varieties reached a good end.
Climatic conditions
Rainfalls
The season had an in deficit behavior in rainfalls with respect to a normal year. Rainfalls in the 2006 season were 228mm (normal year 233mm) while the current season only registered 92mm, which reported an approximate deficit of 60% in the Panquehue area. (figure 5).
This was seen as very relevant for the season’s irrigation programming, since accumulation in the profile was considerably lower than previous years.
Figure 5. Interseasons Rainfalls. Aconcagua Valley.
There were only two rainfalls during the whole ripeness period.. One in march, with a low intensity rain of 7 to 10mm and another by the end of the season (April 27th and 28th) with moderate to intense rainfalls of 10 to 16mm. The effect of this last rain was limited since to that date mainly Carmenere, a variety of thick skin and illnesses-resistant, was left to harvest.
Temperatures
In the Panquehue area, medium average temperatures were lower than those in previous seasons. There was a higher accumulation of cold hours and winter frosts. These facts caused a 10 to 15 days delay in budding.
Although there was a delay in budding, there was higher uniformity and high budding. percentage. This forced producers to work heavily in disbudding.
With October’s temperatures and a lack of springtime frosts, the bud growth in different varieties was sustained but shorter. (figure 6)
During November and practically the whole season, average highest temperatures were higher that those of the previous season, so phenological stages started in similar dates, reason why blooming was only delayed 5 to 10 days.
During January and February there were specific events of highest average temperatures higher than those in previous years. January presented an absolute temperature of 34.8°C (previous season: 32.7°C) and February 34.7°C v/s 33.9°C, which could have an effect in the integrity of fruits with more restrictive hydric regime.
Highest average temperatures
Aconcagua, Interseasons
Figure 6 Interseasons highest average temperatures. Aconcagua Valley, Panquehue.
However, lowest average temperatures in October, November and December were lower than those in the previous year, having a direct effect in the setting (figure 7), causing coulure and lighter bunches. But in the following months, the registered temperatures were above those of previous seasons.
Figure 7 Interseasons lowest average temperatures. Aconcagua Valley, Panquehue
The thermal accumulations (degrees – day) were higher than those in the previous season (figure 8). But there was a difference between Aconcagua coast and in-Aconcagua. In Aconcagua Coast the thermal accumulation was 1,519 degrees – day, 144 degrees higher than the previous season. However, in-Aconcagua registered a thermal accumulation of 1,644 degrees-day, higher than that registered in the previous season (1,612 degrees-day), but lower than a normal season (1,717 degrees-day).
This difference caused a final 15 days delay in the harvest date for red varieties. It was possible, however, to harvest in the optimum ripeness moments, having to strictly follow maps to harvest areas with greater ripeness. A cold and dry year forced to extend the harvest start of red varieties, being the greatest part of the harvest concentrated in mid-April and the first week of May.
Figure 8 Thermal accumulation (degrees-day). Interseasons, Aconcagua Valley.
Regarding volumes harvested, differences between varieties were registered. Sauvignon Blanc showed higher performances than the previous season.
The Merlot and Syrah productions were close to estimates. The Cabernet Sauvignon yields were lower than estimates, in percentages that vary between 15 and 25%, while the Carmenere was above projections.
The only significant drop in red wines was in Cabernet Sauvignon, with an average decrease close to 11% with respect to projection but a 7% higher than the previous season’s yields. This was basically because of spring-like temperatures in Aconcagua that caused a lower setting that resulted in some “coulure” and lighter bunches problems. There was no significant drop due to dehydration.
Wines characteristics
In spite of higher global yields obtained from a higher amount of bunches, 2008 red wines resulting from small sized bunches and berries, as well as the fresh year condition, show good aromatic intensity, good fruit concentration, juicy mouth and good acidity (pH 3,6 to 3,7) giving freshness and brightness.
The Merlot as well as the Syrah show very good qualities, with great fruit intensity and a good tannic load. The high levels Cabernet Sauvignon shows great quality, good tipicity and firm but ripe tannins. While in lower levels there is greater qualities heterogeneity and a little harder tannins that should evolve and soften in time.
The Carmenere will show good quality, with a very good balance between ripeness and freshness, great aromatic intensity, good acidity and round and silky tannins.
Regarding the whites, the Sauvignon Blanc globally shows a lower aromatic intensity with respect to the year 2007. The foliages covered handlings, a nonrestrictive hydric regime, a moderate load and a later harvest than average, allowed to ensure a very good quality.
The Chardonnays resulted in full-bodied, intense, ripe and a little heavier wines than those elegant and fresh obtained in 2007.
Casablanca Valley
General Conditions
The following locations were considered in this valley: La Vinilla, Santa Rosa and Altos de Casablanca.
Regarding temperatures and rainfall, this season had a very extreme behavior.
Low winter temperatures registered show a very cold year with absolute temperatures way below a normal year. This condition extended until September, but in October and November highest average temperatures began to rise. There were also many frosts, which were decisive in the season’s final production.
Climatic Characteristics
Precipitations
Just like in all winemaking areas in the country, the hydric deficit was also a relevant issue to outstand this season.
Average rainfall registered in Casablanca was 165mm, being 450mm the annual average. Therefore, there was an approximate 65% deficit (figure 9)
Figure 9 Interseasons rainfall, Casablanca Valley.
This made necessary early irrigations in the season and during summer to put back the high evapotranspiration demands in all varieties.
There were two rainfall events during the season that did not affect the vintage’s quality. In February, 9.8mm, and in March, 9.7mm. There were no relevant rainfall events, which made it a healthy vintage.
Temperatures
The 2007-2208 season registered extreme temperatures. There were very low temperatures in winter, with temperatures below zero in June and August (figure 10). This caused a considerable increase of cold-hours, which in turn meant a 10 to 15 days delay in the budding start.
Winter medium average temperatures registered extreme temperatures mainly in June and August, -0.2 and -0.3°C respectively, being them too low for the area.
There were 35 frosts in winter. There were 18 frosts in June and 6 in August (according to Dirección Metereologógica de Chile).
There were several alarms in springtime, which forced to take extreme control. There were 18 controlled alarms during the season.
There were two important cold events, one in October and another in November that affected mainly the Chardonnay production in 15% and even 40%, Sauvignon Blanc between 15 and 30% and Pinto Noir 17%. The decrease in production was due to secondary buds and therefore there was a lower amount of bunches. Also, low temperatures during setting affected the lighter bunches’ production in all varieties.
Figure 10 Interseason lowest average temperatures, Casablanca Valley.
The La Vinilla area presented lower lowest average temperatures practically during the whole season. This caused major setting problems in the valley’s inner areas, compared to areas closer to the coast, like Santa Rosa.
Compared to the previous season, the highest average temperatures were higher all season long. When comparing the same season, La Vinilla registered high temperatures, having an effect in harvest dates of white varieties, which had greater sugar accumulation but lower concentration of aromas and lower acidity (Figure 11)
Figure 11 Highest average temperatures. Casablanca Valley.
The degrees-day were at first lower than previous seasons, but from January to March there was a significant rise in temperatures causing a one week early harvest in the case of Sauvignon Blanc with respect to the previous season, but with a 10 days recess to wait for ripeness. High temperatures produced a rise in sugar but not in aromas and tastes.
Figure 12 Interseasons monthly degrees-day. Casablanca Valley.
Wines characteristics
Although this season’s climatic conditions were extreme, wines in general show good organoleptic features, good aromatic concentrations and balanced acidity level.
The Sauvignon Blanc outstands for a good concentration and aromas quality. They have good acidity levels with a pH a little higher than the previous season, but well balanced.
The Chardonnays show mild intensity aromas and good quality. In general, they are harmonious and tasty in mouth. They have good acidity and normal pH.
Whites’ fermentations were normal. In some cases, in Chardonnays were slower and had difficult end, related to low levels of nitrogen in the must.
The Merlot showed dehydration cases and some vineyards decided to harvest in advance to avoid major problems. In these cases wines had less color and concentration, overipeness and little fruit notes. The coldest areas present wines with good color, good alcohol levels and aromas concentration.
This year, the Pinot Noir shows excellent quality. In general, the vintage presented good grapes health, allowing wines of great tipicity, very good color, outstanding tannins quality and good volume in mouth.
The Syrah variety was harvested with good grapes health and had no production problems. The wines obtained have good intensity and aromas quality, outstanding fresh fruits and an exceptional color. The tannins quality is fair to good, with medium astringency.
SAN ANTONIO VALLEY
Figure 13. San Antonio Valley locations.
General conditions
This valley incluyes Lagunillas, Lo Abarca and Leyda.
(Figure 13)
A cold and dry winter with temperatures below zero in August delayed budding 10 to 15 days in the whole valley and even 20 days in Lo Abarca.
Altogether, there were 43 days with winter frosts in Lagunillas. Leyda suffered a very similar situation.
Springtime frosts in September and some others in October caused major losses in varieties like Gewusztraminer.
Harvest was also delayed 10 to 15 days, allowing, however, harvesting production in optimum ripeness times.
Climatic conditions
Rainfall
Winter had a hydric deficit very common in this dry and cold season. In a normal year rainfall surpasses 400mm and even 500mm. This season registered an average of 200mm, causing a 50 and 60% deficit (Figure 14).
Figure 14 2007-2008 Season rainfall. San Antonio Valley.
Some minor rainfall in March and April was registered, causing no health problems, only specific cases in Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc, which developed some botrytis. In general, it was a healthy season.
The rainfall deficit created a change in irrigation frequencies, increasing them with respect to other years, caused dehydration in varieties like Pinot Noir and affected the final production of Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling.
Temperatures
A cold winter caused an approximate 10 to 15 days budding delay and even 20 in some locations like Lo Abarca. There were 43 days of winter frosts in Lagunillas and 27 in Leyda.
Winter lowest average temperatures were lower than previous years and the Lagunillas area registered lower temperatures than Leyda. August registered the lowest temperatures in both locations. Leyda registered 1.6°C, being 3°C the average for that month. With respect to Lagunillas, the same month registered -0.7°C (Figure 15).
Figure 15 Lowest average temperatures. 2007-2008 season. San Antonio Valley.
This caused a 10 to 15 days delay in both areas and there were frost damages in leaf buds that could not be considered in the season’s final production loss.
During springtime months average temperatures are below normal records. In Lagunillas, October and November registered average temperatures of 8°C and 14.5°C respectively. Leyda registered an average of 13°C for both months.
Regarding highest average temperatures, both areas registered similar values. The difference starts in November to the end of the season, in which Lagunillas registers temperatures above the area’s average, that is, 28°C for summer months (23°C was the previous season’s average) (Figure 16).
Figure 16 Highest average temperatures. 2007-2008 Season. San Antonio Valley.
High summer temperatures meant an increase in the irrigation regime to compensate the season’s high evapotranspirative demands. But in some varieties, like Pinot Noir, the dehydration issue was anyway present.
Harvest seasons were also delayed 10 to 15 days, which allowed harvesting all varieties in their best moment. The frost registered in April affected the Syrah variety waiting to reach its harvest ripeness, and was finally harvested the first two weeks in May (normal in the area) with no major inconveniences.
In general, this season is characterized by major damages from frosts and dehydration in the Pinot Noir variety, associated mainly to a hydric deficit.
The delay in the ripeness period allowed harvesting most varieties in their best moment, without being autumn rains an inconvenient to determine harvest best dates.
Wines characteristics
White wines present great aromas concentration and balanced acidity levels with a pH of 3.0 – 3.1, very normal for the area.
The Sauvignon Blanc wines present citric aromas and very fine minerals compared to the previous season. In mouth they are very balanced in acidity and full bodied.
Red wines like Pinot Noir developed fermentation well resulting in very spicy wines, of very good color and soft and round tannins. Some damages suffered from dehydration were compensated by very concentrated wines of a big aromatic range.
Due to their good pH and acidity, Syrah wines present an intense color. Fermentation developed with no problems and they are waiting for the FML, which is done late in the season in this area.
MAIPO VALLEY
CENTRAL MAIPO
Figure 17 Central Maipo locations map.
General Conditions
Codigua, Isla de Maipo and Talagante are analyzed here. (Figure 17)
This season had a winter colder than previous seasons, all locations registering too low temperatures for the period.
This area registered higher average highest temperatures during January, February and March in all Central Maipo locations: Isla de Maipo, Talagante and Codigua. This marked the beginning of the harvest and the vintage’s development.
Rainfall was also scarce for the season and forced to increase irrigation in all Maipo Central’s locations. Some rains in March and April had impact only in areas with little preventive control.
Climatic conditions
Rainfalls
Just like in the country’s other regions, a rainfall deficit was evident.This season 185mm of rain fell in Isla de Maipo, Talagante and Codigua, with values close to 210mm, which means a 45% average deficit (Figure 18)
Figure 18 Rainfall in season 2007-2008. Maipo Central.
This deficit was handled with advanced irrigation at the beginning of the season, since the winter’s hydric reserve was not enough to reach to the months in which irrigation is normally started.
Registered rainfall in March and April did not cause health problems in the grape. There were problems only in those vineyards with little preventive control, but were finally controlled with no major problems.
Temperatures
Temperatures were determining in the valley’s all phenological stages. On one hand, low winter temperatures caused an increase in hours-cold, affecting the budding start with an approximate 10 days delay and being uneven budding in different varieties.
The delay in the phonological stage development was kept all season long, arriving blooming and veraison delayed as well. This was seen in all locations in Maipo Central.
Talagante and Isla de Maipo showed very similar average and a little higher temperatures than Codigua all season long (Figure 19), especially from November to March.
Figure 19 Highest average temperatures. Season 2007-2008. Maipo Central
Likewise, lowest average temperatures in these locations had a different behavior. Isla de Maipo had lower temperatures and Talagante had the highest all season long (Figure 20). June and August were the most extreme winter months (similar to what happened in other valley).
Figure 20 Lowest average temperatures. Season 2007-2008. Maipo Central.
When comparing interseasons, conditions were different regarding highest and lowest average temperatures.
Lowest average temperatures were lower all season long in Codigua as well as in Talagante (Figure 21). August registered an average temperature of 0.8°C and the 2004-2005 season, which also registered low temperatures, registered 3.7°C. This marks even more the budding start delay.
Figure 21 Interseasons lowest average temperatures. Codigua, Maipo Central.
Regarding highest average temperatures, both locations showed lower temperatures in winter but higher starting from October, a condition that was kept until the end of the season (Figure 22).
Figure 22 Highest average temperatures. Interseasons Talagante, Maipo Central.
This condition caused the accumulation of degrees-day in Maipo Central to be 76 degrees-day lower than Maipo Alto, getting the differences which normally reach 100 degrees-day closer. This season the degrees-day accumulation reached a 1551 value, while the previous season reached 1496 (Figure 23).
Figure 23 Accumulated degrees-day. Interseasons, Maipo Central.
Dehydration problems of up to 15% were registered in Merlot as well as in other red varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, unusual event for this variety. This did not affect the general quality of the wines, but it did cause an important decrease in production. The general quality is good, compared to the previous season which was extraordinary for this area’s red wines.
Summer high temperatures, in some cases in high performance vineyards, affected the ripeness good development of some red grapes which resulted in mild color wines, moderate aromatic intensity and tannins a little more astringent than the previous season, this related to hydric stress and fast increase of brix. However, in those balanced and well handled vineyards, red wines produced have live colors and a good general quality.
Rains in March and April caused some health problems in red grapes of varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, which implied greater oenological work to get a good quality in these wines.
Maipo Alto
General conditions
This area showed more extreme conditions than Maipo Central. There was less rainfall and even lower temperatures in winter and higher in summer. A higher degrees-day accumulation than the previous season was registered.
This conditioned the evolution of the different phenological stages and some varieties productions with performances lower than those expected due to dehydration problems in some red varieties and low weight in bunches, reaching a 30% drop in red varieties production.
There were also winter frosts, 9 took place in August and could affect leaf buds without showing clear signs of damage. There were also frosts by the end of September, which definitely caused a decrease in the season’s final production.
February and March were very hot. This conditioned the harvest dates.
It is also worth mentioning a late detection of a quarantine plague (Lobesia botrana), which caused problems to producers, especially to those of late grape or table grape that had not been harvested yet and whose losses were higher. Right now the SAG eradication plan and research to know it and control it the best possible way are in course. It is currently enclosed in Linderos, San Bernardo and Maipo.
Climatic conditions
Rainfall
Only 176mm were registered in Pirque and 171mm in Buin. This caused a 50% deficit in Maipo Alto with respect to a normal year (Figure 24). This situation changed the irrigation regime to an earlier and more extended one. There was no water shortage for irrigations, so new programs could be easily accomplished.
Figure 24 Rainfall Season 2007-2008. Maipo Alto.
Some rainfall events were registered in March (9.4mm) and April (19.8mm) that did not cause diseases. The red varieties were harvested according to oenologic decision rather than rainfall. The Carmenere variety was harvested in May with no difficulty. Having to wait for the reds harvest did not mean health problems due to the presence of Cladosporium in most cases.
Temperatures
Like in the other valleys, winter temperatures were lower than those in previous seasons, being Pirque and Buin the areas that registered the winter’s coldest months in Maipo (Figure 25).
Figure 25 lowest average temperatures. Season 2007-2008. Maipo Alto.
In addition to the season’s already usual winter frosts, there were frosts by the end of September, when the red varieties in Alto Jahuel had just started their budding. This could result in a drop in final performances, but this was a general situation. Budding occurred the second two weeks in October in Pirque, therefore, there were practically no damages due to late budding.
Temperatures then clearly went up in January, with high average temperatures of 29.7°C, which were higher than those in previous seasons (Figure 26).
Figure 26 High average temperatures. Interseasons. Maipo Alto.
Dehydration problems in some red varieties like Merlot showed their first signs in February. Regarding the Cabernet Sauvignon, the problem was clear in March and more general than in previous seasons.
Degrees-day accumulation was 31 degrees-day higher than the previous season. Record for this season was 1,627.8 degrees-day (Figure 27). This helped a good ripeness period and determined a harvest start according to oenologic decision.
Figure 27 Accumulated degrees-day. Interseasons. Maipo Alto.
Wines characteristics
There were dehydration problems in Merlot, with losses up to 40%. This variety had a color fair level, with aromas of fair intensity and quality. In vineyards that did not suffer this problem wines are very expressive, with aromas and tannins well ripen.
The other red wines got intense and bright colors, with very good quality floral-fruit aromas and soft, round and ripe tannins.
The Carmenere is spicier than previous years, with rather vegetal tannins though.
White varieties produced honest wines with high aromatic intensity. The Chardonnay’s tropical and ripe aromas outstand, as well as the fresh and balanced acidity of the Sauvignon Blanc. There is very good tipicity in cooler locations.
Cachapoal Valley
General conditions
Locations included in this report are Totihue and Rengo.
The valley had a cold winter with winter frosts and a big hours-cold accumulation, which meant a budding start delay in red varieties. There were no springtime frosts.
When comparing historic records, there was less rainfall. This condition and high temperatures in December, January and February caused dehydration in red varieties. However, this did not seriously affect the season’s red wines.
Climatic characteristics
Rainfall
Historic records indicate rainfalls were approximately 50% less (Figure 28). Records this season reached 328mm.
Figure 28 Rainfall season 2007-2008. Cachapoal Valley.
The hydric deficit affected the season’s irrigation regimes. In order to replace the deficit in the soil profile, irrigations had to start earlier this season. This ensured good soil humidity for budding.
March (17mm) and April (11mm) rainfall did not cause health problems in red varieties, reaching harvest in a good way. They did cause a temperature drop, especially in April.
Temperatures
Winter was cold with many frosts. June and August registered minimum average temperatures close to 0°C, too low for Totihue (Figure 29).
Figure 29 Lowest average temperatures. Season 2007-2008. Totihue, Cachapoal Valley.
During summer months highest average temperatures were very high, increasing dehydration in red varieties like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. This high temperatures condition was registered in January, February and March (Figure 30). Over 33°C average was registered, so the effect in the grapes integrity was considerable.
Figure 30 Highest average temperatures. Season 2007-2008. Cachapoal. Valley.
There was a 50% drop in the Merlot production, while the Cabernet Sauvignon’s had an approximate 11% drop.
In general, the phenological stages showed a delay due to low winter temperatures. Due to high summer temperatures vintage started like in previous seasons, allowing harvesting in all varieties best moment.
Wines characteristics
Regarding color, aroma and tannins, red wines were different. The Merlot wines, just like those of other valleys, presented fair color, intensities and aromatic qualities, especially those grapes affected by dehydration.
Cabernet Sauvignon presented good intensity and aroma quality, good color, although lower than that of the previous season, and good tannin quality.
Syrah, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc outstand in aroma and very intense colors. These varieties did not show considerable differences with respect to the expected production.
Figure 31 Colchagua Valley’s locations map.
General conditions
This report includes El Huique, palmilla and Apalta locations (Figure 31)
The valley had a dry and very cold winter. Springtime was cold with lower temperatures than previous seasons. High temperatures in summer months were the conditions that marked this season.
A drop in winter rainfall forced to bring forward irrigation starting dates in the valley’s locations.
General performances were lower than the 2006-07 season and average harvest dates were earlier than the previous season.
There was also a significant rise in summer temperatures, being January, February and March (end of season) the months with the highest average temperatures.
This determined earlier harvest dates with respect to the previous season. In some areas ripeness was reached in brix degrees, without reaching an optimum phenolic development. Vineyards with deficient hydric systems proved more astringent and drying tannins than the previous season. However, colors were very intense and deep due to the concentration of the fruit resulting from the vines’ low performances.
Climatic conditions
Rainfalls
Rainfalls reached 284mm. The previous season registered 536.6mm, which shows a 47% deficit (Figure 32).
Figure 32 Interseasons Rainfall. EL Huique, Colchagua Valley.
Scarce rainfall did not fill the soil’s whole profile, this made necessary to bring irrigations forward and keep them practically the whole season due to the high evapotranspirative demand. It was even hard to accomplish such requirements in some water shortage moments.
This change in the hydric handling allowed preserving the fruit in better conditions, but there was still a considerable decrease in production, due to weight loss in bunches. In some locations the production drop reached 35% for Merlot and 25% for Cabernet Sauvignon. In some cases production dropped up to 50%, an unusual situation for this variety.
A possible explanation would be the combined effect of high temperatures, high evapotranspirative rate and a low radicular mass, unable to capture all the water it requires according to the high evapotranspirative demands. This could have been stressed in some new plantations or due to nematode presence.
In some cases in the last seasons sun strike in Cabernet Sauvignon has been avoided, increasing the foliage protecting the bunch (avoiding summer pruning). This could even rise the evapotranspiration demand.
Bunches dehydration did not result in over ripeness aromas or tastes or raisin taste, it only affected the final production.
The hydric deficit also affected the tannins quality of some varieties like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, which when having a higher stress degree are unable to perfectly ripe their polyphenols, so at the end of the season they are greener and harder.
Rainfalls in March (15mm) and April (33.5mm) did not cause health problems, but they did cause a decrease in average temperatures. Varieties harvested later (end of April, beginning of May, like the Cabernet Sauvignon) in some locations, developed Cladosporium fungus.
Temperatures
Temperatures were extreme in winter and summer. That is, lower in winter and higher in summer when compared to the previous season.
When analyzing highest average temperatures, these were low in winter, but rose in October (Figure 33). This caused an approximate 10 to 15 days delay in budding. Then, October’s and November’s sustained rise in temperatures caused a fast vegetative growth, which made the season’s vegetative handlings difficult.
Summer reached highest average temperatures of 31.25°C – 30.03°C and 28.92°C in January, February and March, considerably higher than previous seasons. This caused an early harvest date, despite the budding initial delay.
Figure 33 Highest average temperatures. Interseasons. El Huique, Colchagua Valley.
Lowest average temperatures in El Huique area were considerably lower in winter and in summer they kept relatively similar to those of other seasons (Figure 34).
Figure 34 Lowest average temperatures. Interseasons. El Huique, Colchagua Valley.
In general, there were no big differences within the valley’s locations. They all registered practically the same temperature conditions, lowest as well as highest, in winter and in summer (Figure 35) and (Figure 36).
Figure 35 Highest average temperatures. Season 2007-2008. Colchagua Valley.
Figure 36 Lowest average temperatures. Season 2007-2008. Colchagua Valley.
The degrees-day accumulation in the whole valley was higher than that of the season 2006-2207. This difference was kept all season long (Figure 37).
1699.5 degrees-day values were registered v/s 1597 from the past season. This means a difference of more than 100 degrees-day which also affected the grapes ripeness final stage, causing an early harvest.
Figure 37 Accumulated degrees-day. Interseasons. Colchagua Valley.
Wines Characteristics
The grape’s health was in general very good. Like in other valleys, there was also dehydration in Merlot in approximately 30 to 35%. Some areas showed a drop in performance of up to 50% in Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Chardonnay wines had a normal fermentation with well typified aromas of fair intensity.
The Merlot wines showed intense color and fair-high intensity aromas, but rather tough tannins.
The Cabernet Sauvignon wines had a good fermentation and a high aromatic intensity. Likewise, color, concentration and pH characteristics were favored, keeping good quality levels.
The other red varieties, like Syrah and Petit Verdot, show intense colors, good intensity and quality colors, but rather tougher tannins than the previous year. This made necessary a careful handling in winemaking.
Figure 38 Curico Valley’s locations map.
General conditions
Sagrada Familia, Lontué and Molina were considered to analyze this season (Figure 38).
The valley showed the same thermal and pluviometric characteristics of the valleys previously analyzed.
Compared to the previous season the hydric deficit reached 55%.
This valley’s cold areas suffered more extreme low temperature conditions during winter and also had highest average temperatures lower than previous seasons. This caused a 10 to 15 days budding delay, a condition that lasted until the harvest date.
Different wine characteristics between warm and cold areas were also seen.
Climatic conditions
Rainfall
In both areas (cold and warm) rainfalls dropped like in all valleys.
Records in different locations were: Sagrada Familia 303.4mm, Lontué 332mm and Molina 337mm (660mm were registered in the 2006-2007 season). This show a 47% deficit in all locations (Figure 39).
There was rainfall in autumn 2008. Lontué registered 8mm and 33mm in March and April respectively. A similar situation occurred in Molina and Sagrada Familia. This rainfall did not affect the vintage’s final health in any location, but it did cause a drop in temperatures records.
Figure 39 Season 2007-2008 rainfall. Curicó Valley.
It is worth mentioning that in this year there was no autumn mist, typical in the valley’s cold areas. This allowed having better health conditions in the season’s final stage. Only localized sources of botrytis were seen.
Temperatures
Like in all valleys, there were winter low temperatures and higher temperatures in summer months.
When analyzing temperatures in different locations of the Curicó Valley, we may say all of them had lower temperatures in June and August, being Lontué and Sagrada Familia the lowest in the valley during winter (Figure 40).
Figure 40 Lowest average temperatures. Season 2007-2008. Curicó Valley.
If we compare interseason’s lowest average temperatures, we may see it is a colder year when comparing Sagrada familia in the last two seasons (Figure 41).
Also, September and October were still cold which affected the budding starting date and all following phenological stages in approximately 10 to 15 days, in the valley’s cold and warm areas.
Frost events registered in September affected the season’s production, but in Lontué’s cold areas. Sagrada Familia did not show damages since budding occurred after.
Lowest average temperatures in November affected some varieties’ setting, like Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, causing an approximate 20% performance drop in some areas of Sagrada Familia.
Figure 41 lowest average temperatures. Interseasons, Sagrada Familia. Curicó Valley.
Highest average temperatures had a similar behavior in all locations. Sagrada Familia registered the highest temperatures practically through all season. In warm areas like Sagrada Familia this was important to start the harvest (Figure 42) and to determine the white and red wines quality.
According to records, average temperature in January was 33.1°C, 32.1°C in February and 29.1°C in March. This means 1°C to 2°C higher than the same months in the previous season. These temperatures caused a rise in brix degrees because of grape dehydration, but without aromas and tastes development.
Figure 42 Highest average temperatures. Interseasons, Sagrada Familia. Curicó Valley.
Harvest dates, as well as wines quality and vintage’s general rating were different when comparing the valley’s warm and cold areas.
Harvest dates started with a 10 to 15 days delay in cold areas. Wines quality has been well evaluated, with greater concentration, good color, harmonious in nose, very fruity and better tannin quality in reds.
Warmer areas were harvested practically the same dates of the previous season, but Carmenere had to wait long. The probable alcohol levels were higher (because of fruit dehydration) but, in many cases, with less phenolic ripeness. In spite of the brix rise without aromas development, the pH levels were right and acidity was not as low as it had been forecasted.
Wines characteristics
As mentioned above, there were differences between the wines of warm and cold areas.
The Merlot wines from cold areas had good color concentration, high intensity and fruity aromas quality. Regarding tannins, they were round and soft. Warm areas, however, suffered a drop in production and rougher tannins with lower color.
Warm areas Cabernet sauvignon showed mainly rather astringent tannins, more stressed than previous years, which forced to different winemaking, wines have good color and fruity aromas of high intensity.
Cold areas Cabernet Sauvignon developed good color, great aromatic intensity and a stronger acidity that has delayed the malolactic fermentation.
Carmenere has had a normal year regarding performance, but rather late harvests waiting for a better ripeness. This year some wines have more fruity notes and firmer tannins than previous years.
MAULE VALLEY
General characteristics
Locations considered this year are San Clemente, Panguilemu, Parral and Cauquenes.
Winter had low temperatures and summer was very hot. This determined the phenological stages and the wines quality. Budding in white varieties was 10 to 15 days delayed. Red varieties, like merlot, had a long an uneven veraison. Carmenere, however, had a more concentrated and even veraison.
There was good grape health all season long.
Rainfall dropped approximately 50% all over the Valley, which determined irrigation handlings.
Rainfall
This season San Clemente registered 365mm. The previous season 530mm were registered, which means a 31% deficit (Figure 43).
Figure 43 Interseasons rainfall. San Clemente, Maule Valley.
March and April rainfall did not affect the vintage’s health. It was a healthy vintage all season long.
Temperatures
Records show a cold winter and a summer with higher average temperatures than the last seasons. There were many winter frosts.
August low temperatures delayed 1 to 2 weeks white varieties budding, like the Sauvignon Blanc (October the 5th) and Chardonnay (September the 25th). Red varieties budded the first days of October.
Winter temperatures were lower and summer temperatures were 2 to 3°C higher than previous seasons. February registered a highest average temperature of 32.1°C, too high for the season (Figure 44).
Figure 44 Interseasons highest average temperatures. San Clemente. Maule Valley.
These warm conditions from December to April determined the phenological stages behavior in white and red varieties.
Regarding Merlot in San Clemente, there was a very slow and uneven veraison stage, which lasted longer than 16 days. Carmenere, however, in the same location had a concentrated and even veraison.
Apart from the temperatures effect on phenological stages, there was an effect on varieties dehydration like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with an estimated 15% drop in production.
The monthly degrees-day in December, January and February were higher than previous seasons (Figure 45). This had an effect in the season’s harvest dates and resulted in the before mentioned dehydration problems. Red varieties in cold areas had an approximate 10 days harvest delay compared to the previous season. It was necessary to wait for the Syrah and some Cabernet Sauvignon to ripe well and their tannins to soften.
Figure 45 Monthly degrees-day. Interseasons. San Clemente, Maule Valley.
Wines Characteristics
White wines in cold areas had a quite slow ripeness, developed complex mouth but less expressive aromas, with a tendency to citric notes in Sauvignon Blanc. Acidity was balanced with a very normal pH for the area. Riesling wines showed 0.5 g/L more of tartaric acidity than the previous year.
The Chardonnays have in general good volume and complexity in mouth, with mild intensity aromas. Some fermentations were slow and of difficult end. In general, all musts had low nitrogen levels, which was necessary to correct.
Good results were seen in Sauvignon Gris in the Parral area, with a very intense foliage handling to allow a good ripeness, very intense and fruity aromas and fresh acidity.
The cold areas Pinot Noir showed good acidity levels and intense color. Fresh red fruits aromas, like strawberry and cherry, very typical of the area.
The Merlot suffered dehydration this year. This was controlled with irrigation abundant in quantity and quality, having up to 15% loss. The previous season had 50%. Significant drops in performances were avoided by harvesting in advance in some locations. This meant wines with higher acidity, low pH and less intense colors. However, modifications in winemaking produced wines with soft and non astringent tannins. The Merlot lacking this problem resulted in very good color, with fair to good intensity but firm acidity and tannins a little rougher than the previous season. They are wines that must be waited to evolve.
Regarding Sauvignon Blanc, there was an approximately one week late harvest, waiting for tannins to ripe. Wines of good color and ripe tannins were obtained. Good concentration in mouth and high aromatic quality with black fruits aromas and some mineral notes. Balanced acidity and pH, similar to those of the previous year, with abundant and ripe tannins. Some Cabernet Sauvignon grapes harvested at the end of the season showed a certain degree of weaker film and rot sensitivity after the end of April rainfall.
Cold areas Carmenere had less concentration in mouth, less aromatic intensity and less color than the previous year. Tannins were unripe and sharp. In warmer areas in the south limit of the valley, grapes kept notoriously healthy, with firm and whole films until the end of ripeness, with wines of great color, black fruits aromas, pepper and abundant tannins, but rounder and riper.
The Syrah took its time to ripe well, with a little swelling loss by the end of the period and rather vegetable notes that took long to evolve. Wines, however, are spicy with acid fruits and blackberry notes. Wines had a great color and a good acidity, but rather tough tannins.
In Cauquenes, grapes were harvested in good health conditions.
The Chardonnay, as well as the red varieties, took long to ripe and harvest was 7 to 14 days delayed.
Productions dropped significantly, approximately 30%. This was very important in non irrigated vineyards. This production drop in red grapes was mainly due to a draught in the region. This meant more concentrated musts and higher probable alcohol, which was handled with early harvest and slow fermentations.
Wines showed better aromas than the previous season, but more astringent and concentrated tannins. This was handled with a less extraction winemaking and early descubes . In general, the whole dry land had greater tannic astringency, which forced to change winemaking.
Bio-Bio Valley
General conditions
Just like in other valleys, winter was extremely cold, with many days with temperatures below 0°C. This condition continued all day long.
Budding was affected by these winter low temperatures. Budding usually occurs the first days of September for sauvignon Blanc and September the 10th for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This year, the budding starting date was between September the 10th and 15th, that is, 10 to 15 days delayed.
Normal rainfall records reached 1,000mm, this agricultural year they reached 600mm and did not affect the season’s irrigation regimes.
What did affect the irrigation programs was an unusually hot summer, with temperatures close to 37|-38°C. In some areas, this caused an increase in irrigation frequencies and even a mix of drop and furrow irrigations to increase the water supply in those areas with high evapotranspirative demand and where there was no water shortage.
Despite high temperatures, a delay in other phenologic stages was kept. Blooming was one week late. It is usually in November between the 10Th and the 15th, but this season it was between the 20th and the 25th.
The veraison stage was 5 days late. Temperatures were above 35°C, but there were no sun damages. By the end of February temperatures began to drop, which meant a veraison stage longer than previous seasons.
Harvest was earlier sin some areas of new plantations and vineyards on stony soils reached ripeness earlier. The Sauvignon Blanc was harvested in March the 5th.This usually occurs in March the 20th.
In general, it was a healthy season, with less fungus diseases.
Wines characteristics
High temperatures in summer months had an effect in white varieties aromas. The Sauvignon Blanc has riper and more tropical aromas, less fruity but with a very balanced acidity.
This was a very good year for the Chardonnay. It has a better aromatic expression than the previous season. Greater volume in mouth, a balanced acidity with very marked and persistent varietal aromas.
The Riesling shows great expression, citric notes and fresh peach giving it brightness and freshness. It was harvested the first days of April waiting for acidity and more balanced probable alcohol.
Red wines in general had good color, soft and round tannins, balanced acidity and very present and expressive aromas.
It was a good season for Pinot Noir, with a very concentrated color, velvety tannins and a great aromatic expression, showing a better quality than the previous season.
The Merlot has soft tannins, better color than the previous season and higher alcoholic degree. The same characteristics are present in the Malbec, outstanding its violet color from a good pH.
|
Nearly 500 Years of Chilean Wine |
|
Wine grapes (Vitis vinifera) are not native to the Americas; they arrived with the Spanish in the 1500s. Early attempts to form vineyards in more northerly climes, such as the Caribbean, Mexico, and Peru proved unsuccessful; in Chile, however, the vine found its first true New World home.
The Catholic missionaries who followed the Spanish Conquistadors lamented the lack of wine that was essential for celebrating religious rites, and they set about to resolve the problem. Fray Francisco de Carabantes is widely credited with bringing the first vines probably País (pronounced ” pah-EES” and known as “Mission” in California) into Chile through the port of Concepción round 1548. Such was the success that vineyards were quickly planted throughout the country from the Limarí Valley in the north to Bío-Báío Valley in the south precisely the areas that still delimit the vast majority of Chile’s wine production today. Of course the desire for wine in Chile was not limited to the Church-there were plenty of secular uses for the traditional European beverage of choice. The thirsty residents of the burgeoning capital city of Santiago also clamored for wine, and the surrounding Maipo Valley proved to be a ready and abundant source of red wine. Improvements in maritime transportation made cross-Atlantic travel much more viable by the early 19th century. Chile, freshly emancipated from Spain, yearned for knowledge of its European roots, and members of the country’s wealthiest families embarked upon an intercontinental pilgrimage that would change Chilean life and culture in many ways. France was a favorite destination, and soon French customs, from food to clothing to architecture, flourished among Chiles upper classes. It did not take long for the first French-style wineries to make an appearance as well.
Pioneers and Pests
By the mid-1800s, interest in European-style wine production was taking hold. Well-heeled families many with fortunes earned in the mining industry built extraordinary mansions beyond the city limits and surrounded them with vineyards.
Pioneering naturalist and scientist Claudio Gay brought some 30 Vitis vinifera varieties from France for experimental purposes in the nascent University of Chile’s Quinta Normal agricultural center. Silvestre Ochagavia is generally credited with being the first to introduce French varieties for commercial purposes 20 years later in the Maipo Valley. Others quickly followed suit, and many of Chile’s now traditional wineries were formed, including Carmen, Concha y Toro, Cousiño Macul, Errá¡zuriz, San Pedro, Santa Rita, Undurraga, and Urmeneta. New varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec (Cot), Carménère, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillón, and Riesling produced noble wines that quickly gained popularity and replaced the then-traditional País grape, which was relegated to the country’s winemaking extremes, where it is still used today for rustic wines destined for local consumption. Chile had entered into a new phase of its winemaking history, again one of the first in the New World to make serious noble wines. This small South American country was also fortunate; the European wine industry was about to undergo a crisis that would never touch Chile. Trans-Atlantic exchange brought with it tremendous benefits to both continents, but it also had its downside. European garden enthusiasts had unwittingly imported a devastating vineyard pest Phylloxera hidden in the roots of America’s native grape vines that were beautiful, despite being useless for wine production. Europe’s Vitis vinifera vines were defenseless against the tiny and voracious louse, which advanced unchecked, quickly decimating thousands of hectares of ancient Old World vineyards along the way. The pest was re-introduced to the Americas with the import of Vitis vinifera vines, yet for reasons that have never fully been understood, Chile remains Phylloxera-free to this day. It took years to understand and find a solution to Europe’s Phylloxera problem, generating a large base of winemakers willing to travel to the New World in search of work. Chile happily received many French experts to help develop its own growing industry. Thus, with French vines and expertise, matched to Chile’s excellent natural conditions, the country’s renewed wine industry made a tremendous leap in quality and was quickly in demand not only at home, but abroad as well.
The early 20th century is a story of seclusion and distance from the world for Chile. Despite its turn-of-the-century success in wine, two world wars and decades of state protectionism forced the country down a solitary path that technologically isolated it from the world for nearly 50 years. The mid-20th century Agrarian Land Reform took its toll on Chile’s wine industry, and the country’s relative isolation from the increasingly globalized, trade-oriented world essentially kept Chile out of the wine trade for decades more. The country reversed its closed-door policies in 1980s, effectively giving rise to the next wave in the history of Chilean winemaking.
Musts for Modern Times
Step 1: in the Bodega
The part of Chilean wine history that most affects today’s consumer has taken place since the 1970′s, when complicated restrictive domestic policies were repealed and political interventionism was relaxed or eliminated. Beginning in 1980, legal liberalization and the country’s economic opening kicked off a revolution in the wine industry.
Once again, foreign influence played a key part in Chile’s wine industry. Spanish winemaker Miguel Torres chose Curicó establish his New World winery and introduced modern techniques and technology, such as stainless steel tanks and initiated a new direction in the industry. The initial phase, which took place during the 1980s and early 1990s, was dedicated to updating equipment and incorporating new technology in Chilean wineries. Ancient wooden vats made of native rauli wood were replaced with shining temperature-controlled stainless tanks, new French and American oak barriques began to fill the barrel rooms, and modern facilities were designed to incorporate gravity-flow design.
Step 2: In the vineyard
A second wave of industry-wide renovation looked to the vineyards. Winemakers who once considered their work to begin when the grapes arrived at the winery were encouraged to step out into the fields and work closely with the winegrowers to improve the quality of the fruit that would ultimately lead to much better wines. Varietal selection had stagnated to concentrate on primarily Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. New varieties were added and new vineyard management techniques such as drip irrigation and vertical trellising were incorporated to increase quality and reduce crop loads.
Chile’s signature grape Carménère appeared during this process of vineyard renovation. The world was aware that Chile’s Merlot was unique, and local growers were certain that not all of the vines were the same, but it wasn’t until 1994 that French ampelographer Jean Michel Boursiquo t finally attached a name to the variant variety: Carménère, a red variety from France that arrived in Chile prior to the phylloxera crisis. Because the late-ripening variety is difficult to manage in cool climates and highly susceptible to phylloxera, it was never replanted in its native Bordeaux and had long been forgotten until its rediscovery in Chile. Since that time, extensive work has been done to separate the two varieties and treat each according to its own specific requirements, resulting in major style changes in both.
Step 3: In search of “Terroir”
The third and current phase of modern Chilean winemaking involves a search for “terroir” to better understand and more appropriately match the vine to its environment. Pioneering growers are now planting vineyards at higher altitudes and pushing the extremes of the long-recognized wine regions: north to the Elqui Valley, south to Bío-Bío, and even Osorno, east to the Andean piedmont, and west to the Pacific coast.
Despite its nearly 500 years of existence, Chile’s wine industry is fresh, young, and evolving to meet the needs of today’s ever more demanding world markets. Chilean wines are now available in more than 90 countries on 5 continents. Exports to Europe, the United States, and particularly to Asia have grown steadily each year, and as of 2002 register more than US$600,000,000 in annual sales. Wines of Chile plays an important part in the effort to promote the national wine industry and is a constant source of information for trade and consumers alike. |
The goal of this blog is to deliver the FINEST wine evaluation, information and education for FREE. This Blog will provide you with detailed information on grapes, wine regions, specific wines and wine accessories. As a visitor, we encourage you to post your reviews on any of the wines listed on this website.
MyRedWineReviews.com is an interactive learning site where wine newbies and wine enthusiasts can share their experiences. If you would like to write a review of a wine you don’t see on the site, please email us at winereview@myredwinereviews.com 
Wine Review