An isolated country with a coastline stretching over 3000 miles, Chile is noted for its phylloxeria* free vines and healthy fruit. Protected by the Andes mountain range to the East and with the Pacific Ocean influences to the West, central Chile enjoys an almost temperate climate, not unlike Bordeaux, and ideal for grape cultivation. Almost half of the vineyard acreage of 130,000 ha is devoted to table grape production mainly in the hotter North of the country.The absence of phylloxeria*, which ravaged the world's vineyards in the mid 1800's, means that most of Chile's vine population is ungrafted - hence the existence of some very old vines. As with Argentina, irrigation is essential and widespread, with extensive use made of the melting snows from the Andes. Water is channelled into a series of canals and diverted to the mainly fertile plains of the Central Valley where the bulk of wine production takes place.
Maipu Valley, Chile
Although noted for its varietal wines on the export market, the most widely planted grape variety in Chile is the dark-skinned Pais, which makes rather rustic, bulk wine for the domestic market. Strict quarantine regulations apply to all imported vine cuttings and consequently the development and cultivation of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and the other European classics has been on a restricted and limited basis. Major investment throughout the 1990's has seen most wineries updated to cater for increasing demand on the export market.
Some European producers, notable Miguel Torres of Penedes and Château Lafite-Rotschild of Bordeaux, have made substantial investment in Chilean wine production with some excellent results. The classic style of Chilean wine is fruit driven, upfront and easy drinking. Reds, based on the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Negro (Pinot Noir) have pronounced varietal characteristics of blackcurrants, cassis, plum and strawberry.
Some very serious offerings are coming from the single estate 'reserva' wines using the Bordeaux blend of grapes and commanding equally serious money. From the cooler regions of Casablanca, clean, fresh 'tropical fruit' style Chardonnays and crisp 'gooseberry and citrus' style Sauvignons have made major inroads on world markets. Experiments continue with Chenin Blanc, Gewurztraminer and Viognier with many boutique wineries emerging to bottle their own wines as opposed to selling to the major players.
