Chile

low price. All the most popular varieties – Carmenere, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer – are produced in Chile. These wines are of excellent quality and can be purchased for relatively little money. History of Chilean wine The foundation of winemaking in Chile was laid by the Spaniards in the middle of the 16th century. The first Chilean wine was very primitive: boiled grape juice was added to sweets and used mainly for religious ceremonies. Since the beginning of the 19th century, grapes of famous European varieties have been brought to the country for cultivation: cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc, merlot, carmenere, etc. This gave a significant impetus to the development of cultural winemaking. The first increase in the popularity of Chilean wines in the world was associated with the phylloxera epidemic, which significantly damaged the vineyards of the Old World in the late 19th century. Chile’s isolated area and copper-rich soils protected local grapes from disease. The first round of popularity of Chilean wine took place during the decline of European winemaking, which was associated with the phylloxera epidemic, which did not affect the Chilean vineyards. However, the real recognition of the world was due to the well-thought-out state policy and foreign investment in the late 90s of the last century. World wine exports have risen and the government has called for a “golden culture” by sharply raising taxes on the wine industry. As a result, most winemakers have restricted their activities. The situation ended with foreign investors and competent government policies. The characteristics of the climate were the key to the high quality of Chilean wines. The country stretches from north to south in a long narrow strip. In the north – the Atacama Desert, in the west – the Pacific and coastal hills, in the east – the high Andes. All this forms a fertile natural basis for the production of different, sparkling wines, a unique terroir, understandable, open-minded and fruity explosion in taste. Main regions and types Today, there are 5 wine regions in Chile: Atacama, Coquimbo, Aconcagua, Valle Central, Region del Sur, each famous for its wine varieties. Table raisins are mainly grown in the dry Atacama. Cabernet sauvignon, merlot and chardonnay wines are successfully produced in the Coquimbo region, which is closest to the equator. Aconcagua is known for its red wines Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Sangiovese and Zinfandel. The proximity to the ocean and the cooler climate of the lower Aconcagua region of Casablanca create favorable conditions for the cultivation of chardonnay (80% of vineyards), as well as merlot, pinot noir, sauvignon blanc. Valle Central (Rapel, Maipo, Maule and Curico subregions), the oldest and most famous wine region in Chile, is an ideal place for the production of Chilean wine advanced Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as merlot and carmenera. Sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, Riesling and pinot noir are grown in the cold south of the Rejon del Sur valley, close to France in climatic conditions. Wine classification Chilean wines do not have a strict classification. Generally, manufacturers divide them by age: Courant (up to one year), Speral (2-3 years), Reserve (4-5 years), Gran Vino (6 years or more). Since 2011, an alternative classification of Chilean wines has been applied depending on the climatic zone of grape growth. Coastal wines, characterized by higher acidity and fruitfulness, are balanced wines from the vineyards between the Costa and mountain ranges – Entre Cordilleras. The most prominent, elegant and well-established wines are Andas wines made from grapes grown in the Andes.