| Chile has a long wine growing history, the first vineyard being established in 1548. In the middle of the 19th century ten families changed the wine business into a modern industry. First they imported noble grape varietals such as Cabernet, Merlot, Riesling etc. These grapes came before the phyloxera epidemic devastated European vineyards. French wine makers imported their knowledge and traditions at this time thus creating a high quality wine industry.
Geography and Climate
Chile ia a long and narrow country with over 3000 miles of coast line. The wine growing region extends over 500 miles with Chile's natural barriers, the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains, providing an isolated environment which has helped this country to avoid most major vineyard diseases. The Andes contribute to prime growing conditions, cold nights and warm sunny days. Most wine production takes place in the Central Valle which contain the Maipo, the Rapel and, the Colchagua. The soil is predominantly clay lomis.
TRENDS AND WHAT TO EXPECT
Every world wine concern seems to be taking a profound interest in Chilean vineyards which speaks highly for this region's potential. Look for more and more joint ventures and acquisitions. So far Chile makes fantastic fruity wines but its tendency to rely on its very efficient irrigation system has prevented it from making numerous truly first class wines, look for this to change. The Casablanca region is becoming noted for its production of white varietals, with its very favorable climate of foggy mornings and sunny afternoons. |
Caliterra- Featured Winery
Caliterra is a joint venture between Eduardo Chadwick and Robert Mondavi. The exchange of cultures and winemaking philosophies seems to be working. Caliterra sources the best grapes from all over the country. Cabernet from the Colchagua, Merlot from the Maipo and the Rapel Valley. Both reds and whites are rated as great values and 1999's harvest yields have been low which should indicate they’ll only be getting better. Other labels related to Caliterra include Errazuriz | Producer | Varietal | Vintage | Price | Buy Now |
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