Download Sommelier Diploma Week 18

South America
1. General
a.
b.
Declining local consumption has moved industry to produce wines for export markets
Many changes in the past decade:
i. More plantings of international varieties
ii. Modernization of cellars
iii. Foreign investment
iv. General increase in expertise in production and marketing
2. Countries
a. Bolivia
i.
ii.
La Concepcion was the first modern winery founded in 1978 and remains the finest
Best-known for Cabernet
b.Chile
i. General
1.
2.
Spanish conquistadores were responsible for introduction of the first Vitis Vinifera vines Frenchman Claudio Gay
convinced the government to set up an experimental nursery for botanical specimens in 1830 This meant that Chile
had a bank of vinifera cuttings prior to Phylloxera. Fine wine tradition dates back to the middle of the 19 th Century.
Wealthy Chileans were traveling to Europe and brought back many of the trappings of an affluent lifestyle. Many
German and French varieties were brought over. Despite this small fine-wine development most wine in Chile was
made from Pais and other lesser varieties. The push to find export markets started in the 1970’s and accelerated
from the mid 1980’s when the country became more democratic. Lots of investment in the industry in general
Wine consumption has dropped
a. 58 litres per capita in 1950
b. 14 litres per capita in 1999
ii. Location & Climate
1.
Long narrow country, No more than 120km across at it’s widest point, 5000 km of coastline on west. Andes
mountains on east, Extensive desert to the north, Antarctic region to the south. Most of the wine is produced
between the latitudes of 32 – 38 degrees south. Steady long ripening season. Day after day of sunshine, Nightly
descent of cool air from the Andes. Summer is virtually rainless
iii. Viticulture
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Chile is phylloxera free
Irrigation is is essential in almost half of the vineyard areas. Ample supply of water from Andes. Drip irrigation
introduced in 1990’s. Some bore holes used to access water
The past approach was to train for maximum yield. Over-cropping during the 90’s led to some terminally boring
winesAim now is for quality rather than quantity
From 1995 to 2003 the area under vine went from 54,000 ha to 110,000 ha
Harvest generally starts at the end of February
iv. Main Grape Varieties
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Vine identification and naming has been a problem until recently
Most of what was called Sauvignon Blanc was Sauvignonasse (Tocai Friulano)
Some real Sauvignon has since been planted
Some of what was called Merlot was Carmenere (Grand Vidure)
Pais, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc (real & imagined), Semillon, Torontel
(Torrontes), Pinot Noir, Malbec
v. Vinification
1.
2.
3.
Major changes in the cellars since the emergence of the export-oriented economy
Replacement of the old rauli (green beech) vats
Stainless steel, new French oak, oak chips, inner staves
vi. Regions
1. Atacama Viticultural Region
a.
b.
c.
Extremely arid environment, little quality wine produced
Most grapes go to eating and Pisco production
Wine Districts within…
i. Copiapo Valley
ii. Huasco Valley
2. Central Valley Viticultural Region
a.
Wine Districts within…
i. Curico Valley
1.
2.
3.
Just south of Santiago
Home to some o the best-known brands
Known for Chardonnay but good Cab, Merlot and Syrah too
ii. Maipo Valley
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Most famous region, South of Santiago
Hottest climate in the Central valley
Essentially red wine country and traditional has been home to the best Cabernet
Sauvignon terroirs
Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are the most planted varieties, Sauvignon
Blanc and Merlot also grown
Due to regions proximity to Santiago it houses many of the countries major
companies
iii. Maule Valley
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Has three times the rainfall of Santiago; Similarly dry summers
Better suited to red wine production
Southern-most region of the Central Valley
Still loads of Pais planted for local consumption
Two sub-regions
a. Claro Valley
b. Lontue Valley
iv. Rapel Valley
1. Colchagua Valley
a.
b.
c.
2.
Cachapoal Valley
a.
b.
c.
3.
Solid Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, Carmenere does well also
Soils: Very fertile, medium depth, composed of river bed material, stones,
sand and in some areas clay
i. Climate: Mediterranean. Hot dry summers ( up to 32 degrees)
and cool winters with moderate rainful. Vast difference
between day and night average temperatures. With influence
of the high Andes mountains in the East and the Pacific Ocean
in some areas towards the West.
Varietals: Carmenere, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Sauvignon
Blanc, Chardonnay
Curico Valley
a.
b.
c.
4.
Good reputation for Merlot, Carmenere and Syrah
Chateau Lafite’s venture – Los Vascos winery
Some good Sauvignon Blanc
210 km south of Santiago, one of major wine producing valleys and with
a long history as a wine-producing region.
Soils: Deep medium soils, well-drained
Climate: Sub-humid Mediterranean. The seasons are very marked with
winters in which there is an average rainfall of 750 mm per year. Dry
summers (November – March) with average temp between 20 – 30
degrees and good luminosity. Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon,
Carmenere, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
Tenue Valley
3. Coastal Viticultural Region
a.
Wine Districts within…
i. Aconcagua Valley
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Most northerly region
Hot, dry interior cooled by evening mountain air
Good red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon does particularly well , Syrah is showing some
promise
Errazuriz was one of the pioneer wineries in this area
Home to wine Sena: joint project with Mondavi and Errazuriz
Western section is cooled by Pacific breezes and is turning out to be good for white
varieties especially Sauvignon Blanc
ii. Casablanca Valley
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Newest and coolest area, on the coast near Valparaiso
Morning fog created by the icy Humboldt current
Too far from the Andes for any cooling effect or available water for irrigation
Lack of available water is a limiting factor in the development of this area
Spring frosts are problem
Rapidly developing reputation for white wines especially Chardonnay and
Sauvignon Blanc
The current view is that good reds can be produced here also
iii. Marga Marga Valley
iv. San Antonio Valley
1.
2.
San Antonio Valley - Leyda
General: One of Chile’s smallest wine areas, which includes the now famous Leyda
zone appellation.
Soils: clay calcareous, low fertility, adequate permeability
Climate: Its cooler coastal climate (max. 25 degrees in summer), with high
3.
4.
luminosity and very little frost. Some vineyards as closes as only 4km from the sea,
provides ideal conditions for cool weather varietals, with a longer ripening periods
and crisper acidity.
Varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Merlot,
Syrah
Leyda Valley
a.
Situated eight miles from the sea, onshore afternoon breezes reduce the
temperature to an average maximum temperature of just 25ºC in the
hottest month. This cool climate is perfect for chardonnay, sauvignon
blanc and pinot noir. The vineyards are planted on rolling hillsides with
low fertility soils of granitic origin and loamy texture, which are ideal for
producing low yields of high quality grapes.
4. Coquimbo Viticultural Region
a.
Wine Districts within…
i. Elqui Valley
1.
2.
3.
The Elqui Valley is well-known as Chile´s northern most and highest wine region. It
is a transversal valley, previously associated with the production of Pisco and it is
now increasingly becoming an important wine zone. Recent wine
Soils: Dry and arid on the border of the deserts of Atacama and the steeply rising
Andes mountains.
Climate: The combination of the breezes arriving from the coast, the steadily rising
hills, steep mountains reaching towards the Andes produce local microclimates. hot
sun-drenched days and cold nights. Late evening and early morning mists
Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carmenere, Chardonnay, Syrah,
Sauvignon Blanc
ii. Limari Valley
1.
2.
3.
4.
Transversal valley, previously associated with the production of Pisco, it is now
recognized as an important wine zone.
Soils: High in minerals, low fertility. Frost-free winters. Cooling breezes from the
Pacific Ocean.
Climate: semi-arid, Mediterranean. Less than 100 mm rainfall per year. The
influence of the Humbolt current from the nearby Pacific brings fresh cool air to the
valley and morning mists to maintain mild summer temperatures. Large difference
between day and night temperatures.
Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carmenere, Syrah, Chardonnay
iii. Choapa Valley
5. Southern Viticultural Region
a.
Wine Districts within…
i. Itata Valley
1.
2.
3.
Situated far to to the south, this valley has a history of winemaking reaching back to
colonial times.
Climate: Rains mainly during the winter months with approx. 1100 mm per year.
Despite being further south, the Itata valley can often be much hotter than Maipo
just below Santiago. Wide temperature swings during the day and good quality
sunlight encourage good grape maturation.
Varietals: Moscatel of Alexandria, Pais, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay,
Cinsaut, Carignan, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc
ii. Bio Bio Vallley
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Most southerly region
Higher rainfall – up to 1,300mm per year, Lower average temperature than Maipo
and Rapel
Split between red and white varieties
Pais was the most planted variety, second Moscatel Alejandria
Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and
Gewurztraminer have been showing some promise
iii. Malleco Valley
1.
2.
3.
Currently Chile’s most southernmost appellation.
The conditions are cold with high rainfall.
Varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
c. Argentina
i. General
1.
5th largest wine producing country in the world. Spanish colonizers imported vinifera vines. Jesuit missionaries
found that the foothills of the Andes provided the best areas for vine cultivation. Lots of Italian and Spanish
immigration. Strong local consumption traditionally keep exports to a minimum. Regions are widely dispersed but
most border on the foothills
ii. Climate & Soils
1.
2.
3.
Generally semi-desert conditions, Hot days – cold nights, Significant diurnal temperature differences
Temperatures can range from 10 C at night to 40 C during the day
Long dry summers and autumns
4.
5.
Water for irrigation is plentiful
Soils range from sandy to clay
iii. Viticulture
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Most vines are un-grafted – relatively high proportion of sand in soils
Some phylloxera is present and is spreading…
Warm, dry summers & ample water for irrigation has led to very high yields in the past
Historically sophisticated systems of irrigation through canals and ditches
Drip irrigation becoming popular, High yields common
iv. Grape Varieties
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Pink varieties have traditionally dominated
Criollas and Cereza account for over half of total crop
Used for bulk wine production
Shift towards white wine drinking in the 1980’s led to more plantings of white varieties
Grape Varieties White:
a. Torrontes, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Ugni Blanc, Muscat
b. Small amounts of: Riesling, Pinot Gris, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier
Grape Varieties Red:
a. Malbec, Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo, Some Syrah and Pinot Noir. Several Italian
varieties were imported: Sangiovese and Barbera
v. Regions
1. Catamarca, Jujuy and Salta
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Some quality Pinot Noir apparently from Penaflor and Lavaque wineries
Relatively small area
Most of the grapes go into the production of brandy
Some top-notch Torrontes produced in Cafayate
Some quality Cab being made as well
2. La Rioja
a.
b.
c.
Very hot region
Produces wines with high alcohol and low acidity
Mostly white grapes planted, Torrontes and Moscatel
3. Mendoza
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Biggest and most-important area; accounts for 70% of production
Continental climate with four distinct seasons
Ample water from the mountains
Local whites such as Criolla Grande and Cereza still abound
Malbec, Tempranillo, Cabernet and Chardonnay as well
Most important wine-producing areas
i. Maipu Department: Cruz de Piedra, Barancas, Russell, Coquimbito,
Lunlunta and Maipu districts
ii. Lujan Department: Carrodilla, Chacras de Coria, Mayor Drummond,
Lujan, Vistalba, Las Compuertas, Pedriel, Agrelo, Ugarteche, Carizal, Tres
Esquinas, Anchoris
iii. Lujan du Cuyo
4. Rio Negro and Nequn
a.
b.
c.
d.
Probably the most suitable area for fine wine production
One of the most southerly wine regions in the world, cool
Only accounts for 10% of Argentina’s vineyard area
Best so far has been Torrontes Riojano and Semillon
5. San Juan
a.
b.
c.
d.
Hot region, High alcohol wines
Lots of grape concentrate for export
Lots of table and raisin grapes, also Cereza
Best areas are Ullun, Zonda and Tulum Valleys
d.Peru
i. General
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Phylloxera devastated the once thriving grape growing industry
Most of the grapes go into the production of Pisco
Virtually no exports
Planted to Alicante Bouschet, Barbera, Cab, Grenache, Malbec, Moscatel, Sauv Blanc, Torrontel
Viable viticulture limited to the Ayachuco, Hunaca and Abancay valleys
Tacama is the only major winery of note…and only the Malbec a reasonable wine
e. Uruguay
i.
General
1.
2.
3.
4th largest wine industry in South America, very dedicated wine drinkers
Modern era began with immigration of Basques in the late 1800’s
Until the 1990’s most popular wine was a dark rosé made from Tannat and Muscat de Hamburgx`
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Recently formed INAVI (Instituto Nacional de Vitivinicultura)x`
Hybrids being replaced by Pinot Blanc, Sauv Blanc, Chard, Cab, Cab Franc and Merlot
Also planted to Riesling, Gewurz and Vidiella
Planted Tannat which was originally called Harriague, brought and cultivated by Basque
Primary Growing regions
a. Colonia and Carmelo – in the far southwest
b. Salto and Bella Union – Basalt soils similar to Chile and Argentina
c.
Cerro Chapeau – essentially an extension of Brazil’s Fronterra
d. Carpinteria and El Carmen – showing potential
f. Venezuela
i.
Little real production, most is Lambrusco-like or Sangria
ii. Vineyards planted to Criolla, Grillo, Barbera and Malvasia
g. Ecuador
i.
Only two major wineries Chaupi Estancia and Vina Davelos
h.Brazil
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
3rd largest producer behind Argentina and Chile
Portuguese immigrants and Spanish missionaries first brought vinifera vines to Brazil in the 1500’s
Modern industry was founded by Italian immigrants in the late 1800’s
Vinifera plantings only represent 20% of vineyard acreage
Mostly hybrids; Isabella, Concord, Catawba, Norton
Also Immigrant grapes like Bonarda, Barbera and Trebbiano
Modern viticulture concentrated in the extreme south state of Rio Grande do Sul
1.
viii.
ix.
x.
Best areas within:
a. Serra Gaucha
i. Garibaldi – Center of sparking wine production
ii. Farroupilha – red wine production
iii. Flores de Cunha – everyday wine
b. Fronterra
i. Santana do Livaramento
ii. Pinheiro Machado
iii. Center of vinifera production
Vines also grown in San Francisco Valley in the arid north, mostly sold for table grapes
Per capita consumption of wine is small
Maybe they should make better wine for the local folk………….