If Chilean winemakers are enjoying the status of excellent wine making now, the foundation of it was laid around five centuries back. Since then it has been their hard work and perseverance determining the broad and every growing scope of their wines.
Popularity of Chilean Wines
Apart from suitable climate and excellent soil, Chile has played a significant role in the growing popularity of Chilean wine. It is really incredible that even though Chile has witnessed independence wars,the land still was suitable enough for growing wines.
The credit goes to the geographical setting of Chile. They have the Andes range of mountain on one side, the Pacific Ocean on other side and also the barren deserts on the northern side of Chile. These are the reasons that the vineyards of Chile were not damaged.
Another important factor is that Chile is blessed with germ and disease free grapes. Even though its counterparts are heavily affected with this bottleneck, Chile fortunately has been untouched.
Early History
It is not that winemaking has been a cakewalk for Chile. In the 1940s the government put in lots of restrictions with different policies that did not favor the production of wine. The policy that hit the most was the nationalization of wineries.
In the early years of 1980s Chile wine again was hit with the world market and in the process Chile became an inexpensive way of enjoying wines. There were so many varieties of wine that people can pick and choose whichever they want. Many of the big names in the wine making industry were attracted to Chile and started some joint ventures as well. Now the wines from Chile are finding a bigger and demanding audience.
Where Wine Produced
The main wine producing areas in Chile are located through the stretch of the central valleys from North of Santiago to Concepcion in south of Chile. Maipo, which is the oldest and most respected wine valley, is faced with stiff competition from the other regions. Another important aspect about Chile wines is that not all wineries which are making news are enterprising. Many small wineries are increasingly becoming popular.
Most popular and fantastic varieties of Chilean wine are Riesling, Semillon, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Pinot Noir, Carmenère, Chenin Blanc and others.
Learn more about Chilean Wines at Wines of Chile, Chilean Wine Guide, Chilean Wine Buying Guide, Chilean Wine.
Line BreakAuthor: Patricia Fioriello (83 Articles)
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The history of Chilean winemaking is really fascinating. While Chileans have been significant consumers of wine for many centuries, most of the wines that were made in the beginning were “table wines” produced for the local market, and most producers were focused on quantity rather than quality. As the demand for quality began to overtake the demand for quantity, Chile quickly took the lead. The history of Chilean wine has been profoundly influenced both directly and indirectly by Bordeaux winemaking, and these practices, coupled with Chile’s unfettered soils and ample water (supplied thorough the country’s irrigation system), have served to produces some really spectacular wines.
We’ve recently featured two wines from Monte Blanco (a 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2009 Sauvignon Blanc), and both have been met with a favorable response from our membership.
Interesting read.
Paul Kalemkiarian
Wine of the Month Club
http://www.wineofthemonthclub.com
The history of Chilean winemaking is really fascinating. While Chileans have been significant consumers of wine for many centuries, most of the wines that were made in the beginning were “table wines” produced for the local market, and most producers were focused on quantity rather than quality. As the demand for quality began to overtake the demand for quantity, Chile quickly took the lead. The history of Chilean wine has been profoundly influenced both directly and indirectly by Bordeaux winemaking, and these practices, coupled with Chile’s unfettered soils and ample water (supplied thorough the country’s irrigation system), have served to produces some really spectacular wines.
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