Wine with Jimmy: WSET Level 3 - Chile Part 1

Introduction

• Presenter: Jimmy Smith
• Focus on Chile for WSET Level 3 Certificate
• Topics covered: Introduction, Climate, Weather, Wine Laws
• Includes a working written question for exam preparation

Geographical Features of Chile

• Location: Pacific side of Andes Mountains
• Chile: 9th largest wine producer (~4% of world production)
• Wine region layout:
  • 900 km length of vineyards
  • 100 km width
  • Comparisons: similar to Veneto, Italy

Key Geographical Features

1. Andes Mountains
   • Eastern natural border to Argentina
   • Provides cool air and influences diurnal temperature differences
2. Atacama Desert
   • Forms northern boundary
3. Pacific Ocean
   • Western boundary
   • Influences via Humboldt Current
4. Cape
   • Southern boundary

Wine Regions

• Vineyard layout: long and elongated strip
• Main areas:
  • Northern: Coquimbo (Elqui, Limari)
  • Central: Central Valley (Cachapol, Colchagua, Curico)
  • Coastal: Casablanca, San Antonio, Leda
  • Southern: Bio-Bio, Malaco, Itata

Climate and Weather

• Overall Climate: Warm Mediterranean
  • Dry and sunny
  • Consistent ripening and low disease pressure
  • Irrigation required in dry areas (e.g., Northern Chile)

Key Weather Patterns

1. Humboldt Current
   • Brings cool air from Antarctica
   • Affects coastal vineyards with cooling breezes
2. El Niño
   • Occasional increase in rainfall and mild winters
3. La Niña
   • Causes drought conditions

Wine Laws

• Chile divided into 4 main regions and 13 DOs
• New 2012 wine law terms:
  • Costa: Coastal vineyards
  • Entre Cordilleras: Between mountain ranges
  • Andes: Mountain vineyards
• Terms like "Reserva," "Grand Reserva" are not legally defined

Summary of Key Points

• Chile's wine-growing areas are influenced by significant geographical and climatic features
• Understanding of the Andes and Humboldt Current is crucial
• Climate consistent with warm Mediterranean, aiding consistent grape production

Exam Preparation: Sample Questions

• Question: Describe four geographical or weather factors affecting Chile's grape growing
  • Andes: Cool air, diurnal differences
  • Humboldt Current: Cool air, fog formation
  • El Niño: Increased rainfall
  • La Niña: Drought conditions
• Climate Description:
  • Warm Mediterranean with low temperature variation between months
  • Dry summers, more warmth and sunlight than maritime climates

Conclusion

• End of Chile Part 1 covering introduction, climate, weather, and wine laws
• Future parts include black and white grape varieties
• Additional resources available for subscribers on Wine with Jimmy website

• Contact: Comments, questions via YouTube, Wine with Jimmy website, social media
• Visit in London for classes or wine tasting