06/03/08 Chile Part 2

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran and today we are continuing our exploration of the wines from Chile. By far the most important grape in Chile is Cabernet Sauvignon. Some are very well made, and when they spend time in barrel they can be lush and grapey, although I am not yet certain of their aging ability. Merlot is showing great promise. Many producers are still experimenting to learn what grapes grow best where, so we may be in for some very good wines during the next few years. The wine industry in Chile is making strides in setting up its own appellation system most of them valleys that follow rivers draining the Andes. The Maipo valley is probably the most famous and one that you will likely note on many labels of Chilean wines. However, the system seems to have its faults, as one can't help but notice the dramatic differences in the weather within the valleys. On top of that, the vineyards distance form the river will certainly influence the temperature and moisture content of the soil. Which will obviously determine what types of grapes will thrive in the location. So there is really no geographic distinction as we would think of it in terms of terroir when we identify an appellation in the United States or Europe. Within the white wines, newer plantings of Sauvignon Blanc are showing great promise. When it comes to wines that are available in the U.S. markets I would recommend you look for producers such as Errazuriz, Carmen, Conch Y Toro and Cousino Macul. Remember to send your wine questions to Linda at vine to wine dot net and thanks for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.