Exports

Global Chilean wine exports totalled US$1.9 billion in 2016, 1% higher than in 2015.

Chilean wines are especially going to Asia and China, is the foremost market both in Asia and worldwide.

In 2016, Chilean wine exports to China amounted to US$251.4 million, 13% higher than in 2015 and showing a 68% increase over the last 5 years.

Sustainable

Sustainability is far more than a catchphrase. It is also much broader than taking an ecologically sound approach to grape-growing. It involves close attention to detail in each of the three components required for a healthy company: the environment, the people and the economic bottom line. In response to an industry-wide concern about each of these areas, Wines of Chile has taken a proactive role in guiding the nation’s wineries toward sustainable practices and has sponsored the development of a National Sustainability Code that establishes definitions and guidelines for environmental and social responsibility.

Wineries that meet with rigorous standards will earn the right to include the official “Accredited Sustainable-Wine of Chile” seal on their labels.

Recognition of quality

In recent years Chilean wines have earned numerous accolades at highly prestigious competitions, including the Decanter World Wine Awards, as well as recognition from influential trade publications such as Wine Spectator. More than 60 Chilean wineries have been awarded 90 or more points in international competitions that have an impact in Asia. Some examples:

Innovation

In recent decades, the Chilean wine industry has incorporated the latest available technologies in order to make significant efforts not only to improve processes, but also the manual work involved in them.

Vinnova and Tecno Vid have been particularly important in this area. Both technological consortia were dependent on Wines of Chile and worked together with wineries, universities and research centres in order to explore and develop production methods that were more environmentally friendly and resulted in improved viticultural and oenological practices.

Diversity

Wine is one of Chile’s leading ambassadors in international markets. It is one of the products that represents the qualities of Chilean exports, such as quality, safety, geographical diversity and reliability. It is not without reason that every day 16.9 million people around the world drink a glass of Chilean wine. The diversity of soils and grape varieties mean that Chile can offer consumers around the world wines to suit every occasion, place and palate.

Soil & Terroir

With so much geographical variety, the Chilean landscape also offers a vast mosaic of terroirs and soil types. The soils are healthy, well-drained, and have a variety of origins (alluvial, colluvial, fluvial, etc.) and textures (loam, clay, sand and silt).

Despite the relatively dry atmospheric conditions, abundant water for irrigation flows from the eternal ice caps of the Andes Mountains that tower all along Chile’s eastern border.

Soil types of Chile

Varieties

Carmenere

Rich in berries fruits and spices (think blackberries and black pepper), with smooth, well-rounded tannins, making this a very pleasing and easy to drink varietal.

Merlot

“Chilean Merlot” as it was known, had a unique spicy, green-peppery characteristic that was later discovered to be due to a stowaway in the vineyard.

Syrah

In warmer climates, this wine is often big, lusty, juicy delights that take center stage wherever they appear. In cooler climates, it turns sublimely spicy and complex.

Malbec

Malbec is of a deep, dense and dark purple color. On the nose, it shows aromas of violets and plums with touches of leather and tobacco that can also feature vanilla and cinnamon.

Pinot Noir

The growing number of vineyards in cool climate provides the right conditions for to develop and delight the growing number of Pinot fans around the world.

Cabernet Franc

This French varietal is used primarily to lend acidity and finesse to fine Bordeaux-style blends.