Chile undertakes major restructure

Chile is planning a dramatic restructure of its wine appellations, which is likely to be implemented next year. The move aims to reflect the growth of diversity in the country’s wine styles since 1994 when the last major appellation changes were made.

Wines of Chile is currently involved in a period of consultation and negotiation with its members in order to compile a proposal, which will then be submitted to the government for approval. Once this proposal has gone forward, it is anticipated that changes could be implemented in as little as two months.

A key aim of these appellation changes is to formally acknowledge the significant variations in terroir between Chile’s coastal regions to the west and the Andes to the east. Part of the proposal is likely to include a recommendation that the Maipo Valley should be sub-divided to reflect this diversity within its borders. In recent years winemakers have also been pushing the traditional boundaries of Chile’s wine regions, with growing enthusiasm for exploring the country’s cool climate potential.

Michael Cox, UK director for Wines of Chile, commented, “the wheels are definitely in motion as we speak and it’s certainly a question of when rather than if”. However, he emphasised that “broader opinion is needed across the industry before this proposal can be formed”. While a precise date for these radical changes is not yet clear, Cox is hopeful that the process will be completed during 2009.

Gabriel Savage 03/12/08