Ultraviolet rays, red and blue light, insects and disease, cold, drought and soil qualities all determine a vine's production of phenolic compounds. These anthocyanins, polymeric pigments, tannins and flavonoids not only protect the plant and maintain its metabolism, they can make fantastic wine — if the location is right for the grape varietal. Winemakers seek fields and hillsides offering the right recipe for a given grape or blend of grapes.
In this respect, Chile boasts unique vineyard conditions: Cooling air from the Antarctic Humboldt Current and the Andes mountains, blazing sun with plenty of UV, very dry summers with optional irrigation from the many cool rivers of the Andes, and few insect and fungal pests due to geographic isolation. Along the 800-mile stretch of central Chile where almost all of the country's vineyards are found, the wide range of terroir is still being explored by intrepid winemakers seeking a pure expression of Chilean wine in its myriad forms.
Click HERE for a Chilean wine region map
Puente Austral has made a video that clarifies the influence of geography and climate on Chile's wines (click here)