The Humboldt Current: Nature’s Winemaker in Chile

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The Humboldt Current: Nature’s Winemaker in Chile

 

Nature has a way of surprising us, and in Chile, it’s taken on the role of master winemaker through an unexpected ally:  The Humboldt Current.

 

A recent presentation led by Joaquin Hidalgo, editor for Spain and Chile at Vinous, unveiled the secret behind some of South America’s most exciting wines – the Humboldt Current. This massive ocean current plays a crucial role in crafting the unique character of Chile’s coastal wines. As we went through the presentation and tasted the wines, it became clear that this natural wonder is like nature’s own winemaking assistant, influencing everything from grape ripening to flavor development.

 

Nature’s Air Conditioning

 

 

 

The Topography of the Vineyards

 

 

 

Picture a massive stream of frigid water, 600 miles wide, flowing up from Antarctica along Chile’s coast. The Humboldt Current keeps things cool and breezy along the coast, creating a climate that’s more Burgundy than South America. What’s wild is how this current can cause vineyards at different latitudes to experience similar temperatures, allowing for the success of cool-climate grapes you wouldn’t expect.

 

 

It’s Foggy Out Here:

 

 

The Humboldt Current: Nature’s Winemaker in Chile

 

 

 

The Humboldt Current is known for creating a daily blanket of fog called “Camanchaca.” This mist rolls in almost every morning, keeping grapes cool. It protects grapes from getting too much sun and helps to preserve all those delicious flavors and acidity in the wines.

 

Coastal Crusaders: Chile’s Cool-Climate Regions

 

The regions significantly influenced by the Humboldt Current create microclimates conducive to cool-climate viniculture including:

 

  • San Antonio Valley: Characterized by the lowest temperatures among Chile’s wine regions, this area is particularly suited for producing crisp white wines and elegant red varieties.
  • Leyda Valley: A sub-appellation of the San Antonio Valley, this region specializes in vibrant expressions of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
  • Casablanca Valley: One of Chile’s pioneering cool-climate regions, it has gained recognition for its exceptional Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir productions.
  • Limarí Valley: Despite its more northerly location, this region demonstrates the ability to produce high-quality cool-climate wine styles.

 

For more information about the regions, visit Wines of Chile.

 

Tasting the Humboldt Effect

 

 

 

Master World Wine Tasting Chilean Wine Kit We Were Provided

 

 

We got to taste some great wines that really showcased the Humboldt’s influence:

 

  • 2023 Miguel Torres Cordillera de Los Andes Chardonnay: Notes of peach, grapefruit, plum showing the minerality of Limari’s soils.
  • 2022 Anchia Pinot Noir: Notes of red cherries, strawberries and roses. Once again, the chalky finish is a nod to the unique coastal soils.
  • 2021 Floresta Chardonnay: Big notes of green apple, pear and tropical fruit with a minerality and nice acidity.
  • 2020 Montes Alpha Chardonnay: Notes of tropical fruits, including pineapple and banana, with hints of peach and pear as well as lime, green apple and citrus. You can taste both the fruit and the oak.
  • 2020 Boya Pinot Noir: Notes of red fruit, herbs and floral notes.  The proximity to the ocean gives a mineral quality.

 

The Humboldt Current’s influence on Chilean coastal wines extends beyond temperature regulation. It shapes the entire ecosystem of these coastal vineyards, from the soil composition to the unique microclimates found in each valley. The story of the Humboldt Current and Chilean coastal wines is a fascinating reminder of the intricate relationship between nature and winemaking.

 

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