The Humboldt Current's Imprint on the Wines of Chile

The Humboldt Current, a chilly current that flows right beside Chile’s coastal wine regions, plays a big role in the climate and how grapes ripen.

Two popular grape varieties, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, are grown in Chile’s coastal wine regions.

The cold temperatures brought by the Humboldt Current and the reduced sunlight because of thermal inversion slow down grape ripening in a high-latitude area. Wherever vines are planted in this Humboldt-influenced buffer zone, the ripening temperatures are low and similar to those in Rheims, Champagne, and Dijon, Burgundy. But when the sun clears the mist around midday, the sunlight gets stronger, just like it should be in those latitudes.

This mix of cool temperatures and plenty of sunlight makes sure the wines ripen slowly and completely. The whites stay sharp and acidic, with low pH, while the fruity smells are ripe, with notes of apple and pear for Chardonnay, and lime and ginger for Pinot Noir.

The palates are rich even though they’re tart. For Pinot Noir, the color is a bit brighter because of the sunlight, while the crisp smells of sweet and sour cherry mix with wet earth, tart acidity, and a rich palate.

The soils are super important in making the wines. Granite gives most wines a lean and smooth texture, while calcareous clay, especially in Limarí, gives them a chalky feel. Scattered pockets of slate add a more concentrated palate because of the poor, rocky soils.

The combination of the climate of the Humboldt Current and the soils of the Chilean coast creates a super unique terroir. Since it’s so different, it’s fair to consider another name for Chilean coastal wines: Humboldt wines! Cheers!

(Materials provided by The Wines of Chile)

The Coastal Terroirs of Chile's Wine Country

The Topography of Chile’s Coast (Image from the Wines of Chile)

As we discovered last time, the Humboldt Current generates a river of cold water that profoundly impacts the Chile’s coastal climate. This cold water current cools the air over the sea, leading to a classic thermal inversion during the summer months. This inversion causes the condensed humidity from the day to form a thick fog that blankets the sea and coast. This fog is reminiscent of the mist famously seen in California’s Sonoma Coast and the Santa Lucía Highlands, but on a larger scale. This fog also filters sunlight, which affects grape varieties with short ripening cycles, such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir. Consequently, these varieties develop slowly and delicately under the foggy conditions.

In addition, this effect of the Humboldt Current defines the daytime temperatures along the coast. Temperatures remain low along the ocean and the coast before rising sharply further inland to match the topography of the inner valleys. By thirty-five miles inland, the effects have completely disappeared.

The topography also plays an important role. In central Chile an ancient mountain range known as the Cordillera de la Costa (the Coastal Range) runs parallel to the ocean along a 2,000- mile stretch. This range acts as a barrier to the influence of the Humboldt Current. On the western slopes, the effects of the Humboldt Curren can be felt, while the eastern side is affected less the further it is from the sea.

The combination of granite soils and a consistent climate make for a terroir of a kind not found anywhere else in the world, where vineyards are planted along a 600-mile long stretch. Within this 20- to 30-mile wide strip, where the granite is combined with clay or sandy loam depending on the area, temperatures and sunlight are quite consistent. Without the Humboldt Current, the climate would vary widely by latitude and topography. 

The main coastal terroirs of Chile are, running from south to north: Itata, Colchagua Costa, Leyda & San Antonio, Casablanca, Limarí and Huasco.

Next time well take a look at the Humboldt Current’s imprint on the wines of Chile. Cheers!

The Humboldt Current and Chile’s Coastal Wines

The Humboldt Current (Image from The Wines of Chile)

Behind some of the most distinctive wines of Chile lies an ocean current that has a major effect on vineyards in this area, not to mention weather patterns across the globe.

How is it possible that a tropical latitude can produce cold-climate wines of the kind found on the coast of Chile? Why do Pinot Noir and Chardonnay thrive all along the 600-mile wine-producing terroir of the Chilean coast? 

The underlying cause of these conditions is to be found out in the cold waters of the Pacific, where a powerful oceanic current runs from south to north — The Humbolt Current.

Of all the great oceanic currents, the Humboldt stands out:

  • It generates one of the richest maritime ecosystems in the world

  • It is so large and cold that it affects the coasts of South America from the 50th to the 4th parallels

  • Whenever it shifts course, weather patterns around the globe change completely

The Humboldt Current flows up to the continent and rises to the surface at a latitude of between 50 and 40 degrees south. The volume of water is such that even six hundred miles out to sea it has a major effect on inland weather.

Due to its scale and length, the Humboldt Current changes the weather around it, creating a cold buffer in nearby air masses and lowering temperatures as it goes.

The contrast couldn’t be starker: where on land the earth is barren, the air dry and there is a total lack of plants other than in river valleys, out to sea the cold, nutrient rich water results in an explosion in marine life. The Humboldt Current sustains the richest marine ecosystem in the world on the coasts of Chile, Peru and Ecuador. Nothing escapes Humboldt’s icy breath, which is why it is so important to the coastal wines of Chile.

Next time we’ll take a look at the Coastal terroirs of Chile.

Materials provided by The Wines of Chile

Ever Wonder? Does Ireland Produce Wines?

Photo by Yan Ming on Unsplash

Ireland does produce wine, but not in the traditional sense that many might expect from countries with extensive vineyards.

The Irish climate, characterized by mild temperatures and significant rainfall, is not particularly conducive to growing the traditional grape varieties used for wine production. However, there are a few vineyards in Ireland that have emerged in recent years, primarily in regions like the southern counties of Cork and Waterford.

One notable winery in Ireland is Kinsale Mead Co., located in County Cork. While primarily focused on mead—a honey-based alcoholic beverage—they also experiment with grape wines. Kinsale Mead Co. has gained attention for its innovative approach, combining traditional methods with local ingredients. They produce a variety of meads, from dry to sweet, and often incorporate local herbs and spices, showcasing the flavors of the region.

Another interesting vineyard is Longueville House, which has its own small vineyard where they produce limited quantities of wine, primarily focusing on fruit wines. They emphasize sustainable practices and local produce, offering a unique experience in the Irish wine landscape.

Both of these producers reflect the growing interest in winemaking in Ireland, even if on a smaller scale!

Irish wineries often focus on cool-climate grapes such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and some are exploring hybrid varieties that are more resilient to the Irish climate. While the scale of production is small and the volume limited, Irish wines have been gaining recognition for their quality.

The burgeoning wine scene in Ireland is complemented by the country's rich culinary heritage, making wine an intriguing part of the broader food landscape. As the industry continues to grow, it may further establish Ireland as a niche producer of quality wines.

The Differences Between Old World Wines and New World Wines

In wine vocabulary, you may have heard of an “Old World Wine” versus an “New World Wine.” Let’s take a quick look at these two ‘worlds’ and how they differ.

Old World Wines

Old World Wines are primarily from Europe, including countries like France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and Portugal.

  • Terroir Focus: Old World wines emphasize the concept of terroir, which refers to the unique environmental factors (soil, climate, topography) that influence the grapes and ultimately the wine. Wines are often identified on the label by the region where the grapes are grown and where the wine is produced instead of the grape used to produce the wine.

  • Tradition and Regulation: These wines often must adhere to strict regulations regarding the grape varieties that can be grown, the winemaking techniques, and aging processes and durations.

  • Subtlety and Complexity: Old World wines tend to be more subdued in flavor, showcasing subtle fruit flavors, earthy notes and minerality. They often require considerable aging in order to develop their full character.

  • Well Known Regions

  • Bordeaux (France): Known for blends primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

  • Chianti (Italy): Made primarily from Sangiovese grapes.

  • Rioja (Spain): Often a blend, typically featuring Tempranillo.

New World Wines

New World Wines come from countries outside Europe, including the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, and South Africa.

  • Fruit-Forward Style: New World wines are often more fruit-driven and expressive, with big, bold flavors and aromas. This is partially due to different climate conditions as well a winemaking techniques.

  • Innovation and Flexibility: Winemakers in New World countries have more freedom to create unique blends. This has led to diverse styles and unique interpretations of classic varietals.

  • Less Emphasis on Terroir: While some New World producers are increasingly focused on terroir, many wines prioritize varietal characteristics over the influence of specific regions.

Well Known Regions

  • California’s Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley: Known for their rich fruit flavors and oak influence.

  • Mendoza Argentina: Known for typically bold and jammy Malbec, with dark fruit flavors.

  • Australia’s Barossa Valley: Known for Shiraz that often showcases its intense fruitiness and spice.

Both Old World and New World wines offer unique experiences and flavors, catering to various palates. Exploring wines from both categories can provide a deeper understanding of the diversity and artistry in winemaking. Cheers!