Chile stretches as thin line on the map of South America, and some can presume it has nothing but long mountain ranges of Andes. In contrast, it is likely to be one of the best producers of wine, and not only on the continent but worldwide.
Unique climate conditions caused by crossing of practically all possible climate zones could not but invest in a nice opportunity to launch wine yards and related business. By the way, this ides was realized centuries ago, recalling to a great history of wine-making in Chile.
The origins of Chilean wines are associated with Spanish conquistadors and Catholic church. The first ones brought vines from Europe, and priests were the very first consumers of the drink – it was required for various rites and rituals conducted in local churches. It was so in the 16th century. Chileans also know the precise date of the beginning of the manufacture. That is March 9th 1555, the day when the Act of Chilean Wines Birth was adopted: Spiritual Board of Santiago urged the faithful to gather their own grapes and make wine. Since then, small wineries started to appear in different regions. As a result, next century Chilean wines entered the European market, having already conquered America.
The history of wine-making in Chile marks a great year of 1830, when Quinta Normal was founded. It was a research center opened by the French enologist Claude Guy. It set up a trend of original Chilean wine sorts that made it possible to outrange the foreign ones. Many of experienced and skillful Chilean wine-producers moved to Europe at the time, and essentially they were replaced by small private wineries. It led to appearance to completely original and unique wines that are known today as Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Carmenere, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc, etc. Tat the end of the 19th century Chileans started to achieve world appreciation, victories on global exhibitions and contests.
On the turn of the 20th century wine-making became an item of national export and a true pillar of Chilean economy. It also “benefited” from epidemic of phylloxera, dangerous pest of grapes, which invaded French and Spanish wineries. In last decades emphasis on agriculture and specifically wine manufacture became the prerogative of national economy. One more thing to note is that local wine bars in Valparaiso, Santiago, Villaricca and other big cities invest in the list of must-visit places in Chile, especially for enthusiasts of this drink. Tasting and excursion programmes are usually included in trip agenda.
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