Master The World Region Focus: Chile

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? 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.

Come explore the effects of the Humboldt Current on Chilean wines, illustrated by six wines chosen by Joaquin Hidalgo, wine columnist for La Nación, Argentina’s newspaper of record, and South American editor at Vinous.com. If you are unable to make to the webinar, fear not: we can forward a link to a recording, including Joaquin’s presentation.

Of the great oceanic currents, the Humboldt stands out. It generates one of the richest maritime ecosystems in the world. It’s so large and cold that it affects the coasts of South America from the 50th to the 4th parallels. And, whenever it shifts course the impact on weather patterns is global. So potent is the Humboldt that it’s no wonder that any wines grown on its doorstep are affected accordingly.