Chile

Chile is now the fifth largest exporter of wines in the world, and the ninth largest producer
The vineyards of Chile fall between the latitudes of 32 and 38° which, in the Northern Hemisphere would be the equivalent of southern Spain and North Africa
The climate has been described as midway between that of California and Bordeaux, France
Long, narrow country that is geographically and climatically dominated by the Andes to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west
The climate is varied with the northern regions being very hot and dry compared to the cooler, wetter regions in the south
There are no restrictions of grape varieties, viticultural practices or winemaking techniques
Red wine varieties include Merlot, Carménère, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet franc, Pinot noir, Syrah, Sangiovese, Barbera, Malbec, and Carignan
White wine varieties include Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc, Sémillon, Riesling, Viognier, Gewürztraminer and Muscat
Wines are required to have at least 75% of a grape variety if its to listed on the label as well as at least 75% from the designated vintage year
Also 75% is also the minimum requirement of grapes that need to be from a region to be labeled from that particular region

Understanding Chilean Wine Labels