Finally, before going into Chile’s
wine-producing zones, defined by law under Decree
No 464 in 1995, it is necessary to make the following
observations:
Decree No 464 divides the country into regions,
sub-regions, zones and areas, and it is optional
for the user to mention them on the labels of the
wine bottles, if it suits him. To be more precise,
a given origin may be based on the restricted concept
of an area, or in the wider one of a zone, a sub-region
of finally, a region. In any case, the classification
must be strictly true and, for this purpose there
are highly operational, but severe controls,. The
same concepts of control refer to the grape varieties
from which the wines are made of and the vintage
years.
These classifications are based on a scheme that
was developed on the basis of latitude, that is
from north to south, and on technical considerations
which, although quite objective, are virtually the
same as the country’s political and administrative
divisions, except for some very evident geographical
divisions.
Determining each of these regions using definitions
based on technical records concerning climate and
soil requires deep, and complex analyses which are
not yet available in the quantity and quality needed
to act as the basis for there objectives.
However, certain questions are beginning to arise
which we welcome, like many others interested in
the subject, because we consider them to be determining
factors for future zoning. We refer to the proximity
of the wine-producing land to the Pacific Ocean
or the Andes mountains. that is why the idea of
also using the name “Andes” to typify those lands
lying close to the mountains , and the name pacific
for those lying nearer to the coastal range , will
soon be a reality. Between these two natural barriers,
with the moderating effect of the coastal range,
which is low and smooth, with its inner slopes facing
the Andes and the outer ones facing the sea ,lies
the great central valley which, in the opinion of
some experts , should be given another name , because
the concept of a valley involves the idea of high
productivity without usually implying high quality.
Because of this, it is necessary to find a suitable
name with which to baptize it. It has not yet been
found. Meanwhile, we have chosen to call it the
“Inter Andes-Pacific” sector. Here we have two beautiful
geographical names over which we have natural ownership,
and which also have the virtue of being known and
respected everywhere in the world.
In brief, article one of decree No 464 establishes
the following appellation of origin system updated
to the year 2001.
For the purpose of analyzing them we will restrict
ourselves to the following sub-regions: Limari,
Aconcagua, Casablanca, Maipo, Rapel (Cachaporal
and Colchagua), Curico Maule, Itata and Bio Bio.
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