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Chile's wine-growing area decreased by 4.5 per cent or 6,080 ha between 2020 and 2021. This is reported by the National Agriculture and Livestock Authority (SAG). Cabernet Sauvignon remains the most cultivated variety with almost 38,000 ha, but the area has decreased by 5.7 per cent or 2,300 ha. In percentage terms, Syrah was most affected with minus 8.7 per cent, followed by Pinot Noir with 6.4 per cent. Merlot lost 4.8 per cent or 547 ha, Carmènere 4.7 per cent or 518 ha. White grape varieties were less affected, although Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc also declined by more than five per cent each.
Julio Alonso, Managing Director of Wines of Chile in North America, explains some of the reasons for the shrinkage: "In the Maipo metropolitan region around Santiago de Chile, increasing urbanisation is part of the problem. Because of the drought in the central valleys, we also see that producers in the future are concentrating more on the southern regions." In fact, most vineyards have been lost in the coastal wine regions of Casablanca and San Antonio, and in the inland wine regions of Colchagua, Cachapoal and Maipo.
Eduardo Jordan, head winemaker of the Fairtrade-certified winery Miguel Torres Chile, brings another important factor into play besides the drought: "The problem is that the small producers often receive a price that is morally indefensible. Paying 85 pesos per kilo is abuse!" Converted, that's nine euro cents per kilo. At Miguel Torres, production has increased in recent years. Jordan also attributes this to the fair grape prices he says the company pays.
(al / source: drinksbusiness)