Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/751131
ATACAMA is a 1,000-kilome- ter desert which primarily produces table grapes used in the production of Pisco. What was once thought to be plantings of Merlot turned out to be, in fact, CARMÉNÈRE. THE HUMBOLDT CURRENT is a cold current coming up from the Antarctic. Chile enjoys a substantial diversity of altitudes and soils types, with vines grow- ing in most of its geographical regions. Chile's sandy soils and high altitude have allowed it to be the only country in the world not affected by phylloxera, so the vines are still on their own roots. Such a slender country, the mountains create three distinctive north-south corridors, so Chile imple- mented the Costa (coastal), Entre Cordilleras (be- tween the mountains) and Andes labeling terms in 2012, as the three regions make wines of very differ- ent flavor profiles. Another distinguishing characteristic defining Chile's terroir is the Antarctic Humbolt current, which cools the vineyards at night, allowing grape cultivation quite close to equator without over-ripeness or higher alcohol levels. CHILE 27 CHILE