The 2023/2024 season proved to be another atypical year for Chile's wine industry, marked by distinct weather patterns across different regions.
Contrasting Seasons
In contrast to the extreme conditions of the 2023 vintage, characterized by a scorching summer, the latest season was notably characterized by milder temperatures, as reported by Decanter.
Oceanic Influence
The El Niño phenomenon, transitioning in 2023, elevated Pacific Ocean temperatures by 1–1.5 degrees. Marcelo Papa, technical director at Concha y Toro, explained, "In Chile, this led to a mild winter, resulting in varied bud break timings. Warmer ocean temperatures induced increased cloud cover, reduced direct sunlight, and rainy winters, prolonging ripening periods."
A Tale of Two Harvests
Andrea Calderón Vásquez, oenologist at 1865 Wines, highlighted the season's bifurcated nature. "It felt like there were two harvests in Chile," she remarked. "One for the north and another for the central and southern regions." The northern harvest commenced 15 to 20 days earlier than usual, whereas southern regions around Santiago experienced a delayed start by 20 days.
Northern Region: Quick and Arid
In Limarí, viticulturist Héctor Rojas of Tabalí noted, "A short, mild winter caused vines to bud three weeks earlier than usual." The northern vineyards benefited from minimal rainfall due to the South Pacific High, resulting in dry conditions that necessitated careful irrigation management and led to yields approximately 20% lower than average. Enhanced cloud cover in Limarí safeguarded against overripeness, particularly beneficial for delicate varieties like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Meanwhile, in Elqui, high summer temperatures expedited ripening, with winemaker Gabriel Mustakis of San Pedro observing, "The harvest occurred up to 15 days earlier than usual. Fruit maturity accelerated, showcasing increased sugar levels, concentrated flavors, higher alcohol content, and balanced ripeness."
Central and Southern Regions: Slow and Moist
Aurelio Montes from Viña Montes described the season as "one of the strangest," citing high temperatures and rainfall during winter 2023. A cold, wet spring resulted in poor fruit set and fewer berries. Cool summer temperatures further delayed growth and maturation across Maipo and Colchagua.
Marcelo Papa added, "Maipo experienced a cool, cloudy year akin to Bordeaux. Late-ripening varieties like Cabernet Franc saw delays, while Carmenère struggled with the lingering effects of a cold spring." Despite challenges, both varieties exhibited moderate alcohol levels, refined tannins, and refreshing acidity.
Sebastián Ruíz Flano of Viña Tarapacá in Maipo reflected positively on the season, noting, "Despite a delayed start, we achieved optimal fruit health. The rain held off, allowing for a timely harvest. We are pleased with the results."
In Leyda, Vásquez remarked on the impact of a chilly spring on fruit development, leading to lower yields. However, stable summer conditions facilitated balanced ripening and healthy grape development.
Southern Chile: Cold and Moist
Malleco, the southernmost region, encountered a cold spring and delayed fruit maturity exacerbated by heavy March rainfall, which tripled the weekly average. Pinot Noir from this region exhibited lower alcohol levels yet retained vibrant acidity.
Conclusion
The 2023/2024 season presented varied challenges and opportunities across Chilean wine regions, resulting in yields 10 to 15% below average. Despite climatic complexities, winemakers expressed optimism about the quality and unique characteristics of the wines from this vintage.
Source: Decanter