Chile post earthquake and 2010 vintage

After the earthquake
Chileans work hard and effectively and some wineries were up and running a few hours after February’s earthquake. The loss of power and water did affect vineyards’ irrigation systems and some suffered dehydration in the month before harvest. Apart from the loss of the equivalent of 15% of a normal harvest, repairing damaged bottling lines took a lot of time and many orders were delayed as a backlog developed.

There are strict building regulations in Chile. Structures are constructed to be able to  resist earthquakes, but the 2010 quake was so strong that although virtually all new buildings  remained standing, and so protected the lives of those people within, many are structurally damaged and will have to be demolished and rebuilt. It was mainly the old buildings made from adobe that collapsed. However, most aspects of business life are now back to  normal.

Chileans are now struggling with loss adjusters from insurance companies, completing forms, submitting photographs, trying to get their claims approved. Most wineries are  covered for loss and damage and may eventually benefit from new buildings and equipment.

2010 Harvest
2010 has turned out to be an excellent crop of  high quality and low quantity. Growing conditions were cool and the wines have a welcome freshness, vitality and concentration about them, with some similarities to  the 2008s which are looking very good currently. We have started to ship the first 2010s whites and both chardonnays and sauvignon blancs are absolutely delicious. Try the CE3291 The Society’s Chilean Sauvignon Blanc, Leyda Valley 2010 which has just docked.