Thick skins of various red strains guarantee a wine with well-structured tannins. Wines in warm climates generally carry much more weight than wines in cold climates. Their sugar levels translate into a higher alcohol content. All of this allow for greater aging potential. The reds are deep and powerful, with spices and notes of black fruit, such as cherry and plum. The maturity of the grapes also manifests itself with a note of dried fruit.
Varieties
For regions with warmer climates, winemakers look for strains with thicker skins and higher level of sugar accumulation. Usually, they are red varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec or Carmenere. These grapes are structured to protect themselves from the dryness and heat of the sun, developing firmer and more voluptuous bodies.
Example of warm climate region
In warm climate regions, annual temperatures are higher, the sun is stronger and the sky is blue all day. In Chile, the Cordillera de la Costa Range and the Andes form natural boundaries that mark a wine-growing zone called “Entre Cordilleras” (Between Mountains). Although its climate is Mediterranean, it has the characteristics of warm climate (with prolonged summer season, hot and dry, but without extreme temperatures, with warm days and mild nights). From the Colchagua Valley, for example, come red wines such as Carmenere, Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
A great natural border for air masses is the Andes Mountain range. The hot air of the continent covers the vineyards located at its feet (as in the Maipo Valley). The influence of the mountain range on the climate is manifested with a warming effect in winter and spring, in addition to a cooling influence in the summer months. This warm up is produced by the movement of the warm, dry air that circulates from the interior of the mountain range to the valley. The emblematic strain of this region is Cabernet Sauvignon. But, curiously, Maipo has a rather mild climate. These cool temperatures are caused by the cold radiation that originates in the slopes at nightfall.