As a wine region, Chile already enjoys a built-in culture of sustainability, thanks in great part to its natural geographic isolation. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Andes to the east, the Atacama desert to the North, and the Antarctic to the south, the world's longest and narrowest country enjoys a unique topographical buffer that has protected it from some of the worst ravages - including the late 19th century outbreak of Phylloxera that destroyed the French wine industry.
However, the Chileans also walk the sustainable walk, perhaps more than any other country on the planet. They were among the first to introduce a more carbon footprintfriendly, lighter wine bottle.
Even some of the largest Chilean producers, such as Concha y Toro-owned Cono Sur, have the most advanced organic and biodynamic practices. The winery - which in 2007 became the world's first to be carbon-neutral - was a proactive organic pioneer, embarking early on environmentally balanced programs.
Instead of pesticides, Cono Sur's Matias Rios introduced flocks of geese into the vineyard to control destructive pests like the vine destroying "burrito"; planted natural ground covers for weed control, used garlic as a natural repellent, and even encouraged workers to use bicycles instead of motorized transport whenever possible. The latter resulted in the winery's now familiar "bicycle label," considered one of the most widely available and affordable organic brands.
Biodynamic pioneer Alvaro Espinoza, who oversees Fair Trade flag-bearer Viña Emiliana's seven farms in four valleys (in Casablanca, Cachapoal, Maipo, Colchagua and Bio-Bio) says "We do it as much to protect the people who work in the vineyards as for the wine."
Emiliana's flagship Coyam highlights the sense of place, says Espinoza, rather than the six varieties which make up the blend, he suggests.
Chile's "first out of the gate"approach, combined with its relatively benign environment (often referred to as a "winemaker's paradise") has given it a leg up in the sustainable and organic-biodynamic sweepstakes.
Also, the country's plantings beyond the original Valle Central in developing regions on the coast and at higher elevations in the Andes foothills - first explored by groundbreakers such as Montes - have also assisted in making the transition to more sustainable practices.
While most Chilean wineries already follow sustainable practices, only 14 of the country's producers have met the new rigorous government-overseen requirements - which examine every aspect of winemaking and packaging - to proclaim their products as "Certified Sustainable Wine of Chile." If you're keen to be a sustainable sipper, look for wines from the following Chilean leaders: Anakena, Arboleda, Caliterra, Casa Silva, Cremaschi Furlotti, Emiliana, Errázuriz, Montes, MontGras, Santa Cruz, Santa Ema, Santa Rita, Ventisquero and VÃa Wines.
