Chile is one of the world's most geographically unique wine countries — a narrow coastal strip along the Pacific with the Andes to the east and the Atacama Desert to the north. The country's isolation has made it the only major wine nation never affected by the vine louse Phylloxera, meaning vines can be grown on their own roots. Carménère is Chile's signature grape — an old Bordeaux variety that disappeared in Europe but survived in Chile, where it was mistakenly called Merlot for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon from the Central Valley is another strength. Climate varies from cool near the coast to warmer inland.