Vinos, mano de obra, tecnología y ambiente. La chacra de Quilacán, (La Serena, Chile, 1645-1649)

Abstract

: This article examines the wine production of the Quilacán farm, La Serena (Chile) in the mid-17th century, from the original reports of its administrator. The equipment and facilities to produce wines and spirits, mainly lime and brick presses, and ceramic vessels are examined. The presence of environmental disorders such as late frosts and summer rains is detected, probably associated with the small glacial age and the El Niño current. The administration accounts allow to know the operation of the system and especially the weight of the ecclesiastical incomes in the colonial productive apparatus, which ended up breaking the Quilacán farm.