CHILEAN WINES

READING BETWEEN THE WINES:

With a best varietals list similar to California’s, Chile produces some fabulous Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots, Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays, and Sauvignon Blancs. Its finest wines balance ripe aromatic fruit with acidity.

Chilean wine is widely known for its young drinkability and remarkable value (most under $20 bottle), but as higher end Chilean wines keep rating well, the dollar amounts have been climbing. In other words, get your swill of Chile’s best before they surpass your budget.

THE REGION

Along the lengthy, warm west coast of South America, the Chilean wine regions cover coastal and inland areas throughout the country. Moving north to south, the major regions are Aconcagua, Panquehue, Casablanca, Maipo, Rapel, Chimbarongo, Curicó, Maule, and Bío Bío.

THE GRAPES

The top grapes used in Chile are as follows:

CHILEAN REDS:

Cabernet Sauvignon

Chile brings out the black currant intensity in its Cabernet Sauvignon and Cab blends, which are remarkably complex. These wines are the perfect choice if you love a big, bold red.

Merlot or Carmenère

Is it Merlot or is it Carmenère? That is the question in Chile. Although the Carmenère is a French native, over half of its harvest in the world now comes out of Chile, and many of its wines have been and continue to be mislabeled as Merlots. Chilean Merlot/Carmenère styles range from youthful fruitfuls to more complex and robust wines with smoky, earthy tastes.

Pinot Noir

Sexy, sweet, and silky. Those words illustrate the prevalent wines made from Chile’s Pinot Noir grapes. They’re smooth and berry-liscious.

CHILEAN WHITES:

Sauvignon Blanc

Chilean vintners slip a little of the less notable Sauvignonasse or Sauvignon Vert grapes into their Sauvignon Blancs, but several are made from the pure grape. All make for refreshing and zesty whites. Try the best Chilean Sauvignon from the Casablanca Valley.

Chardonnay

For a straightforward Chilean white wine, rich with tropical fruit and citrus tastes, you can’t go wrong with its Chardonnay.

CHOOSING AN CHILEAN WINE

Various Chilean Producers

References


www.cellarnotes.net
www.epicurious.com
www.tastings.com
www.thewinedoctor.com
www.ohoh.essortment.com
www.vinote.com
www.winemag.com
www.winespectator.com