Characterized by fair quality bottles and costs compared to other more prominent wine countries, Chile is arguably South America’s best-kept secret.
But why? After all, grapes have been planted and produced here since the 16th century and are home to all the grapes we know and love, from whites to reds.
First of all, Chile is isolated from the rest of the world (surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the Andes), although it initially gained a bad reputation thanks to the export of its cheaper, sweeter wines. Second, many of their grapes were banned in the 17th century under Spanish rule, and the powers that be eventually ordered their vineyards to be burned to the ground.
Luckily, Chilean producers denied such demands and their vineyards flourished with the introduction of French vines in the 19th century. Later, the rest of the world was dealt a devastating blow when a pest called Phylloxera destroyed vineyards and wreaked havoc, while Chile’s geography ensured it remained – and still does – unblighted by the plague.
This is how Carménère, a grape variety native to the Médoc region of Bordeaux, was born. But that’s not enough. Other iconic reds originating from Chile include Cabernet Sauvignon, its crowning glory, Syrah (also known as Shiraz), Malbec, Pinot Noir, and País, while whites come in the form of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. However, not even comparable values are found to be the same, due to the gigantic climatic differences between each wine region. There is the enormous scale of the country, stretching over 2,700 m long, as well as the terrain that stretches from the windy sea coast to the arid desert.
Sarah Benson, Co-op Wine Buyer, says: “We are seeing Chilean wine continue to gain popularity after many buyers discovered the exceptional quality and wonderful price that this South American country offers to Covid, when experimenting with the origin and types of wine. The aisle was more common, because consumers sought to mirror popular news at home, in the restaurant, and at the bar.
He adds: “We expect this trend to continue with cooperative sales of Chilean Carménère, comparable to those of the much better known Rioja, for example. In response, we’ve bolstered our offering with bottles that celebrate regional diversity, as well as new and compelling styles for buyers to expand their wine repertoire.
Just in time for red wine season, we’ve rounded up the most productive Chilean wines to please your lips. Just say who you owe.
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Fresh off the shelves of his cooperative, this Carménère, more closely related to French winemaking than in Chile, is deep and concentrated with aromas of blackcurrant, red cherry and vanilla and flavors of plum, fig and candied fruit. Deliciously community.
Fruity and crisp, this bright Sauvignon Blanc originates from Chile’s mountainous Aconcagua wine region and serves up lime and currant flavors that are ideal for seafood and salads. A winner for weekday meals.
Rich and concentrated with aromas of black fruits, this Carménère, which narrowly escaped extinction when it traveled to Chile from Bordeaux, is the best companion for classic ready-to-eat dishes such as hearty roasts or stews. The spicy and herbaceous notes provide a very delicious finish.
Rich and creamy, it’s a wonderful choice for high-end champagne at a fraction of the price.
It is made with Chardonnay grapes following the classic method, so dear to the French, and aged in oak barrels for seven months (like all the best, from Bollinger to Louis Roederer and Krug). Expect toasted sourdough, dried flowers and citrus sorbet. on the nose and poached pear, flower honey and toasted nuts on the palate.
A topic on any table.
Exactly what a Chardonnay without wood deserves to be. Fresh, circular and expressive, this Chilean variety is brimming with aromas of pineapple, minerality and fruity flavours. We like it best as a colorful appetizer, but it can also accompany salads, pastas or seafood. The epitome of a simple drink.
A classic example of Chile’s namesake grape featuring dark berry and plum flavours spiked with peppery spice. A velvety texture makes for seriously easy-drinking. Team with carnivorous dishes and BBQ favourites to bring out the best of the bottle.
A multi-award-winning wine, which explains why, with aromas of ripe cherries, refreshing flavors, and a smooth frame so typical of a Pinot Noir. Couldn’t Co-op’s premium Irresistible label be wrong?Clearly not, if this easy, airy bottle there’s something to overlook.
A light and aromatic take on Syrah, this Chilean red offers notes of pink peppercorn, blueberry and almond croissant – yes, really – with refreshing flavours that pair well with winter warmers. Excellent bang for your buck.
A rich blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Carménère and Cabernet Franc grape varieties, Sideral is naturally complex yet balanced and round. Aromas of black cherry, molasses and red pepper give way to a rich, sweet and juicy palate. It’s worth every single penny.
Fruity and crisp, as you’d expect from a Sauvignon Blanc, this Chilean edition of the drink is intense.
But the best? It’s priced lower than Mud House’s Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, making it our new go-to for weeknight dinners and Friday night takeouts.
Crisp and zesty with lemon and lime flavours, the ripe flavours of this Sauvvy B are perfectly balanced with mineral notes and a zingy finish. A fresh and lively bottle that proves Chile can do Sauvignon Blanc just as well as Australia or France.
Winemaker De Martino exported Chile’s first Carménère to the UK in 1996 and this bottle celebrates its 25th anniversary. Created exclusively for Virgin Wines, the special edition is delicate, sweet and fruity, as well as being sustainably made using ancient techniques.
With a reputation for powerful wines, the name of renowned Chilean winery Caballo Loco – translating to ‘Crazy Horse’ – couldn’t be more apt. This energetic red is no exception, dark and vibrant in colour and complex and fruity in flavour.
Ruby red in color, this Cabernet Sauvignon from Ventisquero Wine Estates, which has vineyards in all the main wine regions of Chile, is a balanced and fruity specimen. The aromas are heavenly: red and black culmination with notes of black pepper, caramel, tobacco and chocolate.
Showing Argentina that it can also create an extraordinary Merlot, this crowd-pleasing Chilean edition is made with flavors of juicy plum, berries and highly spiced vanilla with a generous, circular finish. Just the price of the steaks.
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