21 de agosto de 2023 | 19:11

Best Chilean Wine: A Tour of the World of Wine in Chile

The Best Chilean Wine is not just a label, it is a story. A story of terroir, climate and, above all, passion. Viticulture in Chile spans more than 500 years, making it one of the oldest and most respected wine regions in the New World. In this article, we will explore the rich history of wine in Chile and the producers who strive to create the Best Chilean Wine.

History of Viticulture in Chile

Wine arrived in Chile in the 16th century with the Spanish conquistadors, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that the country’s wine industry began to flourish. During this time, Chilean producers began importing French grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Carmenère.

An Unexpected Event: The Rediscovery of Carmenère

Carmenère, thought to be extinct after phylloxera in Europe in the 19th century, was rediscovered in Chile in the 1990s. Now, this “lost wine” is one of the main ambassadors of Chilean wines and a candidate for Best Chilean Wine.

Wine Regions of Chile

The Best Chilean Wine could come from any of the country’s diverse wine regions. Chile stretches from the Atacama Desert in the north to Patagonia in the south, and each region has its own unique terroir and microclimate.

Maipo Valley

Considered the heart of Chile’s wine industry, the Maipo Valley is known for its robust, structured reds, especially Cabernet Sauvignon. Some of the country’s most prestigious producers are located here, including Concha y Toro and Santa Rita.

Casablanca Valley

Famous for its white wines, especially Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, the Casablanca Valley is known for its maritime influence and mineral-rich soil. Wineries such as Veramonte and Emiliana Organic have gained international recognition here.

Colchagua Valley

The Colchagua Valley is known for producing some of Chile’s best reds. With a combination of warm climates and clay soils, the region is ideal for growing Carmenère, Syrah and Malbec grapes.

What is the Best Chilean Wine?

Deciding which is the Best Chilean Wine is a task that depends on the individual palate of each person. However, there are some wines that have gained international recognition for their excellence.

Almaviva

Produced by a joint venture between Concha y Toro and Baron Philippe de Rothschild, Almaviva is a world-class red made in the Bordeaux style. With its elegant balance of fruit, acidity and tannins, this wine is frequently mentioned as a candidate for Best Chilean Wine.

Clos Apalta

Created by the Casa Lapostolle winery, Clos Apalta is a blend of Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. This wine, named after the plot where the grapes come from, has been praised for its depth and complexity.

Seña

Seña is the result of a collaboration between Robert Mondavi and Eduardo Chadwick of Viña Errázuriz. It is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Seña has received multiple high scores in competitions and blind tastings, firmly establishing itself as one of Chile’s best wines.

The search for the Best Chilean Wine does not end with the wines mentioned above. Chilean producers continue to innovate and experiment.

Organic and Biodynamic

More wineries are adopting organic and biodynamic viticulture practices, which exclude the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers and focus on the ecological balance of the vineyard. Wineries such as Emiliana and Matetic are leaders in this movement.

New Regions and Grape Varieties

Producers and winemakers are exploring new wine regions and experimenting with different grape varieties. Southern Chile, for example, is emerging as an exciting region for viticulture, with growers cultivating lesser-known grape varieties such as País and Cinsault.

Natural Winemaking

The natural wine movement, which advocates minimal intervention in the vineyard and winery, is also gaining ground in Chile. Wineries such as Bodegas RE and Rogue Vine are producing exciting and unique wines using these practices.

The search for the Best Chilean Wine is an ever-evolving adventure that encompasses history, geography and passion. history, geography and passion of a country. Whether you prefer a structured Cabernet Sauvignon from Maipo, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc from Casablanca or a spicy Carmenère from Colchagua, the world of Chilean wine has something to offer you. Dare to explore, taste and marvel at the richness and diversity of wine in Chile.