Chile: Wines That Will Make You Say “¡Salud!”

Chile, the slender spine of South America, is a veritable paradise for wine lovers. With its diverse geography stretching from the Atacama Desert in the north to Patagonia in the south, Chile’s wine regions offer a remarkable array of terroirs, grape varieties, and winemaking styles. Let’s embark on a vinicultural journey to explore the country’s main wine regions, the must-visit wineries, and their unforgettable wines that will have you raising a glass.

Maipo Valley: The Cradle of Chilean Wine

The Maipo Valley, situated near the capital city of Santiago, is the birthplace of Chilean wine and is renowned for its elegant Cabernet Sauvignon.

• Viña Concha y Toro: As one of Chile’s most iconic wineries, a visit to Concha y Toro is a must. Don’t miss their Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon, a harmonious symphony of dark fruit, spice, and velvety tannins.
• Viña Santa Rita: Another Maipo Valley gem, Santa Rita’s Casa Real Cabernet Sauvignon is a sophisticated and beautifully balanced wine that captures the essence of the region.
• Almaviva: Known for its collaboration between Chile (Viña Concha y Toro) and France (Baron Philippe de Rothschild), Almaviva makes full-bodied, Bordeaux-style wines that consistently score off-the-charts with critics.
• Viña Tarapacá: Viña Tarapacá crafts stellar wines thanks to its excellent vineyard conditions. The “Tarapacá Gran Reserva” is a great option.
• Viña Ventisquero: Ventisquero crafts sustainable, innovative wines that are also great value for money. Their “Grey Glacier Single Block Cabernet Sauvignon” is fabulous and affordable.
• Perez Cruz: Specializes in reds that truly express their terroir. A bottle of their “Perez Cruz Limited Edition Cot” is absolutely delightful.

Aconcagua Valley: A Sun-Kissed Paradise of Robust Reds

The Aconcagua Valley, a sun-kissed region nestled between the Andean Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, is known for its perfect conditions in which Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Carménère grapes thrive exceptionally well, producing bold, flavorful wines with unique terroir expression.

• Errázuriz: A family-owned vineyard that consistently produces world-class wines, Errazuriz is known for its excellent Cabernet Sauvignon. Try the “Don Maximiano Founders Reserve” to see why.
• Arboleda: This winery is known for creating single-vineyard wines that define the identity of Chilean terroirs. The “Arboleda Carmenère” is a perfect ambassador for Chile’s signature grape.

Maule Valley: Chile’s Oldest Terroirs

The Maule Valley, a prized viticulture heartland with deep historical roots, is acclaimed for its diverse microclimates nurturing a wide array of grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, and Syrah, which produce wines with an extraordinary sense of place and tradition.

• Viña San Pedro: One of Chile’s oldest and most sizeable wineries, San Pedro seamlessly blends tradition and innovation. Their “San Pedro 1865 Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon” is a shining example.
• Garage Wine Co.: This winery invented the concept of “garage wine” in Chile, producing incredibly high-quality, small-batch wines. The “Old Vine Pale” is a unique field blend with a distinct sense of place.

Casablanca Valley: The Cool Coastal Breeze

The Casablanca Valley, nestled between Santiago and the coastal city of Valparaíso, is renowned for its cool-climate Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.

• Viña Veramonte: A visit to Veramonte offers an unforgettable experience. Their Ritual Pinot Noir is a charming dance of red fruit, earthy notes, and subtle spice, perfect for an elegant evening.
• Viña Casas del Bosque: This picturesque winery produces a range of exceptional wines. Their Gran Reserva Chardonnay boasts a bouquet of tropical fruit, citrus, and a touch of oak, creating a balanced and refreshing wine.
• Kingston Family Vineyards: This boutique vineyard consistently produces high-quality Pinot Noir. The “Alazan Pinot Noir” stands out for its elegance and complexity.

San Antonio Valley: An Emerging Star of Cool-Climate Wines

The San Antonio Valley, an innovative newcomer in Chilean viticulture, is gaining fame for its cooler maritime climate that creates distinctively fresh and mineral-driven styles from Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.

• Viña Casa Marin: Viña Casa Marin is famous for its sauvignon blanc. The “Cipreses Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc” is a vibrant and beautifully balanced wine.

Colchagua Valley: The Land of Bold Reds

In the heart of central Chile lies the Colchagua Valley, a region that has gained fame for its bold and expressive red wines, including Carménère and Syrah.

• Viña Montes: Montes’ Alpha Carménère is an alluring blend of ripe red fruit, herbs, and spices that showcases the best of Chile’s signature grape.
• Viña Neyen: The Neyen Espíritu de Apalta is an elegant and powerful blend of Carménère and Cabernet Sauvignon that will captivate your senses with its rich flavors and silky texture.
• Emiliana Organic Vineyards: As one of the world’s largest organic wineries, Emiliana produces wines that are natural and rich in flavors. Do give the “Coyam” a try, it’s an intriguing organic blend.
• Lapostolle: With strong French influences, Lapostolle excels in creating biodynamic wines, especially reds. The “Clos Apalta” is a sensational Bordeaux-style blend.
• Casa Silva: This winery is recognized for its exploration of different Chilean terroirs. The “Casa Silva MicroTerroir Carménère” beautifully showcases the diversity of the Colchagua Valley.

Cachapoal Valley: A Hidden Gem Crafting Sublime Reds

The Cachapoal Valley, a viticultural oasis south of Santiago, is celebrated for its excellent conditions where Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot grapes flourish, producing rich, structured, and distinctive wines.

• Viña Undurraga: One of Chile’s oldest wineries, Viña Undurraga consistently presents award-winning, terroir-driven wines. The “TH Series Paredones Sauvignon Blanc” is undeniably reflective of its coastal terroir.
• Viña Vik: A relatively new player in the scene, Vik is making waves with their holistic, state-of-the-art wine production techniques. Their flagship red blend “VIK” is a fantastic expression of the best of Cachapoal Valley.

Leyda Valley: A Maritime Delight

Just a stone’s throw from the Pacific Ocean, the Leyda Valley is known for its Sauvignon Blancs, which exhibit a zesty and refreshing character.

• Viña Leyda: This pioneering winery produces a Single Vineyard Garuma Sauvignon Blanc that is a vibrant and lively expression of the grape, with notes of citrus, green apple, and a hint of minerality.
• Viña Amayna: Amayna’s Sauvignon Blanc showcases a unique balance of fruit, acidity, and minerality that embodies the essence of the Leyda Valley terroir.

Elqui Valley: The Mystical North

The Elqui Valley, nestled in the northern reaches of Chile, is an emerging wine region gaining recognition for its Syrah and its picturesque landscapes.

• Viña Falernia: A visit to Falernia is a must for any Syrah lover. Their Titon Syrah is a captivating blend of dark fruit, pepper, and violets that is both elegant and powerful.
• Viña Mayu: Mayu’s Pedro Ximénez, a lesser-known white grape variety, offers a delightful departure from the norm, with flavors of citrus, white peach, and an intriguing saline note that speaks to the region’s arid desert climate.
• Viñedos de Alcohuaz: This small-batch winery in Elqui Valley has a unique focus on Rhone varieties. Their Syrah “GRUS” is remarkably vibrant and balanced.

Bío-Bío Valley: The Cool Southern Frontier

The Bío-Bío Valley, located in southern Chile, is a cool-climate region producing vibrant and aromatic wines, such as Riesling and Pinot Noir.

• Viña Aquitania: This winery’s Sol de Sol Riesling is a refreshing and zesty wine, with notes of lime, green apple, and a touch of minerality that will leave you wanting more.
• Viña Santa Carolina: Santa Carolina’s Specialties West Bío-Bío Pinot Noir is a beautifully balanced wine, with flavors of ripe red fruit, earthy undertones, and a delicate hint of spice.

Chile’s diverse wine regions offer a thrilling adventure for any wine enthusiast. From the Maipo Valley’s elegant Cabernet Sauvignon to the Leyda Valley’s zesty Sauvignon Blancs, there’s a wine to suit every taste. So, grab a glass, embrace the spirit of adventure, and say “Salud!” to the unforgettable world of Chilean wine.