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The Wine Cellar: South of the Equator – Wines of Chile
By Gordon Gilbert
Sandwiched between the cool currents of the South Pacific and the Andes Mountains, the South American nation of Chile boasts an extraordinary range of climates. From arid desert to alpine south, these varied regions play an integral role in the eclectic range of wines produced here.
A Well Weathered Selection
Chilean wine is produced almost exclusively in an area clustered around the capital city of Santiago, which benefits from river valleys flush with snowmelt coming off the Andes. Vineyards that sit closer to the ocean benefit from the cooling effects of maritime air, producing both outstanding white wines and Pinot Noir. As you head inland, the production of red wine increases, particularly in varietals that you might associate with Napa Valley or Bordeaux.
With such ranges of climate in this slender nation, the wines have an equally broad variety. Here are six examples that will allow you to explore the full spectrum just in time for grilling season.
Anakena Enco; Sauvignon Blanc; San Antonio Valley ($12)
All the classic elements of Sauvignon Blanc can be found in this wine from the coastal valley vineyards. Clean citrus, fresh lemongrass and wet stone yield an incredible wine with a palate activating acidity. This makes an ideal companion for a summer salad or shellfish.
Montes Alpha; Chardonnay; Rapel Valley ($13)
The Montes name carries a lot of weight in the Chilean wine world. Brash and full bodied, its notes of vanilla and butterscotch round out ripe melon and tropical fruits. If you’re about to throw some Chilean sea bass on the grill, this Chilean Chardonnay makes a good pairing.
Veranda; Pinot Noir; Bio Bio Valley ($18)
While Pinot Noir is known for being a more delicate red, this one offers the pronounced red fruit elements and medium body more akin to its Californian cousins. Hints of earth and spice are hidden under the vibrant raspberry, strawberry and red cherry that dominate the palate. Pairs well with antipasto or cheese and makes for a fantastic aperitif before moving on to more robust reds.
Casa Lapostolle; Merlot; Colchagua Valley ($14)
Casa Lapostolle commands serious premiums for their top flight wines, but fortunately their entry level options don’t suffer from a drop in quality. This medium bodied Merlot has smooth tannins with touches of dried red fruit, blueberry, mocha, spice and leather. A perfect all around crowd pleaser that pairs well with Mediterranean inspired dishes.
Porta; Cabernet Gran Reserva; Ancongua Valley ($16)
Grilled red meat will demand a bold, full bodied wine with powerful enough tannins to break down all that perfectly prepared protein. This wine fits the bill will a full complement of stewed black fruit, spice, cigar box and a lingering aroma that’s reminiscent of a chocolate factory.
Montes Purple Angel; Carmenere; 2010 ($60)
For those who want something that’s not one of the usual suspects, this remarkable wine is a personal favorite that earned a 93/100 point rating from Wine Spectator. Full bodied with lush tannins, the wine is black fruit dominant as the name infers, but there are touches of coffee and hints of minerality. Complex flavors linger on the palate long enough to win over even the most picky wine drinker. Decant and enjoy with a grilled T-bone or share with good friends.
Whatever your favorite grape, whatever the intricacies of your palate, Chilean wines offer a full spectrum of choices for any aficionado. Best of all, you don’t have to travel south of the equator to enjoy them. Sample just a few and you’ll want to revisit the wines of Chile many times over.
