| CHILE, of late, has been offering modern flavors and unparalleled values to the US consumer. Of the many red grapes that thrive here – Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Carmenère, Malbec, Merlot, and Pinot Noir – Carmenère has the most inspiring story. All but forgotten in its native Bordeaux (difficult to cultivate producing low yields), the grape came to Chile and flourished under the South American sun. Grown in most areas, it makes deliciously light to medium, fruity red wines; quite similar to many approachable Merlots. For other varieties, look for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from Central, Rapel or Maipo Valleys; Chardonnay from Central or Casablanca Valleys; and Sauvignon Blanc from Casablanca Valley.
Noticing the success of Chilean wine exports, and faced with a drop in consumption in their own market, ARGENTINA has begun exporting good value wines to the pleasure of the US palate. Malbec, its signature red, is another Bordeaux variety that has come back to life in Argentina. Generally Malbec provides a dark, rounded style wine, with berries and spice, maturing quickly and at its best when drunk young. The region’s signature white, Torrontes, varies in style from fruity to zesty – fun to have in the summer months. Other varietal best bets: look to Mendoza for Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon and to Cafayate and Mendoza for Merlot.
Chile
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Central Valley: Maipo/ Rapel/ Maule
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| The Central Valley, Chile’s main wine region, is divided into a number of sub regions. Red varieties are favored and many of the wines have increased in quality due to joint ventures between Chilean wineries and foreign investors. Well made reds can achieve massive, pitch-black concentration and chewy fruit. The most widely planted varieties in Chile are two versatile standbys – Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay: mostly French in style (Cabs are austere, meaty and herbal and the Chards showcase some oak with intense acidity) as these grapes thrive in intense heat of this country. There are a wide selection of other international varieties planted, including Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc. In truth, much of what was once thought to be Merlot has recently been identified as Carmenère, a rarely planted variety of Bordeaux. Chilean Carmenère is made in many delicious styles, from refreshing and easy drinking to dense and full-bodied. Pinot Noir has lately emerged from the region, with a few exotic yet well-integrated flavor notes. Well made whites can achieve creamy, ripe, vibrant styles as well as clean, dry, floral styles. Sauvignon Blanc can do well here and can become fruity, but are lower in acidity than normal. |
| Key Red Grape Varieties
Most commonly labeled as… |
Key White Grape Varieties
Most commonly labeled as… |
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Carmenere |
Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay
Moscatel
Semillon |
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Argentina
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Mendoza/ San Juan/ La Rioja
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| The Mendoza Valley is host to most of the wines coming out of Argentina and is situated in the west of the country. Malbec is the red grape leader and Torrontes is the white of the land. Although, recently, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc have been generating successful wines due to the influence and funding of outside producers (from France and California). Malbecs are medium to full bodied and tend to be dark and inky, sometimes showing slightly spicy flavors. When done right, they are packed with a range of the scents – red fruit, blackberries, juicy plum, cassis, raisin, fig, prune and licorice – layered with dark notes of leather and charcoal or smoke; and have structured tannins, without the hard edges. Another unknown varietal that is starting to get noticed is the Bonarda. Similar to Malbec, this intense red grape shows more coffee and cocoa flavors than Malbec’s typical licorice and anise notes. The highest, cooler vineyards are more suitable for white varieties. Here you’ll find land bountiful with Torrontes grapes that produce wines full of tropical fruit (cantaloupe, honeydew) wrapped in a floral, exotic nose ending with a refreshing zip. Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay varietals are beginning to get noticed and producing more zesty, yet powerful, flavors. |
| Key Red Grape Varieties
Most commonly labeled as… |
Key White Grape Varieties
Most commonly labeled as… |
Malbec
Bonardo
Tempranillo
Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Noir
Syrah |
Torrontes
Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay |
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