About Chilean Wine

About Chilean Wine
Chile is today the 10th largest wine producing country in the world. Production is up slightly since 2010, but down a bit since 2012 and 2013. For years much of the wine was produced from the warm Central Valley, which corrected varietally correct, if unexciting whites and reds meant for retail stores.

While these wines still represent a large share of Chile's wine, the industry has made a necessary shift over the past ten years to producing more terroir-driven wines. Dozens of artisan producers in cool climates not far from the Pacific Ocean have planted varieties such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc in greater numbers. In fact, this last variety has produced outstanding results in the San Antonio and Leyda valleys and has been praised my many critics as among the world's finest.

The most recognized Chilean wines, in terms of prestige, are the Cabernet Sauvignons of Maipo Valley, just south and east o the capital city of Santiago, are remarkable New World reds with ripe black currant fruit, good acidity and round, soft tannins. Many of these wines are capable of aging for 15-20 years, while a select few compare favorably with their premium counterparts from Napa Valley in California. However, as Chile does not have as esteemed a reputation as California, the Chilean Cabernets are much more reasonable priced.

Given the ideal climatic conditions throughout Chile -ample sunshine along with moderating breezes form the ocean and Andes, it stand to reason that Chilean wines will only improve in the future

Top Picks for Chile

La Playa 2020 Claret Red Blend Colchagua Valley
92 points
$13
Best Buy
Layers of red and black fruit balance with light oak in this savory and flavorful wine that will make for an excellent dinner companion.
92 points $13 Best Buy
Jaya 2021 Single Vineyard Las Cenizas Cabernet Sauvignon
91 points
$40
An elegantly styled cooler climate Cabernet Sauvignon balancing black fruit against savory green herbs; give this a decant and pair with steak.
La Playa 2021 Estate Series Cabernet Sauvignon
91 points
$9
Best Buy
A deliciously lean and rustic take on Cabernet Sauvignon that is incredibly well executed.
91 points $9 Best Buy
La Playa 2020 Reserva Carmenere
91 points
$13
Best Buy
An earthy and savory red wine with plentiful notes of dried herbs, tart red fruit, and hints of tobacco; this is a wine that demands some steak.
91 points $13 Best Buy
Aoyo 2017 Surpass Reserva Syrah
90 points
$15
Best Buy
Leans a touch New World in the quality of fruit here while retaining a beautifully sanguine character; a lovely example of why Chile is an up and comer in producing world class Syrah.
90 points $15 Best Buy
La Playa 2020 Estate Series Merlot
90 points
$9
Best Buy
A serious and contemplative version of Merlot to ponder in your glass now and watch as it get better in the future.
90 points $9 Best Buy
La Playa 2021 Estate Series Viognier
90 points
$9
Best Buy
A very fruity and mouthwatering viognier that is sure to please.
Awards: 2022 Best Viognier
90 points $9 Best Buy
La Playa 2020 Estate Series Carmenere
89 points
$9
Best Buy
A dark and chocolate heavy red wine that would pair well with mole.
89 points $9 Best Buy
Axel 2019 Red Blend Maule Valley
89 points
$17
A juicy, highly quaffable Chilean red with floral nuance and contemporary style.
Republic Of Wine 2021  Cabernet Sauvignon
88 points
$8
Best Buy
A solid everyday Cabernet; everything you are looking for is here.
88 points $8 Best Buy