About Red Wines from Chile

About Red Wines from Chile
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

Red Wines

La Playa 2020 Reserva Claret Red Blend Colchagua Valley
93 points
$13
Best Buy
Ripe and juicy with very consumer friendly black fruits and then a savory structure that will be great at the table for pairings.
93 points $13 Best Buy
PKNT 2020 Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon
93 points
$19
Best Buy
Vibrant fruit and good structure while maintaining a pleasant lightness to the body; a delightful Cabernet for grilling season.
93 points $19 Best Buy
La Playa 2022 Estate Red Blend Maule Valley
92 points
$9
Best Buy
Shows the delicious potential of Chilean producers to make a Rhone styled Syrah; savory and spicy with a nice fruit backbone.
92 points $9 Best Buy
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
Black Box 2021  Malbec
91 points
$19.98
A classic, super clean, no frills Malbec with all the ripe fruits.
91 points $19.98
La Playa 2022 Estate Carmenere
91 points
$9
Best Buy
A tangy and greener example of Carmenere that will make a delicious companion to grilled meats.
91 points $9 Best Buy
Car Men Air 2021 Red Blend Maule Valley
91 points
$12
Best Buy
Food friendly and distinctly Chilean, this Carmenere heavy blend is quite pleasurable.
91 points $12 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