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

Vino De Eyzaguirre 2025 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
91 points
$11
Best Buy
A savory and interesting Chilean Cab that would go well with grilled meats.
91 points $11 Best Buy
Squid Inc. 2023 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
91 points
$15
Best Buy
This is a smoky, meaty Cabernet Sauvignon with dark juicy fruit that will pair well with barbecued meats or vegetables.
91 points $15 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
Bodegas Tagua Tagua 2025 Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
90 points
$19
A hint of black pepper adds a savory note to this dry, enticing, fruit forward Cabernet.
Axel 2023  Cabernet Sauvignon
90 points
$17
Best Buy
A casual, easy-drinking Cabernet to pair with dark, bold flavors.
90 points $17 Best Buy
Bodegas Tagua Tagua 2025 First Class Cabernet Sauvignon
89 points
$13
Best Buy
A go-to everyday Cab that is just chewy and dry, yet fruity enough to feel like a weeknight treat.
89 points $13 Best Buy
Bodegas Tagua Tagua 2024 Gran Reserva Blend Rapel Valley
89 points
$19
Filled with ample, dry and crushable red fruit, this rustic red is a fun, zesty blend for the table.
Vino De Eyzaguirre 2023  Syrah
89 points
$11
Best Buy
Big and meaty Chilean Syrah, full of black cherries, toothsome dark fruit and tannins that beg for hearty fare.
89 points $11 Best Buy
El Pasaje 2024 Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
88 points
$27
A light smoky and well balanced Chilean Cabernet that will be a nice choice for burgers and grilled fare.
La Playa 2025 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
88 points
$9
Best Buy
A simple and fresh Cab for warm nights and bonfires.
88 points $9 Best Buy