Chilean wine: history, overview of types and flavors

Chile is a country where viticulture and winemaking are actively gaining momentum. A lot of tests were passed for Chilean wine to take its rightful place on the market.

Historical aspect

Chile in the distant past was a colony of Spain, which affected the intensity of wine production. The colonial government imposed a tax on wine production, which severely limited wineries - Chileans were obliged to buy only Spanish wines.

However, after Chile declared its sovereignty, the wine industry there began to flourish. The fact that the European vine suffered from diseases, mainly from phylloxera, had a favorable effect on the "wine" economy of this country. Favorable climate, location in three climatic zones (tropical, subtropical and temperate), proximity to the ocean and resistance to diseases due to isolation - all this explained why the popularity of Chilean wine has skyrocketed.

This popularity brought considerable revenue to the country, but also unleashed a wave of alcoholism - the government imposed severe taxes on winemaking, which ruined the industry. For almost a century, Chilean wine has not been mentioned - the wine industry was left without investors.

However, in the 1980s, the situation changed - winemaking began to gain strength again and walked a mile ahead of the competition. Nowadays, Chilean wine has authority and popularity.

Wine production in Chile

Not much has changed in the cellars of Chileans engaged in industrial wine production since ancient times. There are also large oak barrels left. The only thing that was done was to introduce temperature monitoring at all stages of fermentation and fermentation of grape juice and to mechanize the process of bottling wine a little bit.

Otherwise, the wine also ripens on its own in dark rooms, and then goes to aging and is bottled.

Also, one of the most important changes is the change in the type of irrigation in the vineyards. Previously, the Chilean vine was constantly in water - the fields were simply flooded in the hope that the land and grapes would absorb enough moisture on their own. Such an inept irrigation system was more than just irrational - it was replaced by spot irrigation.

Varieties of Chilean grapes

Of course, the most important variety for Chile is Cabernet Sauvignon - it occupies more than 1/3 of the entire territory of the vineyards of this country. Pais, Merlot, Carmenere varieties are also popular.

White Chilean wines

Most often, Chilean white wine is semi-dry, with a pronounced acidity.

1. Convento Viejo Sauvignon Blanc

   Semi-dry white wine made entirely from sauvignon blanc grapes. The wine has an unobtrusive fruity and floral aroma and taste. Served chilled, it perfectly complements salads and seafood.

2. Pacifico Sur Chardonnay

   It has a pronounced peach aroma and flavor. Pacifico Sur Chardonnay - the owner of a delicate straw color with greenish-golden reflections.

Red Chilean wines

Red Chilean wines often have a rich burgundy hue and a varied taste. For example, wines made from Carmenère grapes often have notes of currant and light spice of red hot pepper in their bouquet.

1. Reserva | Cabernet Sauvignon & Carmener

   After aging for 9 months, it acquires a rich purple color. This wine has a pronounced plum flavor with a slight hint of bitter spices and vanilla. Just the perfect wine for a romantic dinner. Has a pleasant and long aftertaste.

2. Baron Philippe De Rothschild

   Wine of a blood-ruby hue with an unusual taste of blackberries, currants, cherries. It harmoniously combines sweetness and acidity. Contains 14% of wine. Goes well with fish and seafood.

Update: 19.08.2018

Category: Wine and Vermouth