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Wines of Chile

Wines of Chile
Winegrowing in Chile began with the arrival of the Spanish "conquistadores". The first vine was planted in Santiago in 1541. At the beginning of the 19th century, the great Spanish families, taking advantage of the exceptional climatic conditions, began planting large vineyards to satisfy the ever-growing local demand. Towards the middle of the 19th century, the French model, synonymous with quality, was called upon to restructure the vineyards. Many Aquitaine grape varieties were planted. Winegrowing was largely unregulated, producing wines of widely contrasting quality. However, since the early 1990s, Chilean winemakers have been pursuing a policy of improving their wines by introducing techniques that have proved their worth elsewhere.

Chile is a very spread-out country, with a variety of climates depending on latitude. The north is hot, arid and desert-like, the Central Valley enjoys a Mediterranean climate and the south has an oceanic climate. There are usually 7 main wine-growing regions with different characteristics: the Aconcagua, Casablanca, Maïpo, Limari, Curico, Maule and Itata valleys. Chile 's terroirs are favourably situated between the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Andes mountain range to the east. The exceptional natural environment and particularly favorable climatic conditions for viticulture have encouraged the development of vineyards in the Central Valley. Discover also the Las Ninas and Sena estates.

The grape varieties are of European origin. They have escaped mildew and phylloxera and are mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec for the reds, Sauvignon and Chardonnay for the whites. There are also Merlot, Cémillon, Riesling, Muscat and Carménère, the latter tending to become a local specialty. The Païs grape, typically Chilean, is used for local production of lesser quality.

Also discover an original Chilean wine with the Las Ninas 2016 vintage.

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Seña - Vallée de l'Aconcagua 2021

100/100 James Suckling

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98+/100 Robert Parker

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98/100 Falstaff

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98/100 Decanter

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17/20 Jancis Robinson

Chile
carmenère
finesse
solar
juicy

"A true consecration for Chile with a 100/100 from James Suckling, and judged among the best vintages of the estate by the Wine Advocate!"

"One of the best vintages of the iconic Seña wine, Seña 2021 comes from a cooler year, in line with 2016 and 2018, certainly cooler than 2020 and 2019. It has a super-expressive nose, elegant, nuanced, fragrant, subtle and pure, with aromatic finesse, layered and complex. [...] It's fine and structured but juicy, similar to 2018 but with more finesse. There's the spicy/herbaceous touch of Cabernet, ultra-refined tannins that give it great elegance, as well as length, purity and delineation. Superb" (The Wine Advocate 2023) - Delivery in wooden cases possible for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected).

Almaviva - Vallée de Maipo 2020

98/100 James Suckling

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96/100 Robert Parker

Chile
carmenère
rich
elegant
delicious

"Fresh, deep nose, full of blueberries, minty cassis, mussels, cigars, dark spices and toasted sesame oak. It will need a year or two to fully integrate. A medium- to full-bodied Almaviva with supple, silky tannins and a richness of black and blue fruits that give it great charm now. Voluptuous and flattering on the palate, it stands out for its tension and taut texture. Very long." (James Suckling 2022) - Ranked 97th out of 100 of the world's best wines tasted in 2022 by James Suckling - Delivery in wooden case possible for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected)

Casas De Bucalemu - Fosiles 2020

93/100 Descorchados

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91+/100 Robert Parker

Chile
pinot noir
spicy
beautiful finish

"A tasty, gourmet pinot noir!

"The 2020 Fosiles red was produced with pinot noir from vines planted around nine kilometers from the sea on marine soils and with great influence from ocean salinity. The vineyards are now certified organic. The grapes were fermented with indigenous yeasts and 50% whole bunches in open vats, which in 2020 gave it more freshness, necessary due to the hot year, and matured in tuns for 14 months. Ripeness and alcohol are contained, 13.5%, despite the year's conditions, low yields and small bunches obtained, with good freshness and varietal taste, red fruits, cherries with a spicy touch, purity, clean, concentrated flavors and a long, flavorful finish. Very good. 2023-2028" (Wine Advocate 2023)

Casas De Bucalemu - Salinas 2020

Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5

5/5 (1 review)

93/100 Descorchados

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91/100 Robert Parker

Chile
sauvignon
complex
mineral

"The rich, mineral Chilean terroir reflected wonderfully in this wine!"

"Sauvignon Blanc 2020 Salinas was produced with grapes from vines planted in 2008 nine kilometers from the sea, where they benefit from the influence of sea breezes and marine soils. Grown organically during the warm, dry Pandemic 2020 year, the grapes reached good ripeness and the wine is 13% alcohol, with a notable absence of pyrazines. It has more fennel and anise and a medium-bodied palate, but is unctuous due to the 12 months spent on the lees, stony, with a chalky texture and a saline feel. It has very good freshness and a pH of 3.14. It was fermented and matured in 50% oak barrels and 50% concrete eggs. It should develop nicely in bottle. 2023-2027" (Wine Advocate 2023) - Delivery in wooden case possible for orders of 12 bottles of this wine (depending on country and shipping method selected).

Tarapaca - Vallée de Maipo Late Harvest 2022 (liquoreux - 50cl)

Chile
balanced
aperitif
cheeses
liquoreux

Its intense nose of exotic fruits (mango, lychee), white flowers and a delicate touch of honey transports us. The palate reveals a fine balance between freshness and sweetness, typical of its terroir. A real invitation to travel!

Viu Manent - Estate Reserva Carménère 2019

Rated 3.1/5Rated 3.1/5Rated 3.1/5Rated 3.1/5Rated 3.1/5

3.1/5 (11 reviews)

Chile
carmenère
red meat
discovery

"Emblematic grape variety

Behind its crimson color, the nose reveals aromas of red and black fruits, cherry, redcurrant and blueberry, as well as spices. Slightly full-bodied on the palate, with supple tannins and a mouth-watering finish. The perfect accompaniment to summer barbecues!

Pedro Parra y Familia - Pencopolitano 2018

Rated 3/5Rated 3/5Rated 3/5Rated 3/5Rated 3/5

3/5 (4 reviews)

92/100 Robert Parker

Chile
elegant
juicy
red meat

"The 2018 Pencopolitano is a regional red blend of 67% Cinsault de Guarilihue and 33% País de Portezuelo from old vines (40 to 200 years old) on granitic soils rich in lime, sand and quartz. It was fermented with 30% whole bunches and aged in 2500-liter oak tuns, 5000-liter oak vats and 3000-liter concrete vats for 10 to 11 months. It's a wine with more structure and fruit, a round mouthfeel and a frank personality that's easier to understand." (Wine Advocate 2020)

Las Ninas - Carmenere Reserva 2016

Rated 3.5/5Rated 3.5/5Rated 3.5/5Rated 3.5/5Rated 3.5/5

3.5/5 (40 reviews)

90/100 Decanter

"With complex aromas of dried fruit and baked herbs, this is an intriguing style that doesn't focus on fruit, but on herbaceous, stony precision, backed by luscious, firm tannins. Highly recommended. " (Decanter Magazine - October 2017)

Las Ninas - Syrah - Mourvèdre Gran Reserva 2014

89/100 Robert Parker

"The 2014 Gran Reserva Syrah - Mourvèdre is akin to a tasty Mediterranean blend with clean perfumes and a lovely finish. It spends 15 months in 500-liter French oak barrels, but the oak is nicely integrated." (Wine Advocate 2017 - Robert Parker)

Las Ninas - Syrah Reserva 2015

Rated 3.5/5Rated 3.5/5Rated 3.5/5Rated 3.5/5Rated 3.5/5

3.5/5 (32 reviews)

This high-quality 100% Syrah is a worthy representative of its terroir, in the heart of the renowned Apalta region. Structured, with aromas of blackberry, cherry and truffle, enhanced by black pepper and tobacco, this is a red with soft tannins and great balance. A perfect match for charcuterie or a fine piece of red meat!

Viu Manent - Secreto Carmenere 2015

Wine rated 3.6/5Wine rated 3.6/5Wine rated 3.6/5Wine rated 3.6/5Wine rated 3.6/5

3.6/5 (5 reviews)

In a fresh, fruity style, Viu Manent Carmenere's Secreto is a generous, gourmet wine. Aromas of cherry and plum emerge on the nose, as well as on the balanced, full-bodied palate. Enjoy it chilled as an aperitif or at room temperature with a meal.

Cousiño Macul - Finis Terrae 2007

89/100 Robert Parker

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91/100 Wine Enthusiast

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15,5/20 RVF

"The Finis Terrae 2007 reveals an opulent bouquet like the 2006, but shows more control and restraint. The attack on the palate is soft and greedy, lifted by notes of black plum and blackcurrant, with a hint of white pepper and soy towards the finish. This is a level above the previous vintage, showing more refinement and elegance." (Wine Advocate - Robert Parker)

Cousiño Macul - Chardonnay 2015

Discreet on the nose, this Chardonnay then expresses itself on greedy notes of white fruit and fresh grapes. The palate is balanced between crisp fruitiness and acidity. Give it an hour after opening to fully express its generosity. Great value for money from Chile!

Cousiño Macul - Antiguas Reservas 2012

"Iron, redcurrant and flowers on the nose. Full-bodied, with round, silky tannins. Fresh finish." (James Suckling 2015) Far from the clichés about New World wines, Cousiño Macul here offers an elegant Cabernet Sauvignon cuvée, balanced between alcohol, fruit and acidity. A wine without heaviness, without over-extraction, with a beautiful freshness.

Cousiño Macul - Antiguas Reservas 2014

89/100 Robert Parker

(2013 vintage notes)

Unlike the classic Chardonnay cuvée, Antiguas Reservas is partially fermented in new barrels and aged in the same barrels for 6 months. The remainder of the harvest is vinified and aged in stainless steel tanks to emphasize the grape variety's natural fruitiness. Initially restrained, it then reveals a subtle woodiness, with notes of fresh coconut.