The Cellar: Discoveries from Chile

The Cellar: Discoveries from Chile

Compared to its thousand year long history in Europe, the practice of growing grapes and making wine in Chile is a relatively new phenomenon. Because the sorts of grapes that make wine are not native to Chile, the first vines weren’t planted in the country until the 1500’s, when Spanish missionaries started plating imported grape stock to make wine for Catholic mass. Various wars, agrarian land reforms and state protectionism kept the Chilean wine industry isolated through much of the 20th century until these closed-door policies were reversed in the 1980’s. Today, the Chilean wine industry is booming with production levels, as well as overall quality, rising every year.  

2008 Viu Manent Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Colchagua Valley

The primary red grape varietal grown in Chile, the grape which makes its finest wines, is Cabernet Sauvignon. While capable of growing in most climates, the late-ripening Cabernet Sauvignon thrives best in warm

and dry areas. Chile is full of such areas making for approximately 100,000 acres worth of delicious, and often inexpensive, Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines. One of the better producers is Viu Manent whose Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from the Estate’s 100 acre ‘La Capilla’ vineyard which sits overlooking the mountainous Colchagua Valley.

The grapes in this $20 wine come from select vines that are 16 years old on average. After a diligent winemaking process, which includes hand-harvesting and lengthy maceration, the wine is aged for 22 months in primarily new and used French oak barrels. Winemaker Patricio Celedón usually adds a splash of Malbec to the wine, but not this vintage, which is 100% Cabernet Savignon. The wine won a Silver Medal at the 2011 Decanter World Wine Awards for its juicy plum flavors and well-integrated oak. I would add that it has a core of sweet dark fruits with a long spicy finish. It is medium-plus bodied and not overdone. 

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2010 Errazuriz Estate Chardonnay, Casablanca Valley

Approximately 30,000 acres of Chilean vineyards are dedicated to growing Chardonnay. This crowd-favorite varietal grows particularly well in Chile’s cooler regions like Casablanca, where this week’s second wine is

from. More specifically, this wine is from Errazuruz’s Estate’s ‘La Escultura’ Vineyard which is located just 20 miles from the Pacific Ocean. From this ideal spot the vineyard benefits from the coastal influence that in effect moderates the temperatures throughout the year. The maritime breezes keep the grapes on the cool side, preventing them from ripening too fast. The lengthy and slow ripening period fosters the development of the lovely aromas and flavors, as well as ensures very good levels of acidity.

At under $12 the 2010 Chardonnay from Errazuriz Estate represents a good value – as does most Chilean Chardonnay in this price range. I especially like that this medium-bodied wine is not overly oaked but just to the point where one can taste the toasty notes while still recognizing the fruit tropical fruit flavors, which this wine also exhibits. The wine ends refreshingly crisp and surprisingly long.  

Enjoy!

Special Event: On Wednesday December 14th at 630pm I will be hosting an evening of wine in the roof-top Garden Room of the Pierless Building. Come explore 5 examples of top quality Pinot Noirs in a fun and relaxing atmosphere while overlooking Providence’s beautiful skyline. Be sure to book your ticket today as seating is limited to a mere 20. For more information click here. If you would like to get on a mailing list for future wine events, please email your name to [email protected].

Steffen Rasch CSW is ready to answer any wine-related questions, comments or concerns you may have. Feel free to email him at [email protected]. And as always, don’t forget to follow GoLocalProv’s Wine Cellar on Facebook.