Perhaps no country in the world has made such a serious breakthrough in winemaking like Chile. Some 15-20 years ago it was difficult to imagine that we could not only enjoy, but even just see bottles of wine from this South American country somewhere. Now, without it, it’s hard to imagine the window display of any self-respecting store, not to mention wine boutiques. Moreover, winemaking in Chile is constantly developing. Just a couple of years ago, Chilean wine was only interesting in dry red and white. Now there are interesting pink varieties, semi-sweet, dessert and even sparkling varieties. Moreover, all the wine is inexpensive, relative to the prices of European producers. At the same time, the quality of the wine, its taste, aroma are very, very high quality. In my humble understanding, along with Spain, you can without a doubt take any wine from the Chileans - it will not be bad or unsuccessful.
Chilean vineyards
What determines the quality of Chilean wine? First of all, with a good combination of various factors - primarily the highlands, but winds from the sea make the climate quite cool. In addition, there is “interesting soil”, high yields and, most importantly, there has never been phylloxera in Chile.
The main and most common grape variety is Cabernet Sauvignon. Wines from this variety with the taste of forest berries, mint, eucalyptus, pepper and even tobacco are easily recognizable and unusual. In addition to Cabernet, Merlot, Chardonnay, Carmenere, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, and Shiraz are grown. The variety of varieties is great.
It is believed that there are 5 larger regions in Chile, which consist of grape valleys. Here they are:
1. Coquimbo: Elqui, Limari and Choapa valleys.
2. Aconcagua: Valleys of Aconcagua (Valle del Aconcagua) and Casablanca (Valle de Casablanca)
3. Central Valley - Valle Central: the valleys of Rapel, Curico, Valle del Maule and the most famous Maipo,
4. Southern region - Region del Sur: Bio-Bio and Itata valleys.
5. Atacama: Atacama Valley
Wine regions map
Qualification system: Chile has 3 (three) categories of wines:
1. vino de mesa - table wines
2. Vinos sin Denominacion de Origen - wines without indicating the place of origin. The labels of such wines indicate the variety and year of harvest.
3. Vinos con Denominacion de Origen, or D.O. - wines with controlled origin They must be made from certain grape varieties.
If a grape variety is indicated on the label, the wine must consist of at least 75% of that variety. Sometimes you can see names on labels Reserva or Gran Reserva. This is not regulated by law, but according to local customs, the name “Reserve” is assigned to four- and five-year-old wines, and “Gran Vino” or “Gran Reserve” is assigned to wines six years and older. But, I repeat, such a procedure is not provided for by law, which gives manufacturers some liberties in placing such an important name for Europe.
Be sure to try various Chilean wines, and I am sure that you will find something of your own, interesting and unique.
Wine cork
Red wine
Dry
1. “Almaviva, dry” - Rothschild / Concha and Toro (Almaviva, dry. Rothschild / Concha Y Toro)
ABV 13.5%. Produced from grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Carmenere.
2. “Castello del Diablo Malbec” - Concha and Toro (Сasillero del Diablo Malbec. Concha Y Toro)
ABV 12.5%. Made from grapes: Malbec
3. “Reserva de Familia, D.O, dry” - Santa Carolina company (Reserva de Familia, D.O, dry. Santa Carolina)
ABV 14%. Produced from grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon.
4. “Carmenere, D.O, dry” - Santa Carolina company (Carmenere, D.O, dry. Santa Carolina)
ABV 13%. Made from grapes: Carmenere.
5. “Errazuris Cabernet Sauvignon Estate red dry” - Wines Errazuris S.A. (Errazuriz Cabernet Sauvignon Estate red dry.Vina Errazuriz S.A_
ABV 13%. Produced from grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Almaviva from Rothschild/Concha and Toro
Semi-dry
1. “Espiritu de Chile, Gran Reserva, D.O, semidry. Aresti Chile Wine”
ABV 13.5%. Made from grapes: Merlot
2. “Tocornal, semidry” - company Vina Cono Sur (Tocornal, semidry. Vina Cono Sur)
ABV 13%. Made from grapes: Merlot.
3. “Sunrise Carmenere” - Concha and Toro ( SunriseCarmenere. Concha Y Toro)
ABV 12.5%. Made from grapes: Carménère
4. “Premio Tinto, D.O, semidry” - Santa Carolina company (Premio Tinto, D.O, semidry. Santa Carolina)
ABV 13%. Produced from grapes: Pinot Grigio
5. “Isla Negra, Reserve, semi-dry” - company Vina Cono Sur (Isla Negra, Reserve, semidry. Vina Cono Sur)
ABV 14%. Produced from grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon.
Espiritu de Chile
Semi-sweet
1. “ Mar Del Sur semi-sweet red"- Mar Del Sur company (Mar Del Sur red semi sweet. Mar Del Sur)
ABV 14%. Made from grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
2. “Bernardo” - Ravanal Parada Carmen company ( Bernardo. Ravanal Parada Carmen)
Strength 1 2 %.
3. “ El S acramento Cabernet Sauvignon - Cremashi Furlotti company (El Sacramento cabernet sauvignon. Cremaschi furlotti.)
ABV 11%. Produced from grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon.
4. “La Serena red, semi-sweet La Serena red semi sweet. Vitinicola Cremaschi Barriga)
Merlot
5. “Lirio de Chilered semi-sweet” - company Viniticola Cremanchy Barriga(
ABV 11%. Produced from grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Mar Del Sur semi-sweet red
White wine
Dry
1. “Villard Estate Esencia, Gran Reserva, dry. Villard Estate”
ABV 13.5%. Made from grapes: Chardonnay.
2. “Sauvignon Blanc, Reserva, D.O, dry” - Santa Carolina company (Sauvignon blanc, Reserva, D.O, dry. Santa Carolina)
ABV 14%. Produced from grapes: Sauvignon Blanc
3. “Semillion, dry” - Casa Lapostolle company (Semillion, dry. Casa Lapostolle)
ABV 14%. Made from grapes: Semillon.
4. “Punto Alto Rio Vivo Chardonnay white dry” - Laroche company (Punto Alto Rio Vivo Chardonnay white dry. Laroche)
ABV 13%. Made from grapes: Chardonnay.
5. "Sunrise" - Concha and Toro (Sunrise. Concha Y Toro)
ABV 12%. Produced from grapes: Sauvignon Blanc.
Sauvignon Blanc, Reserva, D.O, dry
Semi-dry
1. “Santa Digna Gewurztraminer Reserva White Semi-Dry” - Miguel Torres (Santa Digna Gewurztraminer Reserva White Semi-Dry. Miguel Torres)
ABV 12%. Made from Gewürztraminer grapes
2. “Antares, D.O, semidry” - Santa Carolina company (Antares, D.O, semidry. Santa Carolina)
3. “Premio Blanco, D.O, semidry” - Santa Carolina company (Premio Blanco, D.O, semidry. Santa Carolina)
ABV 13%. Produced from grapes: Sauvignon Blanc.
4. “Sauvignon Blanc” - Terra Andina company (Sauvignon blanc. Terra Andina)
ABV 12.5%. Produced from grapes: Sauvignon Blanc.
5. “Sauvignon Blanc, semidry” - Altue company (Sauvignon blanc, semidry. Altue)
ABV 12% Produced from grapes: Sauvignon Blanc.
Santa Digna Gewürztraminer
P semisweet
1. “Undurraga.” Laith Harvest Reserve" - Undurraga firm. (Undurraga. Leiht Harvest Reserva. )
ABV 13% Produced from grapes: Semillon
2. “Sweet Beau Muscatel - Sauvignon Blanc semi-sweet"- San Pedro company (Sveet Bo Moskatel - Sauvignon blanc . San Pedro)
ABV 11.5% Produced from grapes: Muscatel, Sauvignon Blanc.
3. “Los Elegidos” - company Vinedos and Bodega Corpora(Los Egidos. Vinedos y Bodegas Corpora)
ABV 11%. Made from grapes: Muscatel, Semillon.
4.”La Serena white, semi-sweet» - Vitivinicola Cremaski Barriga ( La Serena sweet semi sweet. Vitinicola Cremaschi Barriga)
Strength 11.5 %. Made from grapes: Muscatel, Sauvignon Blanc.
5. “Lirio de Chile white semi-sweet” - company Viniticola Cremanchy Barriga(Lirio de Chile, semi sweet. Vitinicola Cremaschi Barriga)
ABV 11%. Made from grapes: C Emilion, Muscatel
Undurraga
Dessert
1. “Semillion, D.O, sweet” - Viu Manent (Semillion, D.O, sweet.Viu Manent)
Repost 12%. Made from grapes: Semillon.
2. “Errazuriz Sauvignon Blanc"- Viña Errazuriz company ( Errazuriz Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc White Sweet. Vina Errazuriz)
Repost 12%. Produced from grapes: Sauvignon Blanc
3. “Montes Late-Harvest, sweet” - Montes company (Montes Late-Harvest, sweet. Montes)
Reply 13%. Made from grapes: Gewürztraminer.
4. “View Manent Noble Seminion” - View Manent company. ( Viu Manent Noble Semillon. Viu Manent)
Repost 11.5%. Made from grapes: Semillon
5. “Montes Leith-Harvest Gewürztraminer/Riesling"- Montes company ( Montes Late-Harvest Gewurztraminer/Rieslin. Montes)
ABV 12%. Made from grapes Gewurztraminer, Riesling
Semillon by View Manent
Pink wine
Dry
1. “El Descanso Reserva Shiraz Estate rose dry” - company Vina Errazuriz (Descanso Reserva Shiraz Estate rose dry. Vina Errazuriz)
ABV 12% Produced from grapes: Shiraz
2. “Cono Sur Merlot, pink” - company Vina Cono Sur (Cono Sur Tocornal Merlot Rose. Vina Cono Sur)
13% ABV produced from Merlot grapes
3. “Cabernet Sauvignon” - Santa Rita company (Cabernet Sauvignon. Santa Rita)
ABV 14.6%. Produced from grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon.
4. “Cabernet Sauvignon, rose, dry” - Tarapaca company (Cabernet Sauvignon, rose, dry. Tarapaca)
ABV 13.5%. Produced from grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon.
5. “Paso Del Sol, dry” - Terramater (Paso Del Sol, dry. Terramater)
ABV 12.5%. Produced from grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon.
Cono Sur Merlot
Semi-dry
1. “Santa Digna Cabernet Sauvignon Rose Reserva Rose Semi-Dry” - Miguel Torres (Santa Digna Cabernet Sauvignon Rose Reserva Rose Semi-Dry. Miguel Torres)
ABV 12%. Produced from grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon.
2. "Tocornal, semi-dry" -firm Viña Cono Sur ( Tocornal, semidry. Vina Cono Sur)
TOrepost 13%. Made from grapes: Merlot.
3 . “Paso del Sol Cabernet Sauvignon Rose” - Terra Mater company. (Paso del Sol. Cabernet Sauvignon Rose. TerraMater)
ABV 12%. Produced from grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon.
4. “Tarapaca Rose” - firm firmTarapaca( Tarrapaca rose. Tarapaca)
ABV 11.5%. Produced from grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon.
5. « Carta Vieja, pink semi-dry” - Carta Vieja company(Carta Vieja. Rose Semi-Dry. Carta Vieja)
ABV 12%. Made from grapes: Merlot
Santa Dinha Cabernet Sauvignon Rose
A sparkling wine
1. “Fresita, semi-sweet” - Vina Manquehue company (Fresita, semi sweet. Vina Manquehue)
2. “Brut Reserva de la Familia” - the company Miguel Torres (Brut Reserva de la Familia. Miguel Torres).
3. “Undurraga.” Brut, white" - Undurraga. Brut. White.
“Fresita, semi-sweet” - Viña Manqueja company
Have a nice day!
Wine is an alcoholic drink with a complex chemical composition. It is an unstable physicochemical system. The organoleptic qualities and chemical composition of wine largely depend on the climatic and soil conditions of the area where the grapes grew, as well as on the method of its processing. Of great importance for obtaining quality wines is the choice of grape variety that would be ideally suited to a given area and soil.
Since the advent of winemaking, a huge number of grape varieties have been tested and developed. Today, more than 4,000 varieties of wine grapes are known. Of these, at most a dozen became international. These are the main white and red varieties of Bordeaux and Burgundy, German Riesling, Alsatian Gewürztraminer and the progenitor of many Muscat varieties.
Tens of thousands of people worked every year to harvest the grapes by hand, and it was only in the 1960s, in New York State, that the first mechanical machines appeared to make the work easier. Mechanical harvesting has become widespread in large vineyards, although some regions producing high-quality wines, especially those with steep slopes, continue to harvest grapes by hand.
The first step in winemaking is to add a small amount of sulfur dioxide (SO2) to the crushed grapes or must. So far, nothing has been able to replace the time-tested antiseptic that protects must and wine from oxidation.
To briefly describe the process of wine production, it happens as follows: good grapes are selected, crushed, and the natural yeasts found in the grape skins convert the sugar in the grape juice into alcohol.
These truisms of winemaking have been known for hundreds of years. Great wines appear where nature has been most kind.
Today, every aspect of grape growing and winemaking is controlled to a degree never before dreamed of. The scientific basis of winemaking is used both in regions with traditional winemaking and in small farms. On the other hand, as Professor Emile Peynot from the University of Bordeaux said: “The ultimate goal of modern oenology is the complete rejection of human intervention in the winemaking process.”
According to their color scheme, all wines are divided into white, red and rose. With age, white wines, instead of a straw-yellow color, acquire intense tones and become golden-amber. Red wines and rosés, on the contrary, fade with age. Garnet and ruby colors transform into brick and brownish.
- dry wine (up to 4g/l.)
- semi-dry wine (4-12g/l.)
- dessert wine (12-45g/l.)
- liqueur wine (from 45g/l.).
Tartaric acid, which is a vital ingredient in wine, the secret to its balance and bouquet, has the unfortunate property of forming crystals when it reacts with either potassium (large, sugar-like crystals) or calcium (small, white, dusty crystals). Previously, wine was aged for several years in cold cellars, and these crystals formed deposits on the walls of the barrels known as “tartar.” The crystals have no taste, are completely natural and harmless.
Consumer interest in wine as a subject of discussion and as a drink is growing every year. This growing interest began in the UK and quickly spread throughout the world. Today, in many countries, a lot of magazines and Internet sites about wine are published, wine tastings and meetings with winemakers are regularly held, and wine tourism is developing rapidly.
If you want to buy wine at a level higher than jug, try to do this consciously. You can buy wine for an enamel mug, but there are wines for Baccarat crystal, and there is no point in pretending that they are the same thing. When a wine has a specific place of origin, as opposed to an unnamed wine, it reflects specific soil, climate, culture and tradition. Find new taste sensations and think about them.
The first grapevine was brought to Chile in the mid-16th century from Spain. At this time, the Pais grape variety was widespread in Chile, which has survived to this day, but in small quantities, and only for domestic use. Until the 19th century, the wines produced in Chile were not of good quality: they were often oxidized and quite sweet. And the real history of winemaking in CHILE began when a wave of emigration from European countries brought with them a lot of seedlings and opened this unique wine-growing area to the world. Moreover, it was not the fellow countrymen of the conquistadors, but the French who had the greatest influence on Chilean winemaking.
The unique geographical location of Chile allows the successful cultivation of almost all famous types of grapes. Moreover, it was in Chile that the grapevine was preserved unchanged. The phylloxera epidemic, which killed a significant part of the vineyards in France, absolutely did not affect the isolated farms of Chile. The vineyards here are protected from all four corners of the world by natural barriers: from the east by the peaks of the Andes, from the west by the Pacific Ocean, from the north by the Atacama Desert, and from the south by the eternal ice of Patagonia. Thanks to this isolation, the local vine never suffered from either phylloxera or powdery mildew.
Since 1980, winemaking in Chile has risen to a fundamentally new level. Having a good understanding of the basics of winemaking and dividing the mixed Merlot variety with the much later ripening Carménère, local producers received high quality wines. Moreover, it was Carménère, completely lost in France, that became the hallmark of Chile. The expansion of Chilean wines to Europe began in the 90s of the last century and by 2001, wine exports increased 15 times compared to 1989!
Most Chilean wines come from the Valle Central region, a 1,000-kilometer plateau separated in the West by a low coastal ridge from the Pacific Ocean and by the Andes ranges from Argentina's Mendoza region in the East. The Central Valley is cut by rivers carrying the melting snow of the Andes and are excellent for irrigating vineyards.
Main wine-growing areas:
 |
1.Aconcagua- The northernmost of the Chilean wine regions, named after the river that flows here. The interior of Aconcagua is the driest and hottest wine-producing region in Chile. In summer, the temperature remains stable at 30 degrees. Ocoa is considered the most prestigious and coolest area. Main grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Carmenere, Syrah, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Merlot
2.Casa Blanca- The youngest and coolest region of Chile, located on the coast near the port of Valparaiso. The vineyards are cooled by morning fogs (the result of the cold Pacific Current). Frequent cloudiness slows down the ripening of grapes. The first vineyards were planted here in 1882, and by 1993 there were about 1,500 hectares of vineyards. Local wines are the most striking expression of the Chilean style. Main varieties: Chardonnay (most of all), Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Viognier, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir. San Antonio is a cool, underdeveloped region. Main varieties: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot.
3.Maipo (Central Valley)- the most famous wine-growing region. Despite the fact that the vineyards here occupy only about 2,500 hectares (roughly evenly divided between white and red varieties), the head offices of the largest wine companies are located here.
4.Rapel (Central Valley)- There are about 7,000 hectares of vineyards in this region, most of which produce red grapes. The region is officially divided into two subregions Cachapoal And Colchagua. The Cachapoal Valley contains 25% of all Chilean vineyards. Main varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carmenere, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc. Colchagua is known for its Merlot. Main varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carmenere, Syrah, Tanna, Mourvèdre, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay. The most common varieties are Semillon, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.
5.Maule (Central Valley) is the most important wine-growing region of Chile. The vineyard area is 24,000 hectares. Subregions: Curico, Cauquenes, Linares, Lontue, Parral. Located far south of Santiago, the region is considered one of the coolest and cloudiest in Chile, thanks to the influence of the Pacific Ocean. The main mass varieties: white - Semillon, Sauvignon blanc, Chardonnay; reds - Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carmenere.
6.Bio-Bio- the southernmost and longest region in Chile. Red grapes occupy about 2/3 of the total vineyard area (27,000 hectares). Bio-bio lacks the protection of the coastal mountain range, resulting in high rainfall, lower temperatures and few sunny days. The most common grape variety is the red Pais, and large quantities of the white variety Muscat of Alexandria also grow here. These varieties form the basis of wines for intra-Chilean consumption.
7.Itata- an underdeveloped area with enormous potential, especially for wines from the Pinot Noir variety and from white grape varieties. Main varieties: Moscatel, Torrontes, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pais, Cabernet Sauvignon.
Wine classification:
Since the end of 1994, a law has been adopted establishing appellations (GO - Geografhic Origin), as well as categories of wines and grape varieties allowed for use and indication on labels.
Wine categories GO must be made from an approved variety and contain at least 75% of it. These grapes must be grown in the specified appellation and at least 75% of the grapes must be from the vintage of the specified year. The Estate Bottled mark can be placed on the label of GO wines if the entire process of making the wine and bottling it takes place on the territory of the specified GO. In total, the share of such wines in exports is about 20%
GO Reserva- wines aged in barrel for at least 6 months and then another 3-6 months in bottle.
Vino de Mesa– table wines produced using various wine materials from different wine regions. These wines make up approximately 40% of the total wine production.
Vinos sin P.O.– wines from certain areas/regions. The labels of these wines indicate the grape variety, region, and year. These wines make up approximately 40% of the total production.
Tastings
2017
2014
|
Aliwen Reserva | Cabernet Sauvignon & Carmener Region: Rapel Valley Grape varieties: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Carmener Red dry, 14% |
Manufacturer: Vina Undurraga S.A. aliwenwines.comImporter: Marine Express LLC, Saint Petersburg www.marex.bizAverage price: 450 rub. |
|
Brave Stallion Sauvignon blanc, Estate Bottled Region: Curico Valley Grape varieties: Sauvignon Blanc 100% White dry, 13% |
Manufacturer: www.requingua.clImporter: JSC "Mosel", Saint Petersburg www.mozel.ruAverage price: 250 rub. |
|
ESCUDO ROJO Region: G.O. Maipo Valley Grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Carmenere, Syrah Red dry, 14% |
Produced: www.bpdr.comImporter: LLC "Exposervice" Price in the OK network: 660 RUR |
|
Chateau LOS BOLDOS Cabernet Sauvignon. Cuvee Tradition Region: G.O. Cachapoal Valley, Estate Bottled Grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon 100% Red dry, 14.5% |
Produced: Vina Los Boldos, Requinoa Importer: LLC "VH Import Company" Price in the OK network: 420 rub. |
|
G7 Cabernet Sauvignon Region: G.O. Loncomilla Valley, Estate Bottled Grape varieties: Merlot Red dry, 13.5% |
Produced: Vina Carta Vieja S.A., Santiago Importer: LLC "Luding Trade" Average price: 350 rub. |
|
Haras Character Syrah Region: D.O. Maipo Valle Grape varieties: Syrah 85%, Cabernet Sauvignon 15% Red dry, 15% |
Produced: Haras de Pirque Importer: CJSC "MB Group Impex" Price in the OK network: 1200 rub. |
2013
| Description: Vina Tarapaca, founded in 1874 at the foot of the Andes, received its first award just two years later at an exhibition in Philadelphia and is now a modern powerful enterprise with its own vineyards in the Maipo Valley. The farm is part of the VSPT Wine Group holding (Vina San Pedro Tarapaca Wine Group), which is the second enterprise in exports and the first in sales within Chile. So, inside there is a dark wine with a violet tint and a soft, rich aroma of Carménère that immediately attracts attention after opening the bottle: a mixture of plum, pepper and tobacco. The taste has astringent notes with sourness. A little rough, but quite edible for the money. Goes well with rich cheese and fruit, or meat with thick sauce and spices. Pure, in itself, is a little heavy. |
|
EQUUS Carmener Carmenere Region: D.O. Maipo Valley Grape varieties: Carmenere, Cabernet Sauvignon Red dry, 14% |
Produced: Haras de Pirque Importer: CJSC "MB Group Impex" Price in the Metro network: 460 rub. |
|
Lapostolle CASA Carmenere Region: D.O. Rapel Valley Grape varieties: 89% Carmenere, 6% Merlot, 5% Syrah Red dry, 14% |
Produced: Casa Lapostolle S.A. Importer: CJSC "United Distributors" Price in the OK network: 550 rub. |
|
Vistamar Sepia Reserva Merlot Region: D.O. Maipo Valley Grape varieties: 85% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Sirah Red dry, 13.5% |
Produced: Vina Vistamar Limitada Importer: CJSC "United Distributors" Price in the OK network: 505 RUR |
| Description: When opened, a strong smell of dried currants, rowan berries, tobacco and spices hits the nose. At the same time, you are hit with such tannins that you definitely don’t need to drink it right away. After an hour in the decanter, the wine is aerated and becomes quite good. The aroma reaches balance: currants, cherries, spices. Tannins have become lighter, but there are still quite a lot of them. "Santa Digna" were the names of crosses on the borders of lands that served to delimit territories. Torres experimented with terroirs for a long time until, as a result of mixing, he achieved the result that allowed him to enter the line of wines in a completely different price category. The wine is aged for 6 months in oak barrels and drinking it now was a mistake. It has the potential to age for 5-6 years, but now the tannins are still too strong. In general, you need to put this in the basement and wait a year and a half... maybe something will work out. In any case, the 2009 vintage won gold at the International Wine Challenge 2011. |
|
Puerto Viejo Merlot Reserve Region: Curico Valley Grape varieties: Merlot 100% Red dry, 14% |
Manufacturer: Requingua Vineyard (Sociedad Agricola Requingua Limitada) www.requingua.clImporter: JSC "Mosel", Saint Petersburg www.mozel.ruPrice in the OK network: 450 rub. |
|
Takun Carmenere Reserva Region: G.O. Valley Central Grape varieties: 100% Carmenere Red dry, 13.5% |
Produced: Vina Caliterra, Santiago Importer: LLC "Company "SIMPLE" Price in the OK network: 230 rub. |
|
Santa Carolina Chardonnay Cellar Selection Region: G.O. Valley Central Grape varieties: 100% Chardonnay White dry, 13% |
Produced: Vina Santa Carolina S.A. www.santacarolina.clImporter: Alianta Group LLC Average price: 250 rub. |
|
Baron Philippe De Rothschild Carmenere Reserva Region: G.O. Valley Del Rapel Grape varieties: 100% Carménère Red dry, 14% |
Produced: Baron Philippe De Rothschild Maipo Chile S.A. www.bpdr.comImporter: LLC "Exposervice" Average price: 580 rub. |
2012
|
LA PALMA Carbernet Sauvignon Region:G.O. Cachapoal Valley Grape varieties: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon Red dry, 13.5% |
Produced: Vina La Rosa www.larosa.clImporter: LLC "Rosagroimport" Average price: 270 rub. |
2011
|
Carta Vieja Merlot Region:G.O. Loncomilla Valley, Estate Bottled Grape varieties: Merlot Red dry, 13% |
Manufacturer: Vina Carta Vieja S.A. www.cartavieja.comImporter: LLC "TD Rusiimport", Moscow www.rusimport.ruAverage price: 350 rub. |
|
Terra Andina Carmenere Region:G.O. Valley Central Grape varieties: Carmenere 100% Red dry, 13.5% |
Manufacturer: Sur Andino S.A. www.terraandina.comImporter: LLC "TD Rusiimport", Moscow www.rusimport.ruAverage price: 250 rub. |
| Description: The Carménère variety, which is the hallmark of Chile and is called nothing less than the “lost variety in Bordeaux,” is almost always a win-win option in terms of price/quality ratio. Established in 1995, the production enterprise now uses the most modern production technology to produce rich, high-quality wines. 20% of the wine is aged in various French oak barrels, the remaining 80% in stainless steel tanks. The aroma of the wine is rich, with tones of currants and blackberries, pepper and spices. The taste is balanced, with soft tannins and a pleasant aftertaste. Somo in itself, of course, is nothing special - but as an accompaniment to a grilled meat it’s quite suitable, especially for such a price. |
|
CASA de PIEDRA Carbernet Sauvignon - Merlot Region:G.O. Valley Central Grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Red dry, 13.5% |
Produced: Vina ValdiVieso www.valdiviesovineyard.comSpilled: W1740, UK Importer to UK: Bibendum Wine Ltd., London www.bibendum-wine.co.ukAverage price: |
2010
|
Undurraga Cabernet Sauvignon Region: Central Valley Red dry, 13.5% |
Manufacturer: Vina Undurraga S.A. www.undurraga.clImporter: Marine Express LLC, Saint Petersburg www.marex.bizAverage price: 310 rub. |
|
Santiago 1541 Cabernet Sauvignon Region: Central Valley Grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon 100% Red dry, 13.5% |
Manufacturer: Vina Undurraga S.A. www.undurraga.clImporter: Marine Express LLC, Saint Petersburg www.marex.bizAverage price: 220 rub. |
|
Puerto Viejo Reserve, Estate Bottled Region: Curico Valley Grape varieties: Chardonnay 100% White dry, 13.5% |
Manufacturer: Requingua Vineyard (Sociedad Agricola Requingua Limitada) www.requingua.clImporter: JSC "Mosel", Saint Petersburg www.mozel.ruAverage price: 350 rub. |
|
Brave Stallion Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Bottled Region: Curico Valley Grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon 100% Red dry, 13% |
Manufacturer: Requingua Vineyard (Sociedad Agricola Requingua Limitada) www.requingua.clImporter: JSC "Mosel", Saint Petersburg www.mozel.ruAverage price: 220 rub. |
|
Isla Negra Cabernet-Sauvignon Merlot Region: Central Valley Grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon 85%, Merlot 15% Red table semi-dry, 13% |
Manufacturer: Isla Negra Wines, Santiago www.islanegrawines.comDistributor: ABOUT OO "Wine trading company "FORT", Moscow www.fortwines.ruAverage price: 180 rub. |
2009
|
Pupilla Carmenere Region: Grape varieties: carmenere (85%), Cabernet-Sauvignon (15%) Red dry, 13.5% |
Manufacturer: Vina Luis Felipe Edwards www.lfewines.comImporter: OJSC "Trading House "AROMA", Moscow www.aroma.ruAverage price: 200 rub. |
I once tried a semi-dry Chilean wine, and I didn’t like it so much because it was terribly bitter that I cut Chilean wines out of my life for a long time.
Having seen a promotion in the Lenta hypermarket for Chilean wines FRONTERA from Concha y Toro, I decided to lift the embargo
The discounted price was 300 rubles, the regular price was 400 rubles.
I spent a long time choosing which one to take. As a result, I decided to give one more chance (after Lykuria from Lefkadia, made from cabernet sauvignon and merlot grape varieties) to wine made from the merlot grape variety with a strength of 12% and a sugar content of 4-18 g/dm3.
Some information about the Merlot grape variety:
Along with Cabernet, Sauvignon is one of the most common and popular grape varieties. Merlot grapes are known for having thinner skins than other black grape varieties, which results in a lower tannin content.
Here's what the manufacturer promises:
FRONTERA MERLOT (Frontera Merlot) is a wine with a fruity character, the aroma of cherry tones intertwined with light notes of cocoa; elegant, round, with good structure. An ideal accompaniment to pastas, cheeses, red meats and grilled chicken.
Nutritional value per 100 ml of product:
Carbohydrates - 0.4-1.8 g, energy value (calorie content) - 312 kJ / 74 kcal
The bottling date is 10/17/2014, I bought the wine in November 2015. It was stale, which is probably why they sold it at a special price. The label with the Russian translation is pasted separately, which means the wine was probably produced for the domestic market (although this rule may not work in Chile)
The label is simple. Cork made from pressed chips of cork oak bark. Length 43 mm.
The color of the wine is dark cherry.
There are notes of burnt in the smell and taste. Sore throat a little. There are hints of hydrogen sulfide in the smell as you inhale (for this I am taking off a star).
Moderately stains the tongue and lips burgundy, but this does not mean that the wine is bad. This only means that the wine is red))) But keep in mind.
The taste is a little sour, a little bitter, a little sweet, a little tart. Overall light, refreshing and pleasant. Rich in taste.
There were fears that the wine would again be too bitter, but the fears were not confirmed. In general, the wine turned out to be inexpensive, but drinkable.
Chegem, dry red, Abkhazia
Bouquet of Abkhazia, red dessert, Abkhazia
Chardonnay, white dry, Kuban-wine (Russia)
sparkling wines/champagne:
Amra, red semi-dry, Abkhazia
Apsny, red semi-sweet, Abkhazia
Krasnostop Anapa, Kuban-vino (Russia)
Winemaking in South America appeared not so long ago as in Europe - just a few centuries ago. Europeans discovered Chilean wines in the 1990s and quickly gained recognition. Today Chile is one of the main suppliers of wines to Russia among the countries of the New World. This region produces both budget and outstanding high-quality examples.
From the history of Chilean winemaking
The history of winemaking in Chile began around 1538, when Spanish settlers began planting the first vineyards there. During Spanish rule, wine production in Chile was taxed and a ban was imposed on increasing the area of vineyards, as it was believed that Chileans should only buy Spanish wines.
In 1818, the South American country gained independence. This became the reason for the intensive development of the wine industry. In the 1830s, the first grape vines from France began to be imported to Chile, which gradually replaced the varieties previously cultivated there. The area of vineyards grew rapidly at this time, and many wineries that are significant today were formed.
However, at the beginning of the 20th century, wine production began to decline. Alcohol consumption has increased significantly in the country, and the Chilean government has imposed heavy taxes on wine production. For about 80 years, the wine industry remained without investment.
The situation began to change in the 1980s. Thus, in 1979, the famous Catalan investor-winemaker Miguel Torres started vineyards in the Curico Valley and for the first time introduced Chileans to modern methods of gartering and crop control, as well as temperature-controlled steel vats.
In the 1990s, wines from Chile began to gain incredible popularity on the world stage. Their success was largely due to a good combination of quality and price. Nowadays, Chile, in addition to democratic versions, produces elegant premium copies.
Classification of Chilean wines
Since 1995, a classification has been in effect dividing Chilean wines into the following categories:
- Vinos de Mesa – table wine (region of origin, grape varieties and millesime are not indicated)
- Vinos sin Denomination de Origin - wines indicating grape varieties and vintage year (region of production is not controlled)
- Vinos con Denomination de Origin - wines with control of place of origin, indication of grape varieties, vintage
By law, information on the label about grape varieties, area of origin and millesime must be at least 75% correct. In addition, according to Chilean legislation, the inscriptions Reserva, Reserva Especial, Gran Reserva are not a guarantee of wine aging.
Regions of Chile
Due to its unique geographical location, the country is distinguished by a huge diversity of nature and soil types. The country is divided into more than a dozen wine regions, with the northern ones being dry and hot and the southern ones being wet and cool.
North
In the north of Chile are the Elqui Valley, the Limari Valley and the Choapa Valley. Elki is the northernmost region with an abundance of sunny days. The vineyards here are located at an altitude of 2 km above sea level. Characteristic varieties: Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Carmenere, Cabernet Sauvignon.
Limari is also very dry. Due to the low rainfall, winemakers have to use a drip irrigation system here. Main varieties: Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc.
The Choapa Valley is located at the narrowest point of the country, where the Andes and the coastal zone become almost one. The vineyards here grow on rocks with low yields. Main varieties: Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Atacama
There are three wine regions in this part - Aconcagua Valley, Casablanca Valley and San Antonio Valley. The Aconcagua Valley is located at the foot of the famous peak of the same name, second in height only to the Himalayas. In its coastal part, white wines are mainly produced, while in the depths of the valley, red wines are produced. The dominant soils here are sandy-clayey and granite-clayey. The main feature of the region is the vast territories for which organic and biodynamic methods are used in agriculture. In addition, the valley is also famous for the fact that it was here that the Syrah grape variety was first cultivated in the country. Other typical varieties for Aconcagua: cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, merlot, carmenere.
Casablanca is characterized by morning fogs and fairly cold temperatures suitable for growing "northern" grape varieties. Winemakers began to explore the area in the early 1990s. Since then, excellent examples of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Viognier, Riesling, and Pinot Gris have been produced here.
The San Antonio Valley is a young coastal region with strong oceanic influences and a cool climate. The region is known for its mineral white and spicy red wines. One of the best wine-growing areas in San Antonio is the Leida Valley. Varieties such as sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, pinot noir, and syrah are cultivated here.
The Atacama produces wines from such famous producers as Arboleda, Vina Sena, Errazuriz, Vina Maipo.
Central Valley
This part includes several wine-producing valley provinces: Maipo, Rapel, Curico and Maule. The Maipo Valley is distinguished by a variety of natural landscapes - there are mountains and a wide field for cultivating grapes. Half of all local vineyards (about 10,680 hectares) are occupied by Cabernet Sauvignon. The most suitable terroir for this variety here is Alto Maipo. Merlot, Carmenere, Cabernet Franc, and Sauvignon Blanc are also cultivated in the region.
The Rapel Valley is divided into two key wine-growing areas - Cachapol and Colchagua. Both regions have a Mediterranean climate. Cachapolla produces mainly high-quality wines from cabernet and carmenere. Colchagua is located 180 km from Santiago and is famous for producing some of the best red Chilean wines. The main varieties of the region: cabernet sauvignon, carmenere, merlot, syrah, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, malbec.
The history of winemaking in Curico dates back to the 19th century. Since then, more than 30 European grape varieties have been grown there. The region retains a large number of vineyards of the Sauvignon Vert variety, which was previously mistaken for Sauvignon Blanc. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Carmenere are also common in Curico.
The Maule Valley is characterized by climatic conditions favorable for viticulture. This is one of the largest and oldest wine-growing areas. Here, often interspersed, there are many old rain-fed vineyards. Some of them don't even have a cultivar definition. Maule is dominated by cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, merlot, and carmenere.
Some of the main wineries in the Central Valley: Vina Maipo, Vina Aquitania, Vina Caliterra.
South Region
There are three subregions - Itata Valley, Bio-Bio Valley and Malleco Valley. The Itata Valley tends to experience warm weather and plenty of rainfall. Moscatel, missionon, cabernet sauvignon, and semillon are grown in the province.
Loading...