Chile is one of the more important wine producers of South America. The country is long and narrow, stretching from the Atacama Desert in the north to Patagonia in the south.
The valleys run from the Pacific Ocean east to the Andes Mountains, and each valley has three distinct climatic regimens, which are influenced by the ocean, the mountains and where moth climatic conditions meet.
Vineyards close to the Pacific benefit from the breezes, those in the middle get the winds from the Andes, and on the slopes cool weather ripens grapes slowly, and maintains fresh acidity preserving “liveliness” in wines.
Chile stretches from north to south between latitudes 28 – 39.
The valleys from the north to the south run as follows:
Copiapo
Huasco
Elqui
Limari
Chipa
Aconcagua
Casablanca
San Antonio
Leyde (Both are in Maipo)
Cachapoal
Colchagua
(Both are in the Rapel )
Teno
Lontue (Both are in Curcio)
Claro
Tutuven
Lancomilla
(All are in Maule)
Itata
Bio-Bio
Malleco
Each valley’s climate differs, even within itself, due to reasons explained above. Originally, Chile’s viticulture was based on popular European vinifera grapes i. e cabernet sauvignon, merlot, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, carmenere and little else, but now many varieties have been added to enlarge the range.
These are pinot noir, carignan, syrah, zinfandel, mourvedre, sangiovese, vionier, riesling, gewürztraminer and other experimental varieties.
Chile’s winemaking adheres to high standards and the wines are reasonably prices as the land costs are low, labor abundant, know-how constantly increasing, and the equipment is modern. By necessity, Chilean wineries must export, as the population cannot absorb the production.
Canada is a very important market, followed by Japan, the U S A, the United Kingdom, and others.
Every year, several wineries visit Toronto and pour their wines to an eager trade and public.
In 2016, 55 wineries offered approximately 300 wines to taste.
I tasted approximately 60,and recommend the following
(Only wines scored 88+ and above are listed).
White wines
Anderra Sauvignon Blanc, 2015, Baron Philippe De Rothschild 88+/100
$ 18.45
Signos La Vinnilia White Blend, E2015, Emiliana
88+/100
$ 19.95
Chardonnay, Acconcagua Costa, 2014, Errazuriz
89/100
$ 24.95
Alpha Chardonnay, 2014, Montes
89/100
$ 19.95
Gran Reserva Chardonnay, 2014, Morande
89/100
$ 21.95
Signature Chardonnay/Vionier, 2016, In Situ
88+/100
$ 17.95
Reserva Chardonnay, 2015, Santa Carolina
88+/100
$ 11.95
Reserva Sauvignon Blanc, 2014, Santa Rita
89/100
$ 13.95
Sparkling wines
Brut Nature, Morande
88+/100
$ 46.95
Extra Brut Sparkling Methode Champenoise, Valdivieso
89/100
$ 13.95
Red wines
Anke, 2014, Santa Alicia
91/100
$ 37.95
Pinot Noir, 2014, Arboleda
90/100
$ 21.95
Escudo Rojo Carmenere 2014 Baron {hilippe de Rothschild
89+/100
$ 18.95
Escudo Rojo Blend, 2013, Baron Philippe de Rothschild
90/100
$ 18.95
Ecos de Rulo Cabernet Sauvignon, 2014, Bisquertt Contact andrew@vonterra.com
Block Series Cabernet Sauvignon, 2014, Bouchon Family Wines
88+/100
$ 26.25
Mingre, 2013, Bouchon Family Wines
89+/100
$ 45.90
Cenit, 2013, Caliterra
93+/100
$ 53.95
Codigo del Toqui, 2012, Casa D Toqui
91+/100
$ 49.95
Signos Los Morros Cabernet Sauvignon, 2014, Emiliana
89+/100
$ 21.95
Coyam, 2012, Emiliana
89/100
$ 29.95
Don Maximiniano Founder’s Reserve, 2013, Errazuriz
91/100
$ 79.95
Limited Edition Mediterreneo Del Maule, 2012, Morande
89/100
$ 27.95
Laguna Del Inca ( Cabernet Sauvignon/Carmenere/ Syrah)
2014, In Situ
89/100
$ 29.95
Private order
cotnact mco@mcowiens.com
Reserva de Familia Cabernet Sauvignon, 2014, Santa Carolina
89/100
$ 18.95
Catalina, 2013, Santa Ema
91/100
$ 49.95
Oveja Negra Lost Barrel, 2012, Via Wines
90/100
$ 29.00
contact zoltanfekete@ rogers.com
reserva Special Pinto Noir, 2014, Maycas de Limari
89+/100
$ 19.95
The Blend Collection red, 2012, Errazuriz
91/100
$ 36.00
Bouganville Petit Syrha, 2012, Santa Rita
88+/100
zstrom@markanthony,com
Unique Colelction, 2012, Siegel family Wines
89/100
$ 39.95
Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, 2014, Siegel Family Wines
89/100
$ 19.95
mjordan.cipelli@bellnet.ca
Caballo Loco Grand Cru Limari, 2013, Valdivieso
88+/100
$ 46.95
Jennifer@wineloversagency.com
Primus Carmenere, 2014, Veramonte
89/100
$ 19.95
Neyen de Apalta, 2010
91+/100
dchristie@epicwinesandspirits.ca
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