Chilean Wine – not just delicious, sustainable!

One of Chile's predominant red varietals is the world famous Cabernet, brought from France and adapted to local soil and climate. 

Chile has been producing wine since the 16th century when grapes were introduced by the Spanish, but it was not until the advent of the stainless steel fermentation tank and the adoption of the oak barrel for aging in the 1980s that the industry exploded. Chile is the 5th largest exporter of wine in the world!   

You’ve likely heard a lot of fuss about Chilean wine. It is some of the best wine in the world, especially for the price.

Chile has five wine growing regions spanning more than 600 miles –imagine the most incredible road trip ever. In this post we will focus on the Aconcagua region, and specifically the Casablanca valley, which we will be visiting in our Culture, Wine, and Glaciers trip in November.

The Coat of Arms of Casablanca.

Casablanca Valley is about half way between the capital Santiago and the charismatic port town of Valparaiso. Vines were first planted in the Casablanca Valley in the mid-1980s during the revitalization of the Chilean wine industry and the area quickly became known for its white wines, most notably Sauvignon blanc and Chardonnay, as well as Pinot noir, which thrives in its cooler climate. The valley is cooled by the cold waters of the Pacific which often bring morning fog, not unlike its mirror image: northern California.

Of note is the recent trend toward organic wine, as demonstrated by the Santa Emiliana winery, which produces organic wines almost exclusively. Founded in 1986 by Chile’s Guilisasti family, Emiliana Vineyards is a privately owned initiative dedicated to producing organic and biodynamic wine. In 2003 Santa Emiliana released the premium vintage Gê, South America’s first ever certified biodynamic wine. Collectively, Emiliana constitutes the single largest source of estate-grown organic wines in the world.

Biodynamic agriculture integrates animal husbandry. Chicken manure is used to fertilize the soil. Chickens also eat pests. 

Organic: produced using non-synthetic methods in accordance with international standards and with proper certification.

Biodynamic: Initially developed in 1924, the first of the organic agriculture movements, it treats soil fertility, plant growth, and livestock care as ecologically interrelated tasks, emphasizing spiritual and mystical perspectives. So basically, more organic than organic.

Sauvignon blanc is one of Casablanca Valley's most distinguished varietals. 

When picking Chilean wine, start with the varietal, which will appear front and center on the label. You’ll also see the grape growing valley (Denomination of Origin) on the label.

If you like the bright, herbal, and tart flavor of a Sauvignon Blanc, you should look for wine from the Casablanca Valley. This type of wine is perfect for seafood, which, of course, is plentiful in Chile. Another great wine form this valley is the Chardonnay, which has a buttery texture, good acidity, a palate of fruit and lemon.

If you’re more into reds, go for a Cabernet from the Central Valley, such as the Santa Rita, Concha y Toro, and Cousiño Macul labels. These powerful wines will have notes of chocolate, berry, and even tobacco, with a strong finish.  The most famous Chilean red is the Carmenere, which is also grown in parts of France and Italy, but Chile is famous for it. This wine is perfect for vegetarian meals as it has good acidity and freshness with herbal flavor. In some ways it’s like drinking a good IPA – but it’s a wine.

Carmenere grapes produce one of Chile's finest reds.

These are just some of the varietals grown in Chile. Join our November Culture, Wine and Glaciers trip to experience organic wines in the Chilean heartland and tour some of the most amazing vineyards south of the equator.