Chilean wine: history, overview of types and tastes

Chile is a country where viticulture and winemaking are actively gaining momentum. A lot of tests have been passed in order for Chilean wine to take its rightful place in the market.

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Historical aspect

Chile in the distant past was a colony of Spain, which affected the intensity of wine production. The government of the colonialist imposed a tax on the production of wines, which severely limited the wineries – Chileans were required to buy only Spanish wines.

However, after Chile declared sovereignty, the wine industry began to flourish there. The “wine” economy of this country was favorably affected by the fact that the European vine suffered from diseases, mainly from phylloxera. Favorable climate, being in three climatic zones (tropical, subtropical and temperate), proximity to the ocean and resistance to diseases due to isolation – all this explained the sharp rise in popularity of Chilean wine.

This popularity brought considerable income to the country, however, it also aroused a wave of alcoholism – the government imposed harsh taxes on winemaking, which ruined this industry. Chilean wine was not remembered for almost a century – wine streams were left without investors.

However, in the 1980s, the situation changed – winemaking again began to gain strength and leap ahead of its competitors by leaps and bounds. Currently, Chilean wine has authority and popularity.

Wine production in Chile

Little has changed in the cellars of the Chileans involved in the industrial production of wines since antiquity. There are also large oak barrels. Unless they introduced temperature monitoring at all stages of fermentation and fermentation of grape juice and slightly mechanized the process of bottling wine.

In all other respects, the wine also matures on its own in dark rooms, and then goes for aging and is bottled.

Also one of the most important changes is the change in the type of irrigation in the vineyards. Previously, the Chilean vine was constantly in the water – the fields were simply flooded in the hope that the earth and grapes would absorb enough moisture on their own. This inept irrigation system was more than just irrational – it was replaced with spot irrigation.

Chilean grape varieties

Of course, the most significant variety for Chile is Cabernet Sauvignon – it occupies more than 1/3 of the entire territory of the vineyards of this country. Also popular varieties are Pais, Merlot, Carmenere.

White Chilean wines

Most often, Chilean white wine is semi-dry, with pronounced acidity.

  1. Old Sauvignon Blanc Convent

    White semi-dry, made entirely from Sauvignon Blanc grapes. The wine has an unobtrusive fruity-floral aroma and taste. Served chilled, it perfectly complements salads and seafood.

  2. Pacifico Sur Chardonnay

    It has a pronounced peach aroma and taste. Pacifico Sur Chardonnay has a delicate straw color with greenish-golden reflections.

Red Chilean wines

Red Chilean wines often have a rich burgundy hue and varied flavors. For example, wines made from Carmenère grapes most often have notes of currants and a light spice of red hot pepper in their bouquet.

  1. Reservation | Cabernet Sauvignon & Carmener

    After aging for 9 months, it acquires a rich purple color. This wine has a pronounced plum taste with a slight hint of bitterness of spices and vanilla. Just the perfect wine for a romantic dinner. It has a pleasant and long aftertaste.

  2. Baron Philippe De Rothschild

    Wine of a bloody-ruby hue with an unusual taste of blackberries, currants, cherries. It harmoniously combines sweetness and acidity. Contains 14% wine. Pairs well with fish and seafood.

Relevance: 19.08.2018

Tags: Wine and vermouth, Wine brands

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