A quick guide to Chiléan wine regions - Casablanca, Maipo Valley, Valle de Colchagua.
Angelica Nohra
Wine Importer | Wine List Consultant | Speaker
Chilean wine regions, quick guide!
Let's face it, we are already confused about which wine regions are the best to visit in Australia...how on earth can we get by if we were travelling to a country like Chilé and wanted to experience the best of their wines and wine regions? Chilé is fast becoming one of the most important new world wine regions so I highly recommend you check it out.
AND do not fear, I have you covered. If you are making your way to Chilé, here are my top regions to visit and it all really depends on what kind of wines you prefer anyway...so don't feel the need to do it all!
1. Casablanca - Known for cooler climate varietals and produces some of the best Sauvignon Blancs, Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays and Syrahs in Chilé. Northwest of Santiago.
2. Maipo Valley - Home to some of the best Cabernet-based wines in the world!
The grape plantings date back to the time of the Spanish Conquistadors in Chilé. It is the closest wine region to Santiago, heading east along the beautiful Andes mountains. You can find some very famous wineries in this region such as Concha Y Toro, Santa Rita and our very own, Terra Noble.
3. Valle de Colchagua -Visit for full-bodied Carménère, Syrah and Malbec
Located about 170 kilometres south of Santiago and on the southerly border of the Rapel Valley is the Colchagua Valley which is recognised as one of the best wine regions in Chilé and is great to explore during your vacation in Chilé!
The cool Pacific Ocean breezes transformed this formerly quiet valley into the most important new red wine regions with leading wineries such as Casa Lapostolle and Montes producing intense and aroma filled wines.
So that should keep you going for a week in Chilé. The wines are superb. Make this up and coming wine region a real priority on your next trip overseas!
My Pick - Top 3 Chilean wines!
Terre Noble Gran Reserva Reisling/Sauvignon Blanc
An assemblage of bright golden hues. Considerably complex aromas; the Riesling's notes of flowers and honey come together with the tropical fruit and notes of citrus of the Sauvignon Blanc, making for a truly authentic wine. In the mouth, it is concentrated and acidic, with a mineral finish.
Terre Noble Reserva Pinot Noir
Brilliant ruby red colour. Its profile of aromas has notes of red fruits like raspberries and cherries with subtle touches of smoke. In the mouth it is a fruity, fresh wine, with very soft tannins, a good acidity and finish.
Terre Noble Reserva Carménère
Purple red colour with bluish hues. A fresh, intense wine, with dark fruits like plum and cherry combined with notes of mocha and spices on the nose. In the mouth the tannins are round with a final touch of chocolate. It is a balanced wine, easy to drink.