Best of wines: specialist in exclusive wines from Chile

At Best of Wines, you have come to the right place if you are looking for exclusive Chilean wines. Best of Wines presents a beautiful selection of these wines from Chile, especially wines from Aconcagua Valley and Maipo Valley. These are some of the most renowned wine regions in the country. But Rapel Valley for example also produces magnificent wines.

Wineries such as Almaviva, with some legendary wines from the 90's and high scoring wines since the 00's and Chadwick with its 100 points scoring 2021 vintage are among the absolute best wines in Chile. But also Sena, with its famous Bordeaux wine blends and Concha Y Toro with its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines are much loved worldwide.

History of wines from Chile

The introduction of European grape vines to Chile traces back to the arrival of Spanish conquistadors and missionaries circa 1555, with the prevalent variety at the time being País. Notably, Hernán Cortés transported these vines to Mexico in 1520.

Early investment from French wine producres in Chile's wine industry, driven by enthusiasm for the region's favourable climate and soil conditions, significantly influenced its trajectory. This influence steered Chile towards cultivating Bordeaux varieties such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with a notable emphasis on exportation. However, a pivotal discovery in the 1990s revealed that much of the purported Merlot in Chile was, in fact, the nearly extinct Carménère grape variety, endowing Chile with its own distinctive wine identity.

Grapes of wines from Chile

Coastal regions in Chile prove optimal for cultivating cool-climate grape varieties such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with Sauvignon Blanc also thriving in these conditions.

The elevated terrain of the Andes Mountains imparts wines with heightened structural elements, characterized by increased tannin and acidity. This unique environment has given rise to distinctive expressions of Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

In contrast to Argentina, where numerous old vineyards of Malbec are cultivated at relatively high densities, Chile's viticultural landscape follows a different trajectory.

Terroir of wines from Chile

Santiago boasts prime soils for Cabernet Sauvignon cultivation, notably on the alluvial terraces of the Maipo River. The round stones and gravel in esteemed communes like Puente Alto, Pirque, Macul, and Alto Jahuel offer warmth and well-drained conditions ideal for the late-ripening Cabernet Sauvignon, reminiscent of the gravel banks in Médoc. Proximity to the Andes further moderate’s temperatures, with cool air descending from the mountains during the night.

Recent years have witnessed a notable advancement in vineyard quality. Enhanced attention to soil by viticultural consultants, including figures like Pedro Parra, has revolutionized soil assessment practices. 

Given the variability of soil composition, structure, and fertility over short distances, soil mapping becomes imperative in identifying optimal conditions for viticulture. These factors dictate varietal selection, rootstock choice, planting density, and more. While Chile's immunity to phylloxera eliminates the necessity for American rootstocks, the adoption of diverse rootstocks tailored to specific soil conditions serves to enhance wine quality. This amalgamation of newfound knowledge with existing climate-variety matching capabilities promises a significant elevation in wine quality standards.

Classifications of wines from Chile

Since 1995, Chile has operated an appellation system, akin to those found in European wine regions, known as the Denominación de Origen or D.O.. This system subdivides several major viticultural regions into increasingly smaller appellations.

Chile's current wine regulations adhere to the 75/75/75 rule. This stipulates that for a wine to bear a label stating a specific vintage year, grape variety, and region, it must comprise at least 75% of that vintage, 75% of the specified varietal, and 75% sourced from the designated district.

While only a select few appellation names are widely recognized, one, in particular, is gaining prominence on labels of premium Chilean red wines: the Colchagua Valley.

Chile's appellation system encompasses the following regions, progressing from north to south:

• Coquimbo region, featuring sub-regions Elqui, Limarí, and Choapa.
• Aconcagua region, further divided into Aconcagua, Casablanca, and San Antonio, along with zones Lo Abarca and Leyda.
• Central Valley region, comprising Maipo and Rapel subregions, with Cachapoal and Colchagua zones, as well as sub-areas Maule and Curicó.
• Southern regions, including Malleco, Itata, and Bío Bío subregions.

Aside from the DO system, there are various classifications and certifications used in the wine industry to denote quality, style, or adherence to specific standards. Some of these classifications may include:

• Reserva wines undergo a year of aging, with reds spending six months in oak and whites/rosés less, resulting in heightened complexity.
• Gran Reserva wines represent top-tier quality, aging for two years, with one in oak, sourced from premium grapes.
• Varietal wines focus on individual grape varieties.
• Crianza wines, reminiscent of Spanish tradition, age for specified periods with less oak than Reserva.
• Especial wines are limited releases.
• Limited Editions, produced in restricted quantities.
• Single Vineyard wines express the terroir of specific sites, accentuating their distinct flavors.
• Ensamblaje wines blend grape varieties.