Chile has long been celebrated for its exceptional wine production in the global wine industry, emerging as a dominant force from South America. The country’s success is rooted in its diverse climates, rich soils, and a winemaking tradition that goes as far back as the 16th century. In recent decades, Chile has become synonymous with high-quality, affordable wines that offer something for every palate, carving out a firm niche for itself in the international wine market. Today, Chile is the seventh-largest wine producer in the world, with exports reaching over 150 countries.

Its history dates back to the mid-1500s when Spanish conquistadors first introduced Vitis vinifera vines — early plantings primarily used for producing sacramental wine — to the region. Eventually, the winemaking tradition expanded with the introduction of French grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Carmenère, by the 19th century. This ultimately laid the foundation for what has since evolved into the country’s modern wine industry, which saw significant growth in the 1980s and 1990s, as Chile focused on wine exports.

One of the key factors that contribute to the quality of Chilean wine is the country’s natural barriers: The Atacama Desert to the north, the Andes to the east, the Pacific to the west, and the Patagonian ice fields to the south, all combine in creating a natural isolation which protects the vineyards from pests and diseases. This allows Chilean winemakers to grow grapes with minimal intervention, often resulting in more expressive and terroir-driven wines. When discussing Chilean wine it’s impossible to ignore Carmenère, the country’s flagship grape variety which originated in Bordeaux, France. Carmenère was thought to be extinct after the phylloxera plague in the 19th century devastated European vineyards. However, the grape was rediscovered in Chile in the 1990s, where it had been mistaken for Merlot for over a century.

Carmenère, which offers a distinctive profile that sets it apart from other red wines, has since become Chile’s emblematic variety. It has become a symbol of Chilean viticulture, embodying the country’s ability to produce world-class wines that are both distinctive and accessible. Stretching over 1,000 kilometres from north to south, encompassing a wide range of climates and terroirs Chile’s wine regions are as diverse as the wines they produce, each contributing to the incredible variety of wines that Chile has to offer.

Located just north of Santiago, the Aconcagua Valley, one of Chile’s most important wine regions, is known for producing bold, full-bodied red wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Casablanca Valley, just a short drive from the Pacific Ocean, is Chile’s premier cool-climate wine region ideal for growing white grape varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Often referred to as the Bordeaux of South America, the Maipo Valley is the heart of Chile’s wine industry renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon, which is characterised by its rich, concentrated flavours and firm structure. The Colchagua Valley, one of Chile’s most celebrated wine regions, is known for its premium red wines, particularly Carmenère, Syrah, and Malbec.

Chile’s wine industry shows no signs of slowing down as the country continues to innovate, with winemakers exploring new regions, experimenting with different grape varieties, and refining their techniques to produce wines of exceptional quality. As global interest in Chilean wine grows, the country is well-positioned to continue its rise as a leader in the world of wine. Today, Thursday Food features five wines from Viña Montes, one of the country’s leading wineries that copped the number seven spot on the World’s Best Vineyards ranking for 2023.

Montes Chardonnay is produced in the Aconcagua Coast from 100 per cent Chardonnay grapes. The nose is intense and complex, exhibiting notes of tropical fruits such as pineapple, banana and ripe mango. Pleasant notes of peach and pear complete its fruity profile as well as a presence of the coastal climate, through subtle notes of grapefruit and white asparagus. On the palate, it has a smooth attack and perfectly balanced acidity, making it a rather fresh wine, but with generous volume along with a long and elegant finish.

Montes Outer Limits Sauvignon Blanc, a 100 per cent varietal, with its already typical notes of passion fruit, aromas of lime, and yellow grapefruit, also offers background notes of a light asparagus. On the palate it is dry, fresh, crunchy, having a very well-achieved acidity in addition to being light-bodied but with a long permanence in the mouth.

Montes Cherub is a rosé made from 85 per cent Syrah and 15 per cent Grenache from vineyards in the Colchagua Valley, Marchigüe. The nose is surprising for its intensity, in which delicious aromas of fresh red fruits such as raspberries, strawberries and pomegranate predominate. Subtle tropical notes of pineapple and mango are also perceived, which give it a more cheerful character with delicate floral touches. On the palate, it is smooth, with fresh acidity and medium body, leaving a broad, creamy sensation, with a very pleasant finish.

Montes Purple Angel, comprising 92 per cent Carmenère and eight per cent Petit Verdot has a nose that is elegant, with aromas of ripe red and black berries on a background of sweet spices. The French oak contributes aromas of dark chocolate and mocha that blend very well with the typical fruity aromas of the variety. The palate is well-structured, with soft and broad tannins.

Montes Sparkling Angel is made by combining 70 per cent Pinot Noir and 30 per cent Chardonnay from vineyards in the Zapallar Valley, Aconcagua, Valparaiso. On the nose, aromas of white flowers and fresh fruit stand out, as do bread crumbs and soft toasted notes of dried fruit, hazelnuts and walnuts. On the palate, it is balanced and has good acidity, with sparkling and fine foam, creamy and silky on the mid-palate and with a fresh and persistent fruity aftertaste.

For wine enthusiasts, Chile offers a wealth of opportunities to discover something new and exciting. Whether you’re a fan of bold, full-bodied reds or crisp, refreshing whites, there’s a Chilean wine out there that’s sure to delight your palate. As the country continues to evolve and grow, there’s no doubt that Chile will remain a powerhouse in the global wine industry for years to come. Salud!