Hispanic Heritage Month: The grapes of Chile

October 12, 1:05 PMWine ExaminerLeslie Cramer

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Though Argentina is hot on its heels, Chile still consistently produces the best wines from South American continent.  Their Cabernet Sauvignons are gernerally outstanding and the better part of wine produced there is sold outside of the country, mostly in the U.S. 

Though lower-priced bargain wines is where Chile's reputation was built, the amount of medium-high end wines coming from the country is on the rise.

Chile's main grapes:

• Cabernet Sauvignon (red)- Main grape of the country.  This grape runs the gamut, from elegant wines of finesse and character, to easy-drinkers.
• Merlot (red)- Almost as important a grape, Merlots from Chile are quite good and up-and-coming.  I don't get it myself, but some Merlots may actually be Carmeneres.
• Carmenere (red)- A grape introduced from Bordeaux where it is no longer a major grape.  Produces decent, medium-bodied wines. 
• Pais (red)- Another important grape, it was brought to Chile by Spanish conquistadores and is the region's most widely planted.  Mostly known for producing quaffer, jug-style wines.
• Chardonnay (white)- Chile's most important white, sold heavily in U.S. markets for inexpensive Chardonnays. 
• Sauvignon Blanc (white)- Produces, fresh, light, easily drinkable wines.  Like as the reds Merlot and Caremere, Sauvignon Blancs may actually be Sauvignon Vert.
• Sauvignon Vert (white)- Produces a floral, generally unremarkable wine.  Also goes by the name Sauvignonasse.  As above, sometimes these wines are actually Sauvignon Blancs.