What to look for when choosing Chilean wines?

Chilean wines are increasingly popular for their quality, expression and diversity. In fact, the country is the fourth largest exporter of wine globally, standing out for varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.

For this reason, in the market we can easily find everything from basic quality products to the best Chilean wine. How to choose among so much variety without being experts? We can evaluate the following factors:

Consider the occasion or the dishes to pair

To achieve a correct pairing and have a good experience, it is necessary to consider the context in which we will enjoy it.

For example, sparkling wines such as Sparkling Brut fit better for celebrations, while Chilean red wine can give the perfect touch to a romantic date, as long as it pairs well with the main course.

In the pairing we must take into account how each dish is complemented with each specific wine. For example, a Cabernet Sauvignon is ideal to accompany roasts, since its structure and body help contrast fat, salt and the strong flavor of grilled meats.

While in appetizers, fresh varieties work better, such as Chilean red wine based on Pinot Noir.

Check the denomination of origin on the label

The appellation of origin is not synonymous with the best Chilean wine. But it does guarantee that at least 75% of the grapes used in the wine were harvested in a vineyard located in a certain valley or region.

Similarly, there are wines without denomination of origin that are made with grapes obtained in various regions of the country.

Thanks to the denomination of origin, it is possible to guarantee the origin of the grapes, something of special importance when they have been produced in valleys such as San Antonio or Colchagua, widely recognized for their geographical qualities and soil quality.

Chilean wines: Reserva or Gran Reserva?

Decree 464 of 1995, in its article 8, authorizes wine producers to place the following complementary mentions on the label:

• Superior: wines with their own unique organoleptic characteristics.
• Reserva: wines with an alcohol content of at least 12%, with distinctive organoleptic qualities, which may or may not have been treated with wood.
• Reserva Especial: wines with an alcohol content of at least 12%, with distinctive organoleptic characteristics that have been treated in wood.
• Reserva Privada: wines with an alcohol content of at least 12.5% with their own organoleptic characteristics, which may or may not have been treated with wood.
• Gran Reserva: wines with an alcohol content of at least 12.5%, with their own distinctive organoleptic qualities, that were treated with wood.

Unlike other countries, Chilean regulations establish these mentions without taking into account the time in the barrel. However, they help us to get an idea of the quality of the wine, whether red or white.

Cork size and year of production

Another variable to consider when choosing a wine is the cork: if it is long, it is a wine that was made for extensive aging, since it better withstands the passage of time.

This brings us to another aspect of great importance: the year of production. Usually, the youngest wines (from the year or the previous one) tend to be more fruity, something key to choosing the ideal wine for each occasion.

In the same way, the year of production is of the utmost importance, since we can know the climate in a certain season to know, for example, if there was a harsh winter or if the conditions were favorable for the vine.

In Cono Sur we have been making unique quality wines since 1993. The experience gained over the years has allowed us to improve our processes, always oriented towards the sustainability and purity of the result.