Chile — Grapes Varieties — Every Glass Matters

Viognier

A wonderful variety that was almost lost to the world….

GrapesCoralie StrongApril 30, 2021Grapes, Mango, Honey, Rhone Valley, Rhone, Southern Rhone, floral, Orange, Vanilla, Nutmeg, Rose, Stone, South Africa, Australia, France, Chateau Grillet, Condrieu, White, White Wine, Chile, USA, California

Chardonnay

Known for the unfair term ABC (Anything But Chardonnay) this is a variety with a mixed reputation. At its best, the wines can be highly complex, with a great ageing ability and show great winemaking skill. At its worst, it can be dull, flabby and forgettable.

GrapesCoralie StrongJune 4, 2019Pineapple, Peach, Nectarine, Lemon, Passion Fruit, Almond, Celery, Lemon Zest, Green Apple, Honey, Vanilla, Chardonnay, South Africa, Chile, USA, California, Burgundy, Chablis, Napa Valley, Sonoma, Santa Barbara, UK, England, Champagne, Europe, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Oregon, Washington, Côte de Beaune, Puligny-Montrachet, Corton Charlemagne, Flint, Mineral, Chalk, Limestone, Clay, SA, NZ, New Zealand, Acid, Elegant, Flabby, Oak, Battonage, MLF, Stellenbosch, Elgin, Roberston

Carignan.

A grape by many names…

GrapesCoralie StrongJanuary 29, 2019Carignan, Spain, France, Raspberry, Cinnamon, Liquorice, Cranberry, Israel, Chile, California, USA, Italy, Sardinia, Priorat

Cabernet Sauvignon

The worlds' most famous red wine grape. Descendant of Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Planted in warmer regions as tends to ripen later. Powerful aromas of blackcurrant, and if matured in new oak, aromas of cedar and tobacco can be seen. In youth deep purple in colour, ages well. The grapes are small but thick skinned-high ratio of colour matter and tannins to juice.

GrapesCoralie StrongJanuary 24, 2019China, Bordeaux, Red, red fruit, red wine, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile, USA, California, Napa Valley, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Cherry, Blackberry, Plum, Oak, Toast, Cedar, Mint, St-Émilion, Medoc, Haut-Medoc, Spain, Italy, Languedoc, France

Torrontés

Argentina’s signature white grape variety falls behind the fame of Malbec but should be equally celebrated.

GrapesCoralie StrongOctober 25, 2018Torrontés, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Salta, Pineapple, Lemon, Apricot, Nectarine

Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc shines in its ability to show off its elegant structure and perfumed aromas.

GrapesCoralie StrongOctober 25, 2018Cabernet Franc, red wine, red fruit, Red, Cherry, Raspberry, Plum, Loire, Bordeaux, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chateau Cheval-Blanc, St-Émilion, Hungary, Italy, USA, Washington, California, Canada, New Zealand, Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Chile, Uruguay, Caberes, Red pepper, Strawberry

Gewürztraminer

A highly aromatic grape variety that has the ability to produce outstanding and complex wines. It is deeply coloured, with pink skins making it easy to recognise in the glass. It’s one of the four noble varieties in Alsace and historically has shown great significance.

GrapesCoralie StrongAugust 19, 2018Gewürztraminer, Germany, Alsace, France, Italy, Roter Traminer, Pink Skin, White, Croatia, New Zealand, Australia, America, Canada, Austria, Switzerland, Macedonia, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Romania, Hungary, Chile, Rose, Grapefruit, Dry, Sweet

Carménère

A black grape variety best known in Chile. Phylloxera almost wiped it out but luckily plantings remained.

GrapesCoralie StrongApril 29, 2018wine, red wine, Red, Chile, Carmenère, medium-bodied, red fruit, Rapel Valley, Colchagua Valley, Cachapoal Valley, Maipo Valley, France, Phylloxera

GRAPES

Check out the 'Grape Guide' to find out key information about each grape or select an article below for more information

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