Wines of Chile
A long, narrow country between the Pacific and the Andes. Cold ocean currents and mountain breezes keep vineyards fresh, and Chile is famous for value-for-money Cabernet Sauvignon, crisp Sauvignon Blanc and its signature grape, Carmenère.
Main wine regions
- 1
Limarí & Elqui
Chardonnay, Syrah
Northern desert valleys with limestone soils and fog from the Pacific.
- 2
Aconcagua
Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah
Warm inland valley beneath South America's highest mountain.
- 3
Casablanca & Leyda
Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Cool coastal valleys: zesty whites and fresh Pinot Noir.
- 4
Maipo Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon
Around Santiago; Chile's classic Cabernet region.
- 5
Colchagua
Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec
Warm, rich reds — the best-known home of Carmenère.
- 6
Maule
Carignan, País, Cabernet Sauvignon
Old, dry-farmed vines; rediscovered Carignan.
- 7
Itata & Bío-Bío
País, Cinsault, Muscat, Riesling
Cool, rainy south with centuries-old vineyards.
Key grapes
Reading the label
Valleys are now divided into ‘Costa’ (coastal, cooler), ‘Entre Cordilleras’ (between the ranges) and ‘Andes’ zones — useful hints to the style in the glass.
Put it into practice
Our Wine Tasting Sheet guides you through appearance, nose, palate, quality and readiness — with hints in brackets so you always find the right word. Fill it in on screen or print it.