Exciting Chilean white wines: 11 to try
Chile's winemakers are going to extremes to find a greater diversity of terroir, in a quest for enhanced complexity and quality in their white wines. Peter Richards MW, DWWA regional chair for Chile, picks 11 of his top white wines.
- Scroll down to see Peter Richards MW’s 11 Chilean white wines to try
The landscape of Chilean wine is dominated by red. Just 35,841ha (hectares) of Chile’s total vineyard is white, which represents 26% of the overall total 137,592ha. Although the red/ white balance used to be more even in the past, the quality of the whites was often basic: oxidative, raulí wood-aged Central Valley Sauvignonasse was never going to set the world on fire.
Ironically, just as the balance shifted in favour of whites in the 1980s, with the advent of temperature-controlled, hygienic winemaking and the development of cooler climate regions, the world developed a thirst for Chilean reds, especially Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. One in every three Chilean vines is now Cabernet Sauvignon. Whites have been playing catch-up ever since.
It’s easy to overlook Chilean white wines in favour of its reds. But it’s also a mistake. What the figures don’t show is what attentive drinkers have already noticed – that Chile’s new-wave whites represent a diverse, quality-led and intriguing offering, with the accent increasingly on attributes such as terroir expression, elegance and ageing potential.
Peter Richards MW is the Decanter World Wine Awards regional chair for Chile
Read more in Decanter magazine’s April issue. Editing for Decanter.com by Ellie Douglas.
Eleven Chilean white wines to try:
Bodegas Re, Velado, Casablanca Valley, Chile, 2012
The second version of this epic white Pinot Noir is even better than the first (2009). Its delightfully yeasty, savoury, intense style is both unique...
2012
Bodegas Re
Aristos, Duquesa d’A Chardonnay, Cachapoal Valley, Chile, 2010
95
Sumptuously nutty, savoury Chardonnay grown at altitude and made by magician François Massoc. Big-boned and baroque but with an elegant poise. The Henry VIII of Chilean Chardonnay. Compelling.
2010
Aristos
Viña Aquitania, Sol de Sol Sauvignon Blanc, Malleco Valley, Chile, 2014
94
Beautifully understated yet resonant Sauvignon Blanc from southern Chile. Piercing citrus acidity with a discreet, creamy succulence and mineral complexity. Taut, cultured and beguiling, this is great value.
2014
Viña Aquitania
Calyptra, Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc, Cachapoal Valley, Chile, 2012
93
Bold oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc reminiscent of top Graves. Richly layered flavours of tangerine, clotted cream and orange blossom underscored by vivid acidity. Accomplished and ambitious.
2012
Calyptra
Errazuriz, Las Pizarras Chardonnay, Aconcagua Valley, Chile, 2014
93
Released in 2016, this is beautifully subtle yet complex. Brooding notes of red apple and woodsmoke on a savoury, profound, elegant palate.
2014
Errazuriz
Bodegas Re, Chardonnoir, Casablanca Valley, Chile, 2014
92
This blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir is like a delicious Chilean take on Chablis. Restrained aromatically, but follows through with a cascade of leesy, tangy, nutty flavours.
2014
Bodegas Re
Casa Marín, Sauvignon Blanc, Cipreses Vineyard, San Antonio, Chile, 2014
92
Consistently one of Chile’s outstanding Sauvignon Blancs, this punchy white has abundant, vibrant flavours of pink grapefruit, nettles and pea shoots. A serious, expressive and engaging wine.
2014
Casa Marín
Casa Marín, Miramar Vineyard Riesling, San Antonio, Chile, 2015
91
Very young and slightly inscrutable but seamless in its laser-like focus and elegant texture. Give it time and this wine’s mineralinflected, apple-and-lees style should unfurl.
2015
Casa Marín
Errazuriz, Wild Ferment Chardonnay, Casablanca Valley, Chile, 2014
89
<p>A top name in Chile, Errazuriz owns vineyards in Aconcagua, Casablanca and Curico. Natural yeasts are used here, with 10% French oak for fermentation, resulting in a balanced wine full of bright citrus fruit, a subtle sweet oak nose, a creamy texture and brisk acidity.</p>
2014
Errazuriz
Viña Ribera del Lago, Laberinto Las Cenizas Sauvignon Blanc, Maule Valley, Chile, 2015
An invigorating, mineral-laden style of Sauvignon Blanc that flirts with austerity and will benefit from some time in the bottle. Hints of smoke, gooseberry and...
2015
Viña Ribera del Lago
Casa Marín, Gewurztraminer, Casona Vineyard, San Antonio, Chile, 2014
90
Lush and exotic without being overpowering. Wonderfully juicy flavours of lychees and rose on the palate, along with with pear and peach. Another beautiful Casa Marin white.
2014
Casa Marín
Cono Sur, 20 Barrels Sauvignon Blanc, Casablanca Valley, Chile, 2014
90
This reliably expressive, complex Sauvignon Blanc is typical of Cono Sur’s excellent value white range. The new vintage is zippy, pure, long and uplifting. All chargrilled peppers and ripe lemons. Benchmark stuff.
2014
Cono Sur
