Chilean Wine is wine made in South American country of Chile.  The region has a long viticultural history for a New world wine region dating to the 16th century.  The Climate has been described as midway between that of California and France.

 

Varietals:

   

* Malbec

Malbec has characteristics that fall somewhere between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.  A midseason ripener, it can bring very deep color, ample tannin, and a particular plum-like flavor component to add complexity to blends.

 

* Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet sauvignon is known for its deep flavor and aroma.  It is full bodied and intense, sometimes with herbal or fruit flavors.  Some flavors that can best describe Cabernet Sauvignon are black berry, cassis, and raspberry.

 

* Carmenere

Carmenere is prized for both its depth of color and flavor that can range from herbal to gamy and add complexity and interest to blends.  Carmenere was imported to South America in the 1850s, along with other Bordeaux varieties.

 

* Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc share many of the phenolic and aroma compounds as Cabernet Sauvignon but with some noticeable differences.  Cabernet Franc tends to be more lightly pigmented and produces wine with the same level of intensity and richness.  Cabernet Franc tends to have more pronounced perfume with notes of raspberries, black currants, violets and graphite.  It has slightly less tannins that Cabernet Sauvignon and tends to produce a wine with smoother mouth feel.

 

 

* Merlot

Merlot make beautiful wines that are medium to dark red in color; have a fruity complexity highlighting cherry and blackcurrant flavors.  Merlot generally has lower tannins that Cabernet  Sauvignon and comes across rounder and a bit sweeter.

 

* Syrah

Syrah forms intense wines with deep violet, nearly black color , chewy texture and richness, and often-alcoholic strength, with aromas that tend to be more spicy and fruity.