Chile’s unique and varying terroir has distinct geographic barriers: the Atacama Desert to the north, the Andes Mountains to the east, the Patagonian ice fields to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Each defined geographic point makes Chile a truly unique agricultural haven for wine grape growing. As a singular wine grape growing region, these land mass features (desert, mountains, ice fields, and ocean) help to maintain healthy climatic conditions, while being protected against vineyard pests and disease. Is there anywhere else on earth that enjoys all of these conditions simultaneously? I can’t even begin to fathom any other such place.
From the Wines of Chile Website: The combination of beneficial natural barriers and a benevolent Mediterranean climate make sustainability and organics a logical choice in Chilean winegrowing. In fact, Chile has some of the largest organic vineyards in the world.
Organic is the best choice for me… always. In the US, we’ve manipulated our food supply so badly that we’ve had to claim it to be “organic.” In most other places in the world, being natural is just the way it is. However, to bring anything to this country, it has to be claimed “organic,” so our consumers know that we’re getting what our forefathers just “did” as an everyday way of life… being thoughtful farmers. As many things that scientific developments have brought to us, it has also taken away that much as well… And, Chile is back where we were and where we should honestly be today… un-manipulated… aka, wholesome.
This makes imported wines very attractive to those of us who are concerned about what we’re putting into our bodies. The day consumers are buying more imported wines than domestic, our farmers will begin to wake up to this fact. The big question is how long it will take for US consumers to finally realize… we are what we eat and pharmaceuticals to correct our health problems makes us further victims…
I just enjoyed two fabulous Cabernets from the Colchagua Valley, that I highly recommend…
Again, from the Wines of Chile site: Located 180 km (110 mi) south of Santiago, the southernmost portion of the Rapel Valley is one of Chile’s best known wine regions and has earned much applause for its full-bodied Cabernet, Carménère, Syrah, and Malbec, and its wines regularly appear high on the world’s lists of leading wines. The majority of the wineries are concentrated in the center of the valley, although new plantations climb hillsides and explore the western frontier toward the sea…. Home to the ‘huaso’ (Chilean cowboys). One of Chile’s best-known regions for premium quality red varieties.
Serie Riberas Gran Reserva Concha y Toto Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (Marchigue, in the Colchagua Valley of Chile)
- Great tannic structure, with flavors of big, juicy black cherries, silky elegance that will age really well, or deliciously complement a great Chateaubriand steak.
Los Vascos Domaines Baron de Rothschild (Lafite) Grande Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (Colchauga, Chile)
- A delicious Cab, a bit more medium body than the Serie Riberas (above), with lots of black fruit and softer tannins. This one was juicy delicious…. We had it with barbequed flank steak rubbed with Cajun seasoning from Penzeys Spices. It was a perfect compliment to the meal we were enjoying.
If you’re a Cabernet lover, I’m betting that you’ll enjoy these wines as much as Jose and I did.
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