If you want to know about the variety of wines in Chile and their characteristics, you have come to the right place. Here, you will find all the information you need on this subject. Chilean wines are recognized worldwide for their superior quality, and there is nothing that beats an excellent glass of wine at the family table to toast on special occasions. In Chile, we are passionate about our vintages, and on this occasion, we present you some of the wine varieties in Chile.  

Origin of wines in Chile

In Chile, wine tradition originates with the “grape of the country,” a grape variety brought by the Spaniards in the 16th century. This grape variety has evolved, giving rise to several world-renowned varieties, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carmenere, and Syrah.
Chile’s winemaking history dates to Friar Francisco de Carabantes, who introduced grape stakes from Peru to Talcahuano, and Rodrigo de Araya, considered the first Chilean winemaker, according to the Acta de Fundación del Vino Chileno.
Most Chilean wines display a seal of the specific region where the grapes are grown. In 2018, approximately 81.6% of the nearly 1.3 billion liters of wine produced in Chile had an appellation of origin, with the Central Valley standing out as the most recognized area. In addition, Chilean sparkling wines are gaining popularity for their body, vibrant bubbles, and unique aromas.
Chile has diverse soils and climates that favor the production of a wide range of wines, from the arid Atacama Valley to the emerging Osorno Valley in the south. Exploring Chilean wines involves getting to know its classic varieties, which are favorites of tourists visiting the country and reflect Chile’s rich winemaking tradition. Let’s raise our glasses to that, cheers!  

Characteristics of the different wine varieties available in Chile

Thanks to its privileged geographical location, between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Chile has unique climatic conditions that favor the cultivation of high-quality grapes, making Chilean wine one of the most outstanding wines in the world.
Noble varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and the emblematic Carmenère find an ideal environment in Chile for their development. The grapes can fully ripen and give rise to exuberant wines of great character.
The unique geography of Chilean wine-growing areas contributes to the distinct flavor of Chilean wine, making it an incomparable product worth tasting and appreciating.
Chilean wines tend to be characterized by high alcohol levels and a predominance of dry and semi-dry varieties, adding a robust and deep flavor to each glass.  

Types of wine available in Chile

Today, Chile offers a variety of grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Carmenère, Tempranillo, and Syrah.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc, originally from the French region of Loire (La Loire), is one of the most recognized white wine grape varieties worldwide. It is grown in the north and east of Santiago, Chile. It is distinguished by its aroma of hay and gooseberry, along with an intense acidity that makes it irresistible to many.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is widely regarded as one of the most exceptional white wine grape varieties globally. It is particularly renowned for its presence in esteemed products such as White Burgundy. This wine is characterized by its neutral aroma, with subtle notes of melon and excellent acidity.

Cabernet Sauvignon

It is a red grape variety of French origin, known for producing high-quality red wines. In Chile, this variety has been cultivated for almost 150 years in vineyards growing on vines. The wines made from this variety are fruity and have a good concentration of tannins, characterized by blackcurrant aromas and a distinctive touch of eucalyptus.

Merlot

This grape also has its origin in the French region of Bordeaux. In Chile, it is one of the most outstanding noble grape varieties, occupying second place in importance. Merlot displays a soft flavor and a less intense aroma than Cabernet Sauvignon.

Carmenère

The Carmenère grape variety, originally from the Médoc region of France, was almost wiped out in Europe during the 19th century. However, in 1994, a French winemaker discovered that it was authentically preserved in Chile.
Since then, Chilean vineyards have produced Carmenère on a large scale. It stands out for its intense red color, berry aroma, and fruity and intense flavor.
Unlike Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine tastes young and lighter due to having a softer tannin concentration.

Syrah

When it achieves optimal ripeness, experts recognize the Syrah grape as one of the finest in the world.
Its cultivation is complex, as it requires a lot of sun but does not tolerate high temperatures. However, the southern hemisphere offers ideal conditions for its development, with more stable climates.
Syrah wine is known for its deep color, high tannin levels, and distinct red currant.

Pinot Noir

Also known as Spätburgunder or Blauburgunder, the Pinot Noir grape is one of the most celebrated of the dark noble varieties of Burgundy, France. This thin-skinned grape grows in the shape of a cone on the vine, which gives it its name and is extremely sensitive to variations in temperature, soil types, pruning, and manner of aging, making it the most “capricious” grape variety in the world.
Although the Pinot Noir grape is highly adaptable to the warm sun and thin, permeable calcareous soils typical of Chile’s central valley, production is relatively low in this country. Under ideal conditions, Pinot Noir produces very harmonious, velvety, and smooth wines with a fascinating fruity aroma and a low concentration of tannins.

Riesling

This noble white wine grape, originally from Germany, is one of the most notable grapes worldwide and produces the best results in cold areas. In Chile, Riesling is grown mainly in Santiago’s south valleys, which have cooler weather, such as Rapel, Curicó, and Maule. Although some innovative winemakers have turned to Riesling in recent years, this grape variety plays a somewhat secondary role in Chile due to its sunny and warm climate.
Riesling comes in shades from greenish to golden and has a light, fresh flavor with hints of minerals. Its citrusy aroma has notes of grapefruit, lemon, apple, and passion fruit. In short, Riesling is a grape variety that beautifully reflects the unique characteristics of the land where it is grown.  

Get to know the best and most outstanding wine varieties in Chile.

In Concha y Toro you can find a great variety of wine tours where you can learn more about the wine grape varieties in Chile. Discover all the options we have for your visit.