Chilean Red Wines

Chile is probably the biggest success story in the world of wine in the last ten years. There's a vast array of inexpensive Chilean red wine everywhere, but the quality varies enormously. It's vineyards stretch over seven hundred miles north to south in a series of lush valleys between the Andes and the Coastal Ranges. Just like California, and with a very similar climate, Chile's vineyards are more affected by their location east to west between two mountain ranges, rather than north to south. Whereas east facing slopes of the Coastal Ranges receive less rainfall and warmer temperatures, the best vineyards are sited on the west facing slopes of the Andes, which benefit from cool night time temperatures producing high levels of acidity and good concentration of fruit.

Like Argentina, Chile is capable of producing some world class reds, and some whites too, most noticeably Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. If you avoid the mass produced low end brands it's possible to find some exceptional wines which are fantastic value for money.