It’s that time of year again, and Chile’s strong vaccination numbers are allowing limited public celebrations to take place for Dieciocho (Fiestas Patrias) after everyone was resigned to celebrating in their homes last year. For non-Chileans, Fiestas Patrias is typically a week-long national celebration centered around the 18th of September, the day the independence process started with Chile’s first governing body in 1810. Besides family barbecues, each comuna usually organizes public fondas or ramadas with lots of food and drinks along with traditional music, dance, rodeos, games and other performances. Although the traditional alcoholic drink is Chicha and the modern tradition is to drink Terremoto cocktails, there’s usually plenty of Chilean wine and beer too. Therefore, I have two perfect wine recommendations to celebrate Fiestas Patrias. Continue reading
Tag: carmenere
Wine Review: Viña Vik
I’ve been told that Chile is basically owned by around 20 large families, and that power structure certainly extends to the wine industry. That’s what makes the growth of small independent producers and the revival of Pais so amazing. Plus, there are new producers popping up all the time. In the case of Viña Vik, it’s quickly risen to the top in just around 15 years since its founding. Continue reading
Wine Review: Rare Carmenere Taste-off
Although Carmenere is now considered the national grape of Chile and is widely distributed globally, there is still Carmenere being made at the artisanal level worth exploring. Continue reading
Wine Tourism in Chile: Vina Chillan-La Favola
For our vacation this summer, we drove to the south of Chile and stopped to taste wine, dine and lodge at Viña Chillan. Continue reading
Wine Review: Valentine’s Day Wine
As Valentine’s Day approaches, many of you will be having romantic meals with your significant others. What could be more symbolic of a wine choice with that meal than sharing your Corazon (heart) with them? Continue reading
Wine Tourism: Making your Own Wine at Emiliana
Ever dream of owning your own vineyard and making your own wine? Then Chile is a place to make your dream come true. Continue reading
Viñedos Herrera-Alvarado: Natural & Traditional Winemaking in Marga Marga
Have you ever had wine from the Marga Marga Valley? What about wine fermented in leather? Or Cristal the grape? Then Herrera-Alvarado is your best choice to discover the Marga Marga. Continue reading
Wine Review: 2017/2018 Emiliana Coyam Colchagua & Exchanging Corked Wines
Have you ever gotten a corked bottle replaced by your retailer? Continue reading
Wine Review: 2015 Viña Marty Pirca Carmenere Gran Reserva Maule
You’ve heard of Mouton Rothschild, Opus One, and Alamviva, but have you heard of Viña Marty? Continue reading
Wine Review: 2019 Casa Silva Doña Dominga Cabernet/Carmenere Colchagua
Doña Dominga is a second label for the well known Casa Silva. The label has the objective of high quality, for a lower price point. Casa Silva is also one of only three wineries with 100% of their vineyards as Certified Sustainable and is also 100% family owned with its origins in the Colchagua Valley. Casa Silva is the most award-winning Chilean winery in the 21st century. Continue reading