Two of the first wine grape varieties that the Spanish brought to Chile are called San Francisco and Chilena. Chilena, AKA Pais or Mission, has had a renaissance in Chile. However, San Francisco is still little known inside or outside of Chile. Continue reading
Tag: Maule
Wine Review: California Carignan v. Chilean
Although monovarietal Carignan is now common in Chile, it actually used to be one of the most planted varietals in California, where they have even older vines of Carignan. Continue reading
Wine Review: 100% Garnacha/Grenache
I’m comparing some 100% Grenache wines from Chile, Spain and France. Continue reading
Wine Review: Perfect Wines for Fiestas Patrias (Chilean Independence Day)
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
Wine Review: Chilean Pinot Grigio & Viognier
I’m going to try two popular international white grapes that are not really popular in Chile. Should there be more Chilean Pinot Grigio and Viognier in the Chilean market? Continue reading
Wine Review: Chilean Tempranillo & Barbera
These two red grape varieties are popular in Europe, but do they do well in Chile too? Continue reading
Why it’s Important to Revisit Wines
How often do you re-taste a wine that you didn’t like the first time you tried it? Or vice versa, are there wines that you loved in the past but don’t like anymore upon revisiting them? Continue reading
Wine Review: Spanish v. Chilean Carignan (Cariñena)
How does Chilean Carignan compare to Carignan from its original home of Spain? Continue reading
Wine Review: Lebanese+Chilean Love Connection = Great Wine
What happens when a Belgian-Lebanese winemaker meets a Chilean sommelier and they decide to make their own wine? They create something beautiful and unique called Atomo. Continue reading
The Lost & Mysterious Asoleado Wines of Chile
Once the most coveted wine from Chile in the 19th century, Asoleado wines have fallen into obscurity. I set out on a quest to find it, learn its history and taste it. Continue reading