RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – If we talk about the production of wines with Denomination of Origin (DO) in Chile, which represents more than 80% of the total production and refers to the wines specific to a certain geographical area, we can say that Cabernet Sauvignon reaches 33% of the total wine production.
It is followed – by a large margin – by Sauvignon Blanc, which represents 13%, according to the latest final report, Wine Production 2021, available at the Chilean Agriculture and Livestock Authority (SAG).
Read also: Check out our coverage on Chile
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the fastest-growing grape varieties in Chile, as it has registered a 31% increase in production compared to the 2020 harvest. Therefore, August 27, Cabernet Sauvignon Day, is a special date for all Chilean wine lovers.
The anniversary of Cabernet Sauvignon at the end of August almost overlaps with Wine Day, which is celebrated a week later, on September 4, and kicks off the month of the homeland.
Chile’s most emblematic valley for Cabernet Sauvignon is Maipo. The most outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon wines are harvested, ideally paired with grilled meats, herb, and cheese dishes, hamburgers, Chilean stews, and the traditional empanada dieciochera.
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the best-known red grape varieties and has spread throughout Europe and the New World. It grows in almost all major wine-growing regions in a wide variety of climates. It became famous for its presence in Bordeaux wines, often blended with Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Despite its importance in the industry, it is a relatively new variety, resulting from a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, and was cultivated in the 17th century in southwestern France.
Wine exports are significant for Chile. The year 2020 ended with a total of 53 million cases exported, worth US$1.46 billion, a similar volume to 2019 despite the pandemic.
According to the reports of Wines of Chile, China, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Japan, and the United States remain the most important markets for bottled wine.
MAIPO VALLEY
With massive Andean peaks forming the visual backdrop, the Maipo Valley ranks as one of Chile’s most picturesque spots. It’s also home to some of the country’s top wines.
Cabernet Sauvignon is king here, with alluvial flows, a persistently sunny climate, and cool evenings creating the ideal breeding ground for sumptuous red wines. These bottlings sit handsomely alongside the rich stews and grilled meats typical of the region.
Around 30 miles from the buzz of Santiago, Maipo’s traditional haciendas, the occasional roaming huaso (Chilean cowboy) and a countryside pace make the region feel a world away.
Maipo is a red-wine territory, boosted by gravel terraces, warm days, and cool nights that provide the perfect combination for perfumed wines with silky tannins. Puente Alto is the most prominent Maipo subregion.
It produces a trio of iconic Chilean wines: Almaviva, Concha y Toro’s Don Melchor and Viña Errazuriz’s Viñedo Chadwick. These wines should be high on your list to taste, alongside other signature bottlings like Viña Santa Rita’s Casa Real, Viña Aquitania’s Lazuli, and Domus Aurea.
All are varietal Cabs or Cabernet Sauvignon-based blends, for which the valley is best known.