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Chilean Grape Varieties The following is a list of Chilean varieties that are available each Spring.
RED GRAPE VARIETIES Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its deep flavor and aroma. It is full-bodied and intense, sometimes with herbal or fruit flavors. Some flavors that can best describe Cabernet Sauvignon are black cherry, cassis, and raspberry. These flavors are balanced out with tannins and acids. Merlot Merlot makes beautiful wines that are medium to dark red in color; have a fruity complexity highlighting cherry and black currant flavors. Merlot generally has lower tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon and comes across rounder and a bit sweeter (Merlot usually has higher sugar levels). Syrah Syrah is the only grape used to make the famous Rhône wines of Côte Rotie and Hermitage, but also forms the backbone of most Rhône blends, including Chateauneuf du Pape. Syrah forms intense wines with deep violet, nearly black color, chewy texture and richness, and often-alcoholic strength, with aromas that tend to be more spicy than fruity. Malbec One of the traditional "Bordeaux varietals", Malbec has characteristics that fall somewhere between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. A midseason ripener, it can bring very deep color, ample tannin, and a particular plum-like flavor component to add complexity to blends. Carmenere Carmenere is prized for both its depth of color and, in ripe years, flavor that can range from herbal to gamy and add complexity and interest to blends. Carmenere was imported to South America in the 1850s, along with other Bordeaux varieties, prior to the European outbreak of Phylloxera.
WHITE GRAPE VARIETIES Chardonnay Chardonnay flavors have been described as citrus and melon. Chardonnay is a versatile grape producing a soft, fruity wine without oak aging and aromas of smoke, vanilla, and caramel with barrel aging. Pinot Grigio Pinot Grigio grapes usually produce medium to full bodied wines with a rich, somewhat floral bouquet. Wines range in color from yellow to copper-pink color. Aromas have been described as pear, apple, and melon. Sauvignon Blanc The Sauvignon Blanc grape originated in the Bordeaux region of France and has a green skin. The grape can produce crisp, dry, and refreshing white varietal wines. Sauvignon blanc, when slightly chilled, pairs well with fish or cheese. It is also known as one of the few wines that can pair well with sushi. Viognier The best Viognier wines are known for their powerful fruit and floral aromas. Viognier typically produces medium bodied wines with relatively high acid content. This wine is best drunk young since aging allows the fruit and aromatic strength of Viognier to fade away. Chilean Grape Images
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