WINE REGIONS OF THE WORLD
Chile
 The
popularity (and quality) of Chilean wine has been steadily
increasing over the past few years, but the relative youth
of this player on the international scene means that there
are a number of very good value Chilean wines still to be
found.
wineFACT Recent
studies suggest that Chilean wines may offer extra health
benefits: The results of studies on Cabernet Sauvignon,
conducted at Scotland’s Glasgow University, found
that the Chilean wines contained the highest levels of
antioxidants. |
|
Chile is best-known for reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon (the grapes of which were
imported from France in the 1850s) and Merlot. Whites like Chardonnay
are more recent additions to Chilean wineries. The country’s
Mediterranean climate provides reliable growing conditions,
and its geography offers a natural barrier against diseases.
The heart of Chile’s wine industry is the Maipo Valley, although a number of other valleys in the
country house up-and-coming wineries. Maipo produces good reds
and recently has expanded its industry to produce quality whites.
The Cabernets made in the Maipo Valley are world-famous and
have a smoky flavour that is unlike other Cabernets. |
