About Rhone Varietals from Chile

About Rhone Varietals from Chile
Chile is today the 10th largest wine producing country in the world. Production is up slightly since 2010, but down a bit since 2012 and 2013. For years much of the wine was produced from the warm Central Valley, which corrected varietally correct, if unexciting whites and reds meant for retail stores. While these wines still represent a large share of Chile's wine, the industry has made a necessary shift over the past ten years to producing more terroir-driven wines. Dozens of artisan producers in cool climates not far from the Pacific Ocean have planted varieties such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc in greater numbers. In fact, this last variety has produced outstanding results in the San Antonio and Leyda valleys and has been praised my many critics as among the world's finest. The most recognized Chilean wines, in terms of prestige, are the Cabernet Sauvignons of Maipo Valley, just south and east o the capital city of Santiago, are remarkable New World reds with ripe black currant fruit, good acidity and round, soft tannins. Many of these wines are capable of aging for 15-20 years, while a select few compare favorably with their premium counterparts from Napa Valley in California. However, as Chile does not have as esteemed a reputation as California, the Chilean Cabernets are much more reasonable priced. Given the ideal climatic conditions throughout Chile -ample sunshine along with moderating breezes form the ocean and Andes, it stand to reason that Chilean wines will only improve in the future

Top Picks for Chile

Rhone Varietals

Aoyo 2017 Surpass Reserva Syrah
90 points
$15
Best Buy
Leans a touch New World in the quality of fruit here while retaining a beautifully sanguine character; a lovely example of why Chile is an up and comer in producing world class Syrah.
90 points $15 Best Buy
Vino De Eyzaguirre 2023  Syrah
89 points
$11
Best Buy
Big and meaty Chilean Syrah, full of black cherries, toothsome dark fruit and tannins that beg for hearty fare.
89 points $11 Best Buy
Vino De Eyzaguirre 2022  Syrah
88 points
$11
Best Buy
Bolder tannins and a fuller body will lend this for pairing with steak, roasts, and grilled meats, and make it especially tasty with grilled lamb.
88 points $11 Best Buy
Vino De Eyzaguirre 2022  Syrah
87 points
$11
Best Buy
Lovely with grilled foods and shows a great upside for Colchagua Valley Syrah in the future.
87 points $11 Best Buy
La Playa 2022 Estate Series Viognier
86 points
$13
Best Buy
A zesty Viognier with tart peach and lemon notes that will shine with grilled fish and poultry.
86 points $13 Best Buy
Jaya 2021 Single Vineyard La Quebrada Syrah
86 points
$40
Earthy, peppery, savory, and green; there is a lot going on in this Syrah..
La Playa 2023 Estate Series Viognier
85 points
$10
A floral and fun wine to pair with soups, salads, and other light courses that can use an aromatic lift.
La Playa 2022 Estate Viognier
85 points
$9
Viognier florals and a Chardonnay body mix in an interesting blend that grabs your attention; could use a decant to open up.