Chilean wines offer outstanding value for the money

Chilean wine was highlighted by Suzanne Grumko in an article published by the Free-Lance Star of Fredericksburg, a local Virginia newspaper. Ms. Grumko is a London native who has worked in the wine industry for 15 years.

The article analyses the history of wine making in Chile, its main characteristics and influences, and the growing importance of a new Chilean grape: Carménère.

Describing the wine industry in Chile, Ms. Grumko says that “cabernet sauvignon, merlot, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc are widely grown in Chile. This is because of the very heavy French influence. But there is another French grape, an obscure variety from Bordeaux that seems to be finding its home here.”

“Carménère, mistakenly harvested for many years in Chile as merlot, is rapidly becoming a distinguished part of Chilean viticultural heritage. Full-bodied, hearty and brambly, it is packed full of flavor; a cost-effective alternative to a Rhone or a beefy Shiraz. Chilean wines will rarely be beaten in the value stakes”.

Ms. Grumko finishes her article saying that Chilean wines “are still some of the best values on the market for a number of reasons”.

Suzanne Grumko’s article was published in the Free-Lance Star of Fredericksburg on October 19, 2005, and you can read it by clicking here.