Chile is dominated by large producers (more on that below), but it is with all the others that you can find special experiences. Here are some examples, inspired by our recently completed wine tour in Argentina and Chile:
Villard, as the name suggests, with French roots in the “cold climate” Casablanca Valley next to Valparaiso, founded in 1989, with outstanding and surprising pinot noir, but also e.g. syrah.
Casa Marin, a legendary pioneer in Lo Abarca, San Antonio. Extremely expressive sauvignon blanc in this cool district and equally good riesling, pinot noir and other. Often found on export market thanks to long-time efforts.
Viña Montgras, a relatively large but still family-owned producer in Colchagua known for, among other things, their wines from Ninquén.
Viña Maquis, a historically important family estate located between two rivers in Colchagua which gives them a favourable climate. Makes, among other things, brilliant cabernet franc (considered one of the world’s best), syrah etc. Also has the Calcú estate near the coast.
Laura Hartwig, the founder, the famous Laura Hartwig Bisquertt died a few years ago, but the winery continues to produce Bordeaux-inspired wines of high quality.
Hacienda Araucano, in the Lolol sub-region, owned by the internationally famous François Lurton (“les Fumées Blanches”), makes excellent “base wines” (Humos Blanco) plus a series of very quality-oriented wines, e.g. Alka (carmenère) and Clos (a blend). More often available on export thanks to Lurton’s fame.
Viña Encierra, María Ignacia Eyzaguirre started this very ambitious but also very small winery after the family left a collaboration with a major producer, brilliant carmenère, syrah, petit verdot etc. in an adorable beautiful landscape.
La Sirca, a very (!) family-run winery in northern Colchagua (mother and daughter cooked lunch for us!), now part of the Movi group, with family origins in Bolivia, makes ambitious cabernet, carmenère, chardonnay etc. in small batches.
El Principal, at the foot of impressive 3000 m high mountains, this vineyard also has French roots (the Valette family), just under an hour from Santiago in the Maipo Valley, known not least for its impressive Bordeaux-inspired El Principal cabernet-petit verdot and for its beautiful location, and more recently its verdejo.
The ten largest producers in Chile account for 80% of exports, Concha y Toro alone accounts for 20-25%. None of the producers above even come close to that list. Instead, you will find personality, quality, character and originality in them; things that we like to share with those who travel with us to Chile. Look for these producers and you will find good wines!
(No, we do not sell wine and have no commercial interest in promoting them. Our recommendations are honest and without advertising for certain wines.)
Travel: Come on a wine tour to Chile and Argentina with BKWine.
See: See pictures and videos from Chile and Argentina in the latest wine tour’s Facebook group.
