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Vinos De Chile
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 Casillero del Diablo |
Vinos de Chile have a smooth, distinct flavor even to the untrained palate. Located on the Western coast of South America the climate of Chile in some regions can be similar to the vineyards Northern California is famous for: Napa Valley and Sonoma. Warm sunny days and cool nights sans frost make for this region, Colchagua Valley, to be ideal grape growing. In addition rich, volcanic soil at the base of the Andes Mountains and an average of less then twenty-five inches of rain per year contribute to the ideal vineyard locale.
One of the many attractions of wine to the consumer is the pricing: wines of Chile are typically less expensive than other regions. Due to the cheap labor and cheap land it is not uncommon to find a bottle of Chilean red wine for several dollars less than its Californian and Italian competitors. Chile is also the fifth largest producer of wines in the world and they produce more red varietals than whites.
A personal favorite Chilean wine is PKNT (pronounced like picante) which is made from the Carmenere grape varietal. The name Carmenere comes from the intense crimson colored wine it typically produces. Carmenere is what I would consider to be a medium-bodied wine that is rather velvety on the palate and has a spicy, somewhat peppery finish. Originally, the Carmenere varietal was developed in Bordeaux France but was mostly destroyed due to an insect infestation that all but wiped out the Carmenere grape. When first imported to the Western world, Carmenere was mistaken for Merlot but wine drinkers were confused by the stronger, spicier taste. With DNA testing the Carmenere was revealed! As with most wines, pairing is a personal preference and Carmenere can be paired with many dishes such as fish, pasta or even chips and salsa!
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