Vintage Chile

Chilean labels are making their mark in the wonderful world of wine.

By Jeffrey Laign

When it comes to wine, Chile is South America's hottest destination. If you’re a cruiser with vintage tastes, this vine-thin country at the bottom of the continent is a must.

Although a magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck central Chile in February, its sophisticated tourism infrastructure responded quickly and is well on the way to full recovery. Wineries in the much-visited Colchagua Valley suffered some damage to their cellars, but nothing serious enough to affect the current crush season or production of bottled wines.

Understandably, Chile canceled its annual Wine Harvest Festival, which had been slated to take place just weeks after the quake. But that doesn't mean that cruisers can’t continue to visit some of the world’s most scenic vineyards, tour wineries, sample the best of Chile's varietals, and purchase bargain-priced bottles for friends back home.

In recent years Chile has built a reputation as "the California of South America," but the country is not new to winemaking. It's been turning out fine wines for centuries — only the rest of the world didn’t hear that much about them. Then in the 1980s, as wines from California and Australia took center stage, Chile began touting its own labels and wine aficionados fell in love.

It was Chilean Cabernet, in fact, that first put South America on the world wine map. Now Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay are among other South American countries turning out excellent wines, but Chilean vintages remain at the top of most connoisseurs’ lists.

What is it about Chilean "Cab" that's so appealing? For one thing, it packs an amazing black currant bouquet; for another, it's reasonably priced. Second in popularity is Chile's Merlot, rich with the scent and taste of plums and cherries. Why not try Chilean wine and see for yourself? Most cruise ships carry a variety of good Chilean wines, and if your next cruise takes you down Chile way, treat yourself to a winery shore excursion or two. It's certain you’ll leave wanting another taste of one of South America’s most beautiful — and delicious — destinations.