Chilean Wines Are Affected by the Humboldt Current

 The San Antonio and Casablanca Valleys in Chile are located within 80 kms of the Pacific Ocean and just west of the City of Santiago. Both are sub regions of the Aconcagua Wine Region and official cool climate viticultural areas. In addition to this, many wineries practice either sustained or organic viticulture whereby they are either certified as organic having fulfilled regulatory demands or operating according to the dictates of the local ecosystem (sustained).

The reason for the crisp, fresh Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir is the closeness of the two wine sub regions to the Pacific Ocean where the cool, Antarctic driven Humboldt Current brings on conditions more similar to that of a cooler Mediterranean climate than what their actual location (South Latitude 30 degrees). This puts it much closer to the Equator than other important vineyards in various parts of the World.

The cool morning fog and frequent clouds that cover both valleys is a boon to the production of crispy white and spicy red wine by allowing slower ripening of the grapes.

Along with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir within both areas, Casablanca also cultures Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Viognier and Pinot Gris.

Many a fine---and affordable--wine comes from these sub regions.

Last week while browsing around the Taunton Road Whitby LCBO, I found some very affordable Chilean wine under the Adobe “Banner” from the Emiliana Organic Vineyards located in the Casablanca Valley. 

The Adobe Reserva Sauvignon Blanc (LCBO #266049, $12.95) is affordable value that will please. The wine comes with herbal/gooseberry/apple/citrus lime flavours with a light to medium body and a crisp cleansing finish.

The Adobe Reserva Merlot (LCBO #322024, $12.95) has vegetal, dark fruit, pepper spice and vanilla flavours with a medium plus body and a combined blackberry/cedar finish. Hint if you get this wine open and decant about two hours prior to serving at a temp of 16 to 18 degrees Centigrade.

Excellent quality and reasonable price makes Chile something to consider for the upcoming Easter Season.