“Wine is almost like a religion in Chile,” says His Execellency Diego Velasco, Chilean Ambassador to Malaysia. He was speaking to a crowded Gallo Wine Bar, during an event to personally introduce and explore Chilean wine. “All Chileans are taught from young how to taste our wine and how to savour it properly, so that they’ll never get drunk. Because the best way to enjoy wine is always moderately, prudently, joyfully.”
Your friends who consider themselves either winos or quasi-sommeliers may not necessarily think of Chile when deciding what to fill their glasses with. But that’s a bit of a shame, because Chile’s diverse climate, elevation and location allows it to have a varied terroir, thus enabling it to have 356 wineries (and counting) and an eclectic portfolio of wine styles. “Chile makes both classic and unusual wines exceptionally well, because their winegrowers have a wealth of experience across geologically diverse regions. They have figured out the circumstances to best support each grape varietal,” says sommelier Mandy Chin, the current Malaysian Cepas de Chile Champion. (That means she’s the best in the business when it comes to Chilean wine.)
She’s also curated 18 of the best Chilean wine labels, which you too can savour and enjoy at Gallo Wine Bar. From the complex and luxurious to the fruity and delicate, there’ll definitely be a glass (or four) for every palate. But just in case you need a starting point, here are five of our recommendations, in no particular order:
Cono Sur Single Vineyard 8 Grapes, 2017
Hailing from the Aconcagua Valley, the Cono Sur’s eight varietals are: Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Carignan, Petit Syrah, Malbec, Mouvedre, Carmenere, and Petit Verdot. Thanks to such a high-quality blend, it carries a unique “weight” with every sip, and forces you to slow down, smell the rich aroma of red fruits, and to savour its elegant taste. (RM220)
TerraMater Mater, 2017
In Latin, Mater means “mother”, which is poignant considering that its grapes are grown in Isla De Maipo, which was so barren not that long ago that nothing could be cultivated. Mother Nature had to step in, with a little help from the Maipo River and 60,000 hens (yes, really) to cultivate a terroir that could result in this fascinatingly complex wine. Expect a tsunami of cherry fruits, chocolate, and spicy, woody notes in every pour. (RM649)
TerraMater Altum, 2013
Cabernet Sauvignon fans, take a trip to the Andes. The Altum is from the vines of the Curico Valley, located at the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Any explorer of Chilean Wine would do well to begin their journey here, thanks to the Altum’s fabulous body, wonderful tannin structure, and long finish. It’s a great starter, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself enjoying it all night long. (RM334)
Seña, 2015
“What’s the best wine in the world? The one you’re enjoying now,” Velasco says. He’s trying to be diplomatic, and though we agree, it’s also hard to deny that the Seña is the ultimate glass of wine. From a volcanic vineyard in Central Aconcagua comes this spectacular blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot varietals. Intense yet refreshing, aromatic yet delightful, it may very well become your new favourite. (RM1,990)
Clos Apalta, 2016
It’s a name that may be familiar to some, thanks to the multitude of awards its other vintages have racked-up since Clos Apalta’s inception in 1997. The 2016, worthy of honour and platitudes as well, is a blend of Carmenere, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It’s a delightful harmony of berries, peppers both bell and black, acidity, and plush tannins, all of which makes it a joy to drink. (RM1,085)
