Why Chile Is Earning the Respect of Wine Fanatics

Chile has been producing wine for over 500 hundred years, but it hasn't been until recently that this South American country has gotten the respect it deserves. In fact Chile is the fifth largest wine exporter to the U.S. Chile is a great producer of high quality well priced wines. Much debate has surfaced in the "wine world" over the quality versus value of wines from this region.

Some connoisseurs suggest that you get what you pay for and that "cheap" Chilean wine is unremarkable and disappointing. Other enthusiasts argue Chilean wine can be fantastic and that it can be purchased at a value is a definite bonus to the consumer. I tend to agree that when considering a Chilean wine a low price doesn't mean an inferior wine. Unlike purchasing a bottle produced in the U.S. for under $10., which gets you the likes of Boon's Farm or a wine in a "box", there are some very good Chilean wines in the $10-$20 range. Here are some I like:

- Don Amado, 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva Especial, Cachapoal Valley, Rapel - $20: Score: 91
- Casa Silva 2006 Cochagua Valley Chile - $9.99 Santa Ema "Reserve", 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo Valley, Chile - $9.99: Score: 90
- Concha y Toro "Terrunyo", 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo Valley, Chile - $14.99: Score: 93

If you are just looking for a great bottle regardless of price you need look no farther than Chile. The wines produced here can be sensational regardless of price. According to Wine Spectator a Chilean wine won the prestigious wine of the year award for 2008. The top pick: Casa Lapostolle, 2005, Clos Apalta, Colchagua Valley, Chile. At $75 a bottle with only 5,987 cases made and a score of 96 points it is an exciting pick!

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