Everybody loves a bargain, but sometimes what seems like a buy turns out to be a bust. And when that disappointment is a bottle of wine, it may sooner be poured down the drain than poured at the dining table.
While every wine country makes its share of modestly priced wines, few produce proportionately as many winners as Chile does. The country entered the international wine market some 25 years ago with a splash of friendly, agreeable wines selling for about $10. Today it also offers complex, upscale wines starting at $40. But Chile has not abandoned its lower-priced wines.
A modest price, however, does not guarantee good value. Rather, value is price in relation to quality – and that is where Chile shines. It offers goodquality wines made from cabernet sauvignon, merlot, carmenère (an old red Bordeaux grape now grown almost exclusively in Chile), sauvignon blanc and chardonnay that defy their price tag.
The winery Montes, for example, sends us its well-balanced Reserve Cabernet/Carmenère 2003 blend with baskets of up-front fruit for $14. Veramonte offers its fresh, crisp, vibrant Sauvignon Blanc 2003 for $10. From Concha y Toro, which produces wine under a number of labels, we have the sprightly, silky Casillero del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc ($12) and the smooth, berry-rich Casillero del Diablo Carmenère ($12). From Casa Lapostolle, there is Classic Estate Bottled Sauvignon Blanc ($12). And from Errázuriz comes its Estate Chardonnay ($11) and Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ($11).
Now suppose you are having a dinner party and are willing to pay more — but not much more — for an impressive wine. Chile can easily take you there. Marqués de Casa Concha Merlot ($18) is well-integrated, with black cherry in the aroma, while the same brand’s Cabernet Sauvignon ($18) is deep, full-bodied, intense. And Veramonte Primus 2002, a captivating blend of carmenère, merlot and cabernet sauvignon, is an elegant, graceful wine for $17.
A word of advice: no matter how tempting the price, always try a bottle before buying a full case. With these super Chilean bargains, however, you are very likely to go right back for a dozen.
Read This Next
All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
![](https://www.globaltravelerusa.com/wp-content/uploads/group-904.png)
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Sep 6, 2024Indio, California is “Hot” Right Now, and We’re Not Talking About the Weather
Although most travelers are familiar with the name Palm Springs, the oldest city in the Greater Palm Springs region is Indio, California, Coachella Valley's "City of Festivals,” which has been experiencing an exciting downtown revitalization.
September 2024
Sep 6, 2024Escape to Tahiti for a Captivating Island-Hopping Cruise
The 118 islands of French Polynesia reveal themselves layer by fascinating layer, with the spirit of mana (vital force) linking them all the way from Tahiti to the remote reaches of the Marquesas. This is part of the world best savored on a journey that dives as deep into culture as natural beauty, both above and below the water’s surface. A cruise makes it easy to cover a lot of ground while unpacking just once (and sneaking in some work done in comfort, too, during at-sea days). And cruising offers particular appeal within this semi-autonomous French territory sprawling across nearly 2 million square miles of ocean and covering five archipelagos.
Daily
Sep 6, 2024Experience the Awe of Fall Foliage at These 5 U.S. Hotels
‘Tis the season for flannels, pumpkin spice and beautiful fall colors. With seasons changing, leaves turn to stunning gold, red, orange and yellow, making it the perfect time for travelers to hit the open road and explore five fall foliage hotels in the United States.
Sponsored Content
New Suites Brand Prototype Variations with Enhanced Flexibility for Business Travelers
IHG Hotels & Resorts unveiled new prototype options for three suite brands: Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites and Atwell Suites. By offering expanded design choices, IHG looks to meet the growing demand for flexibility among guests in the rapidly expanding suites space. Coupled with IHG Business Edge, these suite brands provide business travelers with a multitude of destinations worldwide, ideal for their stays.
Daily
Sep 6, 2024Finnair Celebrates 5 Years of Platinum Wing Lounge
Finnair’s exclusive Platinum Wing lounge in Helsinki opened in summer 2019 and recently celebrated its fifth anniversary. Open to Finnair and oneworld’s top-tier customers, the lounge offers travelers a place to drink, dine and unwind pre-flight. Featuring Nordic-inspired design, the lounge offers areas for working, relaxing and dining, accommodating up to 155 customers at a time.
Take a Look at Windstar’s New “Star Seeker”
Daily
Sep 5, 2024eFlyer Reviews
Sep 4, 2024The Shelbourne Review
Facing the vast St. Stephen’s Green in the heart of Dublin sits the iconic and historic The Shelbourne. Few hotels master the perfect blend of history and luxury, but The Shelbourne gets it right. The site of the signing of the Irish Constitution in 1922 granting the Republic of Ireland its freedom from England, The Shelbourne has hosted its fair share of notable figures, from Michael Collins to Princess Grace Kelly to John Ford, the latter of which was the name of my suite.
Sponsored Content
Share Miles with Family and Friends with United Airlines
As you look ahead to winter travel, United Airlines and its MileagePlus loyalty program introduced MileagePlus miles pooling, which allows members to contribute and combine miles into a joint account. Groups of up to five members can now share and redeem miles in one linked account. As the first and only major U.S. airline to offer this feature, United also allows any MileagePlus member, whether relatives or close friends, to be in a pool with other members.
eFlyer News
Sep 4, 2024Illinois Becomes First Great Lakes State to Ban Certain Single-Use Plastic Bottles in Hotels
All hotels in Illinois with 50 or more guestrooms are now required to eliminate the use of small, single-use plastic bottles containing personal care products in individual rooms and public bathrooms beginning July 1, 2025. By Jan 1, 2026, all hotels are expected to make this transition.
ShareThis