Chile has burst onto the wine scene in the past 15 years. Known for inexpensive, fruit forward extremely drinkable Cabernet Sauvignon throughout much of the United States, the Chilean wine industry is capable of producing much, much more.

Have you had an expensive Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon? Most wine drinkers have not....when they think of expensive Cab they think of Napa or Bordeaux. Some of the best Chilean Cab's though belong in that same company. There are some amazing world class Cab's being produced in Chile, of course the country will always be known as perhaps the best bet in the $12 and under category.

Chile offers some of the warmest growing conditions in the world, grapes even under tough conditions will almost always attain maximum ripeness. This is definitely not an old world, refined style of winemaking.

There are two other varietals which are produced in Chile, well perhaps only one.

Chilean's have always grown Merlot, well they thought it was Merlot. It turns out that some of the Merlot being grown in Chile, was in fact Carmenere. It's part of both the beauty and problem with Merlot, it can be grown into almost anything. That's both good and bad because it doesn't offer distinctive flavors under virtually any growing conditions.

Carmenere has quickly become Chile's national grape. It's flavors and style come in somewhere between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Many of the stuffy wine drinkers from all over the world would say that Carmenere doesn't offer enough delicate flavors to be interesting. At Uncorked Ventures, we disagree. Carmenere when grown well can be an interesting wine offering some of the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon, while giving the more round mouth feel which is reminiscent of Merlot. Long a favorite of local eateries and dinners, Carmenere is one grape which should catch on soon in international markets.

White wines in Chile are not nearly as developed. Chardonnay is the clear winner here which isn't surprising because it is often the white wine grape which is grown along with Cabernet Sauvignon. The Chardonnay in Chile is most often grown at cooler temperatures and higher altitutes. It stands ready to take the mantle as the next extremely affordable wine being imported from Chile.

Lastly, no conversation of Chilean wine would be complete without mentioning Sauvignon Blanc. Clearly the best bet to be the next great Chilean wine, Sauvignon Blanc offers some truly outstanding lime juice and green fruit flavors.