Sometimes you don’t need Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals to spot great value, and that regularly rings true of wines from Chile, where the quality-to-price ratio continues to top the charts. With virtually no pests to fight off, a climate highly conducive to growing grapes, production costs far lower than North America and a bevy of viticultural and technological advances in the past decade or two, it’s almost unfair how easily they’re making excellent wine in that long, skinny South American country. Here are two budget-friendly Chilean wines to add to your list. And one robust Italian!
Lungarotti IlBio Rosso 2016 — Umbria, Italy ($23.95)
A recent release at the LCBO, this organically certified red edges into the full-bodied spectrum. Made entirely from Sagrantino, an indigenous grape of Umbria noted for its high levels of antioxidants, this 2016 edition produces a nose of rich dark red fruit, fresh leather, a dying bonfire sort of smoke and wet tea bag. While earthy and a tad tarry, there’s a concentration—even a hint of reduction—to the almost jammy dark cherry and plum fruit on the palate, with a dash of vanilla thrown in. Tannins coat the tongue, but not in an overly drying manner. Feels like it could—and should—be a bit more polished and balanced, but there’s still a lot here to like. The sort of red that will usually score higher with the general public than wine critics. 89
Emiliana Novas Gran Reserva Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2018 — San Antonio Valley, Chile ($15.95)
Insanely good value here. On the nose there’s bell peppers and hot peppers, soft notes of grapefruit, salinity and a mineral vein that runs through it as though it were poured over slate before bottling. On the palate there’s a nice acidity—albeit not as much as you’d find in a traditional New Zealand Sauv Blanc—and steely smooth, with a little oaking to add volume. 89
Perez Cruz Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2018— Maipo Valley, Chile ($14.95)
Cabernet Sauvignon is the backbone of the portfolio at Perez Cruz, and even their entry level version impresses. Carmenere and Syrah fill out the mix in this 90% Cabernet, where dark red fruit and mint immediately lift to the nose in your glass. The mid-palate is soft, and the finish longer and silkier than you’d ever expect for the price. Superb bang for the buck. 88.5
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