Winemaking was first introduced to Chile by Spanish settlers in
the 1500’s, but it wasn’t until the 1980’s that much of the
world had their first sips of Chilean wine. At this time, Chile
began exporting its wine reserves after strict trade barriers
were lifted that once prevented wines to be released from Chile.
Since then, Chile has experience remarkable growth. In 1984,
Chile’s total wine exports amounted to 2%, less than 30 years
later they’re currently exporting 70% of their wines, making
Chile responsible for roughly 8% of the world’s wine. Chile is
dominated by red wines, accounting for almost three quarters of
their total production. The most prominent red wine is Cabernet
Sauvignon, followed Merlot and, finally, Carmenere, the “lost
grape of Bordeaux.” Chile has also received high praise for the
production of wines made from Pinot Noir despite the fact the
plantings of this grape are relatively small. Chile’s red wines
are often blended into interesting cuvees that stray from the
ordinary by incorpor