Tasting the Wines of the Chilean Coast, Spring 2025 Releases

There’s a paradox to the wines on the Chilean coast: How can a region on such a warm line of latitude produce wines present as if they emanated from colder temperatures? According to South American wine expert Joaquin Hidalgo and, well, climatology, the answer lies within the Humboldt current. Its impact can be felt globally: Rising from Antarctic waters, it travels northward, cooling air and reducing humidity. The effect is so strong that it mirrors foggy conditions typically associated with California’s Sonoma Coast, making it ideal for delicate grape varieties. Combine these temperatures with granite-intensive soil and a coastal range of mountains blocking heat from inland areas, and you have an engaging combination of science and alchemy.

Thanks to Master the World and Creative Palate, we sat with Hidalgo earlier this year at a tasting session to try a variety of offerings from the region, expecting a very mineral-rich terroir with complex flavor profiles. We were not disappointed.

2022 Viña Concha y Toro Amelia Pinot Noir– Surprisingly autumnal on the nose, with aromas of cranberry, plum, and cinnamon carrying through to the palate, where it is met with a layer of black cherry at the midpoint. Full-bodied and vibrant, it’s accompanied by baking spice on a very long finish with light tannins. Would hold its own in a battle between anything from France, Oregon, and all parts in between. It is also going down as one for consideration at the table next Thanksgiving. A- / $55

2021 Viña Santa Rita Floresta Chardonnay – Of all three Chardonnays tried during this tasting, this one had most present minerality, with graphite showing heavily on the nose before a note of green apple evolved with time. Tropical fruit and lemon zest provide balance, and there’s a slight herbal influence on the finish keeping things light and lively. A- / $20

2020 Garcés Silva Pinot Noir – Bold on the nose with big notes of raspberry, cranberry, rose petal, and dried herb running throughout. The palate allows for the red fruit to take the lead, accompanied by strawberry and a touch of mint as it evolves. Decent acidity; well-balanced and consistent from start to finish. B+ / $20

2023 TerraNoble Algarrobo Pinot Noir – What’s interesting with this Pinot Noir is how subtly it evolves from sweet to savory over time. Lots to love here with cherry and granite notes eventually making way for olive tapenade, bell pepper, and and a touch of roasted plum. Framed by good acidity and robust tannins, the red fruit eventually makes a return to dominance on the long and lingering conclusion. An encore presentation in a year or so is not out of the question, as this has lovely aging potential. B+ / $15

2020 Montes Alpha Chardonnay – Oaky and tropical fruit retain balance on the nose and palate, with vanilla and lemon zest sharing space with white tea in the glass. However, the finish is where the fruit shifts into dominance, with layers of lime and lemon overpowering the tea and giving the finish a quality that would not be out of place in a high-end dessert. Worthy of attention, especially as a standalone glass after a robust and hearty main course. B+ / $24

2023 Miguel Torres Cordillera de Los Andes Chardonnay – On the nose and palate, this wine offers notes of citrus fruit and fresh grass. Bright in acidity and a bit chalky on the palate, with lime zest and a touch of white peach peeking through towards the finish. It can prove a challenge as a solo sipper, but a bit of Gruyère evens things out and creates a full-flavored duet. B / $20

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