Aside from Italy, France and Spain, Chile exports the most bottled wine in the world. While UK supermarket shelves have been packed with entry-level, mass-produced bottlings of Chilean white wine over the years, in more recent times there’s been a collective levelling-up on the quality front, with some great value mid and premium Chilean offerings competing with top wines from around the world.
International varieties of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay dominate white wine plantings in the country, and indeed, Sauvignon Blanc dominated at this year’s IWSC. Out of the seven best-rated wines, six were Sauvignon Blanc. Four wines shared the top spot with 90 points and a Silver medal.
Casas del Bosque Botanic Series La Cantera was ‘simply electric,’ while Viña Luis Felipe Edwards La Corriente offered a ‘crisp and zesty palate that shows great intensity.’ Viña Luis Felipe Edwards’ Sauvignon Blush (90% Sauvignon Blanc, 6% Cinsault, 4% Savagnin/Traminer Aromatico) was ‘stunningly crisp,’ and Casas del Bosque was ‘wonderfully fresh with a mineral finesse and exceptional acidity.’
With 88 points, Viña San Pedro Tarapacá Single Vineyard Garuma impressed judges by being ‘particularly pure,’ followed close behind with 87 points by Constanza Schwaderer Kimbao, which offered ‘bright white fruit, capsicum and sweet pea aromas.’ The only non-Sauvignon Blanc on the list, Constanza Schwaderer Kimbao Pedro Jimenez scored 87 points with its ‘lively palate into a pleasingly salty finish.’
All the Chilean white wine in this year’s IWSC was judged by an expert panel, led by Master of Wine Alistair Cooper. Other judges on the panel included fellow MWs Ana Sapungiu, Matteo Montone and Matthew Forster, along with Paulo Brammer, Elvis Ziakos, Mattia Scarpazza, Immacolata Cannavo, Sunny Hodge and Colin Thorne.
Chilean white wine is really starting to find its groove, with exciting examples showcasing a bright freshness, minerality and mouthwatering acidity. Here’s our full round-up of the best Chilean white wine, as judged by the IWSC 2022.
HOW DO WE JUDGE THESE WINES?
We run a tightly structured, rigorous wine tasting process. That means that each wine sample is pre-poured into numbered glasses and assessed blindly by the judges. Most importantly, our IWSC wine judges are experts in their field, who work across all sectors of the wine industry. For evidence, see our full list of judges.
HOW DO WE SCORE THESE WINES?
Only the best wines sampled receive a Gold or Silver award. For example, to win Gold, wines have to score between 95 and 100 points. Meanwhile, Silver wines range from 90 to 94 points. Click here to read more on our scoring system.
MORE FROM CLUB OENOLOGIQUE
Club O is an exclusive community and the go-to platform for wine and spirit lovers. Our flagship Club Oenologique magazine offers even more insights for enthusiasts and collectors. Based in London, our editorial team tells informative, inspirational stories from the world of wine and spirits, gastronomy and travel, as well as covering recommendations and the latest trends in drink. You can take a look at our Explained series, for instance, where we’re tackling grape varieties, regions and styles of wine and spirits. Alternatively, visit our Ask the Sommelier section, where experts answer your wine-related questions.
Seven award-winning chilean white wines from the IWSC 2022
Casas del Bosque, Botanic Series La Cantera Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Viña Luis Felipe Edwards, La Corriente Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Viña Luis Felipe Edwards, La Corriente Sauvignon Blanc Blush 2021
Casas del Bosque, Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2021
