The Wines of Chile

The Wines of Chile – Peter Richards

Chile has become one of the most exciting wine-producing countries in the world. With its diverse geography, from the Atacama Desert in the north to cool southern regions and from the Pacific coast to the foothills of the Andes, the country offers remarkable conditions for growing grapes. In The Wines of Chile, wine writer and Master of Wine Peter Richards provides a comprehensive guide to this dynamic wine country.

Richards begins with an overview of Chile’s wine history, from the arrival of the vine with Spanish settlers to the rise of modern winemaking and the country’s growing international reputation. He explains the unique features of Chile’s climate and terrain, the challenges and opportunities facing producers, and the grape varieties for which the country is known, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Syrah and Pinot Noir.

The heart of the book is a detailed survey of Chile’s wine regions, from established areas such as Maipo, Colchagua and Casablanca to emerging regions that were gaining attention at the time of writing. For each region, Richards describes its characteristics, its leading producers and the styles of wine it produces. Profiles of wineries large and small provide insight into the people behind the wines.

Written with expertise and enthusiasm, the book also offers practical recommendations for readers wanting to explore Chilean wine.

Informative and authoritative, The Wines of Chile is an excellent reference for wine lovers, students, trade professionals and travelers. Readers should note that the Chilean wine scene has continued to evolve since publication.