by Simone Baldwin

When it comes to grape growing, Chile was blessed with a full deck of cards. Spanning a formidable length of 4,300 kilometres (2,700 miles), Chile is indeed a country that seems to have everything where it is needed, despite its geographical isolation. With the frigid Antarctic ice off its southern border, a desert off the northern one, squeezed between the Pacific Ocean on the western border and the epic Andes on the eastern border, it is quite literally a cradle for the choicest wine growing conditions on the planet.

In fact, the isolation has fostered a wine growing environment in which little or no pesticides need be used to ward off grape eating predators, an achievement that speaks mostnotably when Chile can claim along with Argentina to be one of only two countries in the world, that were not afflicted by the lethal phylloxera pest (an insect which devastated European vineyards in the late 19th century and decimated the vineyards of California in the 20th).

Explorer Christopher Colombus was responsible for transporting the first vine cuttings on his second journey to the Americas in 1493 but it was Hernan Cortes, the conqueror of Mexico, who first cultivated the vine in the New World. Five hundred years later, in the early 1900's the Chilean wine industry was hampered by a combination of a poor political climate, restrictive taxes and a local population that favored cheap, unexceptional wines. However, once these conditions shifted in the late 1980's, the wines of Chile experienced one of the most aggressive growth spurts in wine-making history. In less than 10 years, Chile began to produce first class wines that we becoming recognized by the world for their quality and style. Foreign investment from Spain, France, Italy and the United States provided a great number of Chilean vineyards with upgraded technology and facilities. These investments in the best equipment as well as select French and American oak barrels provided a much needed boost to wine makers who were keen to take advantage of the wine growing climate and make some truly notable wines.

Chile has made a name for itself, with it's own interpretation of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape allowing some bold wine writers and critics to claim that there exists some Chilean vineyards that are more Bordeaux than Bordeaux itself.

Further fascination with Chardonnay, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc was encouraged by the American market in the late 80's and early 90's when these varietals made a huge splash on the North American wine scene with their fruit driven purity and exceptional value for money. In 2006, North America remains the largest importer of Chilean wine. Further progress included the smaller, family owned vineyards following suit in becoming proactive with their business and marketing acumen by labeling their own brands. The result was that more definitively unique wines emerged though at higher prices. This suggests that while a reasonably priced $10 Chilean Chardonnay will be pretty good, a more expensive $40 or $50 bottle will be great.

Anyone familiar with Chilean wines will not be surprised to hear the reference to Carmenere, a medium bodied grape producing smoky and bold reds. In fact, a Chilean Merlot might actually be crafted from the Carmenere grape. As more mature Chilean vineyards are able to distinguish between vines using DNA testing, consistency in labeling practices will become more dependable.

Pt. Indowines is the largest importer of Chilean wine into Indonesia, bringing to the market, an extensive and distinctive array of producers and labels. Moving away from the famed names such as Conchya Y Toro, which incidentally has become one of the highest selling wines in Indonesia in the USD 10-14 price bracket, Indo Wines offers a plethora of brands that have established their reputations on producing consistently good to great wines.

During November – December 2006, PT INDOWINES will organize and sponsor the first Wine Festival with Chilean Wines, selected directly from the Vineyards in Chile. It is a festival and offer like no other, available in selected restaurants, consumers will be given 2 bottles for the price of 1. The second bottle, may be taken away for consumption at home.

The following tasting notes may be used to influence your choice, however there is doubt that any consumer's selection would be met with a response other than pleasure. Happy Drinking and thank you indowines.

2002 Altair 'Sideral'
This big wine is still a baby and benefits from a good hour in the decanter. 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot with the remaining 10% made up of dollops of Carmenere, Syrah, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Lovely dark berry nose, loads of fruit on the palate and a nice touch of French oak in the background. Very focused. Great with a hearty meal.

2003 Santa Ema 60/40 Barrel Select
Barrel Select is a posh way of saying they chose Cabernet from one barrel and Merlot from the other, blending 60% of the former with 40% of the latter. Santa Ema is a consistently good producer of fruit driven wine that are delightful drinking in their youth. American oak jumps out of the glass right up the olfactory. The palate is a awash with cassis Cabernet and sweet cherry Merlot, chewy tannins and good length. A big of a boy's wine but I loved it!

2005 Santa Ema Sauvignon Blanc
What a crowd pleaser. Nose of citrus and honey. Sweetness on palate that is curbed by just the right amount of acid. It is like biting into a tart lemon pie. Fresh, lively, and thirst quenching. Drink gallons of it. The Chardonnay is also worth a look.

Valdivieso Sparkling Grand Brut
When you don't feel like splurging on Champagne and you are sick of the Aussie bubbles, this little bottle of fuzz will stand you in very good stead.