Errazuriz winery in Chile, was founded in 1870 by Don Maximiano Errazuriz. He planted the first French grape varieties in the Aconcagua Valley after he travelled two days on horseback to find the perfect land for his vines. Today, Errazuriz has over 150 years of vineyard excellence and stands as one of Chile’s most successful wineries.

While Carmenere is the grape that most prominently correlates with Chilean wine, Errazuriz is a winery that is showing the true breadth of what can be produced from the vast terroir of this country that includes other varietals beyond just the country’s signature grape.

Errazuriz is a producer that maintains quality at all levels of wine production. Their entry level wines are great value for consumers and are an example of what amazing QPR can be found from Chile. Climbing up the ladder of their portfolio are higher-end wines that truly show the excellence of the wineries’ capabilities. Their work with Cabernet Sauvignon has been exceptionally impressive. In particular, the mid-range Errazuriz Aconcagua Alto Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, and the top tier Maximiano Founder’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018. The vineyard that produced grapes for both wines was founded in 1870 where the very first seeds were planted in the Aconcagua Valley! Although the first is priced at $22.95 CAD, and the other is priced at $95.00 CAD, they both show equal quality and expression. The Alto displays intrinsic finesse, while the Maximiano exudes palate pleasing cohesiveness and concentration.

In fact, I shared both with friends on a wine night with several other high-end wines and the more affordable one seemed to be favoured, not just amongst the two Chilean wines, but the entire lineup of the evening.

When I was first beginning my wine journey and exploring the world of Chilean wine, I vividly remember tasting an Errazuriz Chardonnay. To me, it was sunshine in a bottle - not necessarily as a ripeness, but in the way you can smell and taste the sun off of fruit freshly picked on a warm summer’s day. I’ve been a big fan of their Chardonnay ever since. Additionally, I recall this bottle and every Errazuriz I’ve tasted since as having extraordinary value.

Sauvignon Blanc is another white grape variety that does particularly well in Chile, and another example that Errazuriz champions.

It’s to no surprise that Errazuriz boasted the award of The World’s Most Admired Wine Brands by Drinks International in 2021. They are certainly one of mine!