Valdivieso: a masterful taste of Chile

The wines from Valdivieso are considered some of the finest from Chile. Here, db takes a look at the award-winning wines from this historic South American producer. 

Dating back to 1879, Valdivieso was founded by Don Alberto Valdivieso as Champagne Valdivieso S.A., which was the first sparkling wine house in South America.

By the 1980s, it began to produce still wines, and has gone on to win many awards. Based in Lontué within the Curicó Valley, Valdivieso has a abundance of vineyards, with the terroir expressed through its single-vineyard wines.

Viña Valdivieso has established itself across South American markets, as well as expanding into Europe and Asia. A century since its foundation, it continues the commercial production of wines in its Lontué winery, achieving global recognition and leading its category with the delivery of a quality, diverse portfolio.

Award-winning wines include two medallists at db‘s Global Carmenère Masters, which are outlined below alongside its Caballo Loco Blanco. Tasting notes have been provided by Patricia Stefanowicz MW and Patrick Schmitt MW.

Valdivieso Single Vineyard Carmenère 2021

Medal: Gold– Global Carmenère Masters 2023

Region: Peumo, Cachapoal Valley

Grape variety: 100% Carmenère

ABV: 14.5%

Vintage: 2021

Approx. retail price: £15.99

Peumo is the acorn capital of Chile; hence its name. In a fairly fertile clay soil, Carmenère thrives here, because the variety needs water and the dense soils hold moisture well. This wine has a rich ruby colour with bramble, blackberry fruit and cigar-box and cream accents. With succulent fruit and full body, the wine has the structure of tangy acidity and corduroy-textured tannins to balance the intense flavours. A concentrated wine that will match confit de canard or boeuf bourguignon.

Valdivieso Valley Selection Carmenere 2020

Medal: Silver– Global Masters Carmenère Tasting 2023

Region: Rapel

Grape variety: 100% Carmenère

ABV: 14.5%

Vintage: 2020

Approx. retail price: £15.20

A deepish ruby with morello cherry, dark chocolate, and notes of red roses with dry, grippy tannins. It has a lively acidity, mid-weight, with good definition and length.

Caballo Loco Blanco

Region: Central Valley

Vintage: NV

Grape varieties: 45% Chardonnay, 55% Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Moscatel, Semillon & Viognier

ABV: 13%

Approx. retail price: £60

Score: 93

A fascinating set of intriguing aromatics, from cashew and pear to peach and tangerine, along with some grapey characters, and smoky tea leaves. The palate has the same complex set of characters, with a gently oily texture, some floral notes, then some nuttiness, and fine chalky tannin, with a grape, peach and orange core followed by some grapefruit pith bitterness on the finish, as well as lemon-lime freshness. Layered and persistent, and different to anything else on the white wine scene in Chile.