Wine Columnist, My VanCity
Sam is a passionate wine enthusiast and writer covering the BC wine and food scene for My VanCity.
Originally published on My VanCity — by Sam Hauck. Republished with permission.
A Brief History
Chile's winemaking roots stretch back to the 1500s, when Spanish settlers first planted vines in South America. Chile's geographic isolation—bordered by the Andes to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west, desert to the north, and Patagonia to the south—has kept the country free of phylloxera. Most vines are planted on their own roots rather than grafted, a rarity in the modern wine world.
At Franco's, Luigi led us through a tasting of four Chilean wines: one white and three reds.
Casa Marín — Cartagena Sauvignon Blanc 2023 — $26.99
Founded in 2000 by María Luz Marín, Casa Marín is the only producer with its own DO (Denomination of Origin) in the San Antonio Valley. Located just four kilometres from the Pacific Ocean. This is a focused, precise Sauvignon Blanc—aromas of citrus, fresh herbs, and saline minerality with mouth-watering acidity. Robert Parker hailed their first release as the best white wine made in South America.
Emiliana — Coyam Red Blend — $32.99
From the Colchagua Valley. Chile's leading organic and biodynamic winery. 37% Syrah, 36% Carménère, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Mourvèdre. Dark fruit, spice, earth, and savoury notes with good structure. Won Best in Show at the first Wines of Chile Awards.
Viña Errázuriz — Aconcagua Alto Carménère 2022 — $34.99
From the Aconcagua Valley. Founded in 1870 by Don Maximiano Errázuriz. Fruit-forward with red and black fruit, plum, spice, and subtle herbal notes. Smooth tannins. An easy match for grilled burgers or pizza.
Seña — Rocas de Seña 2021 — $82.99
The second wine of Seña—founded in 1995 as a joint venture between Eduardo Chadwick and Napa Valley's Robert Mondavi. A Cabernet-led blend showing black currant, graphite, cedar, and spice. Refined, structured, with clear cellaring potential.
All photos by Sam Hauck. Originally published on My VanCity.
