A Chilean Thanksgiving with an Argentinian Sparkling Malbec Twist

• Posted on 13 November 2024
• Posted in argentina, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile, Malbec, pais, Sauvignon Blanc
• 0

This Thanksgiving, as we gather around the table, Chilean wines offer a taste of history and a touch of adventure—beginning with País, the very first grape variety planted in Chile, brought over by Spanish conquistadors in the 1500s. Long before French varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot arrived, País was the foundational grape, thriving in Chile's unique, isolated landscapes. Known in Europe as Listán Prieto, this grape traveled across the ocean on the ships of Spanish explorers, becoming one of the oldest surviving varietals in the New World.

Today, País plays a unique role in Chilean winemaking, offering a rustic, fresh flavor profile akin to Pinot Noir, making it an unexpectedly versatile pairing for Thanksgiving fare. This grape is not just a historical artifact; it’s a reminder of how global wine culture was born out of exploration and adaptation.

Chile is an extraordinary setting for winemaking, thanks to its distinct geography and isolation. Bordered by the Andes to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Atacama Desert to the north, and Patagonia to the south, Chile’s natural barriers have kept it free from phylloxera, the root louse that devastated European vineyards in the 19th century. This phylloxera-free status has allowed Chile to cultivate vines on original, ungrafted rootstock, meaning that some of its vines are among the oldest in the world. This is a rarity in modern viticulture, as most vineyards globally were forced to replant on phylloxera-resistant rootstock after the plague. Chile’s protective environment has preserved not only its old vines, but also a piece of viticultural history, with varietals like País linking the present to the past in a way few other wine regions can claim.

As Chile’s wine industry grew, particularly in the 1800s, European immigrants brought more grape varieties, including Bordeaux staples like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Carmenère. Cabernet Sauvignon, in particular, has found a thriving second home in Chile’s warmer regions, where the grape expresses rich, concentrated flavors of blackcurrant, fig, and cocoa. For Thanksgiving, a full-bodied Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon brings bold fruit and spice notes that can stand up to hearty dishes like turkey and roasted vegetables. But perhaps the most intriguing story belongs to Carmenère. Originally from Bordeaux, Carmenère was mistaken for Merlot when it was first planted in Chile and was only identified correctly in the 1990s. Known as the “lost grape of Bordeaux,” Carmenère in Chile has blossomed with unique earthy and spiced flavors, embodying Chile’s spirit of resilience and reinvention.

This sense of historical continuity combined with innovation has led to Chile’s becoming a powerhouse in the global wine industry. Today, the country boasts around 800 wineries, with 394 exporting companies that contribute significantly to Chile’s economy, supporting 100,000 jobs. Wine is a major agricultural export, accounting for 16.5 percent of Chile's agricultural revenue. Around 91 percent of wine production occurs outside the metropolitan region, highlighting the role of the diverse landscapes that define Chilean viticulture. And Chile’s commitment to sustainability is strong; many Chilean wineries follow the Sustainability Code of the Chilean Winemaking Industry, a voluntary guideline promoting responsible practices across vineyard, winery, and social areas. Chile’s dry climate is well-suited to organic, biodynamic, and sustainable wine production, which means that by choosing Chilean wines, we’re also supporting eco-friendly practices that respect the land and community.

Alongside País and Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile’s Sauvignon Blanc is a brilliant option to start off Thanksgiving with appetizers. The crisp, refreshing notes of Chilean Sauvignon Blanc, with its zesty citrus and herbaceous flavors, pair well with lighter dishes, like salads or seafood starters. This wine captures the cooling effects of the Pacific Ocean, especially in regions like Casablanca Valley, where foggy mornings and mild days create ideal conditions for producing wines with a bright, balanced acidity.

Yet, crossing the Andes to Argentina, we find a surprise guest for Thanksgiving: a sparkling Malbec. While Malbec is a classic Argentine varietal, usually seen in bold reds or even in Rosé, its sparkling version is a rarity, and it brings a touch of whimsy to the table. This sparkling Malbec adds a refreshing twist, with bright berry flavors and a unique effervescence that sets it apart, echoing the excitement and novelty of gathering loved ones for the holiday. Just as Thanksgiving brings together diverse dishes and traditions, this unexpected sparkling Malbec finds its place, offering a fun, lighthearted option to toast with.

Together, these wines represent not only a celebration of flavors but also the rich, interconnected histories of the Americas. From País, which laid the foundation for Chilean winemaking, to the iconic Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère, Chile’s wines carry stories of resilience, adaptation, and sustainable growth. Paired with a festive Thanksgiving feast, they remind us that even the most unexpected elements—like a sparkling Malbec from Argentina—can find a place at the table, bringing joy and connection to a gathering that celebrates the blending of traditions, just as Chilean and Argentinian wines blend the Old World with the New.