The Ventisquero Wine Estates Grey line offers some of the best wine from Chile that we have ever tasted. Our introduction to this line from single blocks of vines included four wines: 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2017 Pinot Noir, 2017 Carménère and 2017 GCM blend. Above all, Ventisquero wants to pay tribute to Chilean terroirs by making wines from vineyards located throughout the country. We absolutely loved the Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, and enjoyed the other two as well. Read on for details.

The Ventisquero Story

In 1998, the Ventisquero winery was established in the Maipo Valley, one of Chile’s most important wine-producing regions. Firstly, Trinidad Vineyard, in the coastal area, became the location for the first plantings, sourcing Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère.

Secondly, in 1999, the new winery formally launched with the name Ventisquero, paying homage to the country’s glaciers and Chilean Patagonia. Thirdly, in 2000, winemaker Felipe Tosso led the first harvest, with the first wines released for sale in 2001.

Subsequently, Ventisquero developed vineyards in Casablanca, Colchagua, Leyda and Huasco valleys, and opened offices in the United States and Europe.

Furthermore, in 2020, Ventisquero exported 1.5 million cases of Chilean wine around the world.

According to the winery, “True to our philosophy of going ‘a step beyond,’ we create modern, avant-garde, high-quality wines and we take care of the environment at each and every stage of our production process.”

The Wines

Overall, we tasted through an outstanding portfolio of balanced, complex and elegant single-block wines, which represent the uniqueness and the diversity of Chilean terroirs.

Ventisquero Grey (Glacier) 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon ($24)

This Cabernet Sauvignon is outstanding, with grapes sourced from Trinidad Vineyard in Maipo Valley. Rounded off with 4% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc, it features rich flavors of chocolate, cedar, vanilla, spices, and red and black fruit. Fermentation in stainless steel produces a subtle minerality that we loved. Pair this Cab Sauvignon with steak, grilled meat and well-seasoned dishes, or simply kick back with a glass and some aged cheese by the fireplace.

Ventisquero Grey (Glacier) 2017 Pinot Noir ($24)

This beautiful Pinot Noir graced our Thanksgiving table. The grapes come from Las Terrazas Vineyard in Leyda Valley, situated only four miles from the Pacific Ocean. The deep maritime influence, plus fermentation in steel tanks, generated some lovely mineral notes. This is a complex, rich, bold, elegant Pinot Noir that seems to be made for Cabernet lovers. Aromas of cola and coffee lead into earthy, spicy, black and red fruit flavors. We paired it with turkey, but it will also complement salmon and pasta dishes with red sauces.

Ventisquero Grey (Glacier) 2017 Carménère ($24)

Another elegant wine from the Grey line, Carménère is the iconic flagship grape of Chile. This beautiful single-block wine also comes from Trinidad Vineyard in Maipo Valley. Aromatics range from earth and forest to black fruit, vanilla and graphite, followed by flavors of more dark fruit, pepper and spice. Bring on the steak! Or open it with other red meat dishes or pork. Think barbecue or grill, and you’ll have a perfect pairing.

Ventisquero Grey (Glacier) 2017 GCM ($24)

The Ventisquero Grey GCM blends 62% Garnacha, 19% Cariñena and 19% Mataro grapes from the Valle de Colchagua’s Apalta vineyard. (The grapes are also known as Grenache, Carignan and Mourvédre.) Within a short distance from the River Tinguiririca, this vineyard benefits from the perfect climate for producing fine wines in stony-sandy and red clay soils. This complex blend presents a gorgeous nose of black fruit, raspberries and cherries, with savory notes and hints of oak spice. Next comes smokey and savory flavors, layered with cherries, strawberries, vanilla, spice and mineral notes. Pair this food-friendly wine with pork or Gouda and too many other dishes to name.

Summary

In conclusion, we highly recommend these stellar wines from Chile. Above all, we thank Ventisquero Wine Estates for the introduction and the samples. Thankfully, these wines are available in the U.S., because we will be making a purchase soon.

Cheers!
Margot and Dave