Exploring Chilean Wines at the Winemaker’s Night at MLH

Known as a country with climatic conditions perfect for growing grapes, Chile is able to grow a whole host of varieties across its many varied regions. From the Maipo Valley, known for its cool maritime climate and well balanced reds to the Maule Valley, one of Chile’s oldest and largest regions, ideal for producing the classic Bordeaux varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Then the southern Bio Bio region, with its high levels of rainfall, strong winds and cool nights, producing some of the new worlds finest Riesling and Gewurztraminer, proves that Chile is a country of contrasts.

Valdivieso wines have had a very successful career, triumphing in major world markets and achieving the highest honours in international competitions. These achievements are not an objective in themselves, but rather the result of the search for superior quality wines that are both distinctive and attractive.

Brett Jackson, a native of New Zealand, began his winemaking career in 1990 at Stonyridge Vineyard in Waiheke, New Zealand. His early success gave him the opportunity to continue his skills at Flora Springs Winery in Napa Valley, California. In 1993, Brett wanted to broaden his international experience and provided his services at Thelema Mountian Vineyards in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Later, he obtained valuable French winemaking ideas by working with Jacques and Francois Lurton in Narbonne, France.

In 1994, Brett came to Chile and began working with Viña San Pedro. During the next seven years, he became head winemaker and through his direction the quality of San Pedro’s wines, improved to worldwide recognition. After San Pedro, during early 2001, Brett became the chief winemaker for the Chilean winery, Viña Tarapaca. Through his guidance, the winery was awarded a gold medal for their 2001 Sauvignon Blanc wine.

Overall, Brett’s winemaking skills helped to achieve no less than five gold medals at various international wine events, which include the 1995 Vinexpo in Bordeaux, France, as well as the 1999 International Wine Challenge in London, England. During Brett’s tenure at Viña San Pedro, their Cabernets were positioned within the top 10 Cabernets of Chile several times.

Viña Valdivieso under Brett and his commended team has achieved outstanding results in all major international wine competitions. Viña Valdivieso looks forward to continue its quality performance under Brett’s guidance.

With Valdivieso’s winemaker Brett Jackson stopping by at MLH on 3 September 2011 for the Winemakers’ Night complementing the evening with a five-course dinner at the price of Rs. 5500, your evening could be exalted further with his thoughts on how the vintage went down in Chile.