When one thinks of Chilean wine it’s often the big, bold and affordable red wines that come to mind.  I’m certainly one who has become a big fan of the outstanding value reds that can be found from Chile.  But there is a lot more diversity coming from Chile than you may realize and some outstanding white wines are to be found as well.

One reliably good white that I’ve found is the Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc from the Casablanca Valley.  This wine has been highly acclaimed for the past few years and they’ve just released their 2008 which is proving to be another excellent vintage.

While the region is referred to as Casablanca Valley, it isn’t really a “valley” in geological terms.  Rather than a valley, it’s more of a depression.  The region covers the western side of the coastal hills between Santiago and Valparaiso.  The main part of the region lies about 12 miles inland from the Pacific coast and the low-lying area surrounded by hills creates a basin where cool ocean air creates a maritime influence that results in a moderate climate.  But throughout the region, microclimates create a lot of variety and opportunities for viticulturists.

The Veramonte vineyards are in the far eastern end of the Casablanca Valley, where they established in 1990. The terrain of the vineyard varies, creating numerous microclimates that Veramonte takes advantage of—along with soil variations—blending grapes from different blocks to add complexity to the final wine.

The majority of vineyards in the Casablanca Valley, including Veramonte’s, are planted with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.  But there is experimentation with other varieties throughout the region.

In the past, I’ve noted the Veramonte Chardonnay as one of my favorite great value whites to be found.  And now, I’ve found another favorite with the Sauvignon Blanc.  The nose has both outstanding intesity and complexity.  I’m first struck by a combination of vegetal/cut grass aroma—much like you’d expect from a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc—along with mango, melon and peach.  There is also a flinty minerality as well as a touch of citrus.

The palate has perfect acidity.  The flavors are primarily melon, mango and peach, followed by a mid-palate mineral and peach that lingers into a long finish.  Some past vintages have been dinged for having a short finish, but I didn’t find that to be the case with this one.

Simply put, at $10.99 this is an outstanding value.

Wine: Veramonte – Reserva
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2008
Alcohol: 13.5%
Rating: 91
Price: $10.99