This $13 Chilean cabernet traces its roots to Bordeaux

It’s hard to beat the value found in Chilean wines. The country has nearly ideal growing conditions for wine grapes as well as relatively low land and labor costs. This is especially true of wines made using grapes that trace their roots to the Bordeaux region of France, such as cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and sauvignon blanc. Los Vascos happens to be owned by one of Bordeaux’s most famous vintners, making it a gem on winemaking side.

Wine has been produced in Chile since grapes were introduced by the Spaniards, but the French vine varieties associated with fine wine were not introduced to Chile until the early 19th century. The country’s mild winters and cloud-free summer skies proved to be very fruit-friendly and today, wine ranks among the country’s top exports.

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In the 1990s, the spectacular quality of wines made in the Colchagua Valley just south of Santiago drew the attention of one of the Bordeaux region’s biggest names in wine, the Domaines Barons de Rothschild — Lafite, who established the Los Vascos estate where this 100% cabernet sauvignon wine is made. While Los Vascos produces more-ambitious reds aged in French oak barrels, this entry level offering is clean, fresh, and unoaked as with many of the Bordeaux region’s more affordable wines. The aroma showcases plump red fruits like cherries, raspberries, and even red bell peppers, interwoven with notes of savory herbs and spices. On the palate, the wine is midweight and fully dry, with balancing acidity that piques the appetite and makes a perfect foil for tomato-based pasta dishes and grilled meats.

$12.99; 14% alcohol

PLCB Item #4389

Sale price through Oct. 2 — regularly $14.99

Also available at these N.J. locations:

Canal’s Bottlestop in Marlton, $9.96, canalswine.com; Joe Canal’s in Lawrenceville, $9.99, lawrenceville.jcanals.com; and Cheers Wine & Spirits in Voorhees, $9.99, cheers-nj.com.