World

Coffee lovers, wine enthusiasts, tea devotees—chances are, you’ve sipped a Chilean Cabernet without realizing it. This South American varietal has quietly usurped Bordeaux’s crown, delivering bold, complex reds that rival Napa Valley’s best. The Maipo Valley, in particular, crafts wines with notes of black currant, fig paste, and dark chocolate—think of it as a sly cousin to California’s heavy hitters. But how did a country with no wine history become a global force? Let’s break it down. Chile’s warmer climate and Mediterranean-style terroir are perfect for Cabernet Sauvignon, allowing grapes to ripen fully and develop concentrated flavors. The Maipo Valley’s…