Food 145rather than Californian wines for flavour. In general, Chilean
red wines tend to have a stronger reputation than the whites.
Interestingly, a grape that was believed to be lost to disease in
France was rediscovered in Chile. For many years Carmenère
had been mistakenly classified as Merlot. This lovely wine
should definitely be sampled and it is worthwhile to become
somewhat versed in Chilean wines.
Pisco is a clear spirit similar to brandy. It is produced
in the Elqui Valley where the climate is hot, with 300 days
a year of clear skies, low rainfall and very little wind. The
grapes grown there have a very high sugar content. Pisco
is popular for mixing with soft
drinks like Coca Cola (called
piscola), ginger ale or vermouth
but it is most common in Pisco
sours. This classic drink is made
with lemon juice, sugar, ice and
beaten egg white. The Peruvians
made this drink famous, but the
Chilean version tastes slightly
different.
Toasts
Chileans always make a toast
with the first drink. It is usually a
few words in honour of the host
or to mark a special occasion.
Glasses are raised, eye contact is
made and everyone says “Salud”
(which means health) in unison.
After the initial toast, there may
be additional random “Saluds”
throughout the evening.