Wines Elqui Valley Luis Felipe Edwards - Ladera Cabernet Sauvignon

Luis Felipe Edwards’ Cuvée Ladera Cabernet Sauvignon hails from the fascinating Elqui Valley in northern Chile. As this is a non-vintage wine, the blend likely presents a consistent, approachable style rather than vintage-specific character. Cabernet Sauvignon in this region is known for producing deeply coloured red wines, typically showing vibrant black fruit notes, such as blackcurrant and plum, often complemented by touches of spice and subtle herbal elements. The winemaking style at Luis Felipe Edwards leans towards accessibility and fruit purity, usually favouring soft tannins and a balanced structure, making the wine pleasantly drinkable both on its own and with food.

The Elqui Valley, stretching north of Santiago towards the Andes and the Pacific, is one of Chile’s most unique wine regions. Its desert climate, shaped by the valley’s high altitude and dramatic daily temperature variations, allows grapes to ripen slowly, preserving fresh acidity while achieving generous fruit flavours. Stony, mineral-rich soils further contribute to a hallmark elegance and vibrancy in the wines. Though the Elqui Valley has a long-standing tradition in the production of pisco, winemaking here is a more recent development, and the area is rapidly gaining recognition for its expressive, fruit-driven reds.

This Cabernet Sauvignon will pair admirably with classic Chilean cuisine such as pastel de choclo—corn pie with beef and chicken—or with grilled lamb, hearty stews, or aged cheeses. Its bold yet smooth character also matches well with roast beef, chargrilled vegetables, or peppered steaks. For a lighter pairing, try it with mushroom risotto or a lentil casserole.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine slightly cool, around 16-18°C, to accentuate its fresh fruit notes and supple texture. A short period of aeration can help to open up its bouquet, especially if you wish to explore the wine’s subtler aromatic layers.