I wrote about Chile’s 8 Rios 2019 vintage wines 2 years ago, being tasty wines at an exceptional price. I am re-tasting these wines from the 2021 vintage. In particular, the 8 Rios Sauvignon Blanc 2021 and the 8 Rios Rosé 2021 which is made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Vina Undurraga is the maker of this entry-level 8 Rios label. Let me tell you about these wines.
8 Rios Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (BC $8.99 on sale till Sept 3/22)
Appearance: A medium lemon with a green tint in the glass.
Nose: Medium intensity nose with a mix of lemon and ripe stone fruit plus a touch of grape stem. A sweeter fruit nose with decanting, but still get tart citrus notes. Plus you can add a touch of blossom.
Palate: Dry medium-plus body, with a smooth, round, thick mouthfeel. Citrus, pears, green chiles, and a touch of peach on the palate. More green fruit on the palate plus a mineral streak with decanting.
Finish: A medium-plus length finishing with tart citrus and green fruit flavours. The same flavours on the finish with decanting.
No need to decant. Open and enjoy at your leisure.
Rating: 
A bright medium intensity lemon with a green tint. Medium aromas of lemon and ripe stone fruit plus a hint of grape stem. Dry, fuller body, round and smooth on the palate. Green chillies, pears, peach and other citrus flavours. Medium-plus length. Tart citrus and green fruit finish.
8 Rios Rosé 2021 (BC $8.99 on sale till Sept 3/22)
Appearance: A lighter salmon colour.
Nose: Medium-minus intensity nose showing red fruit, candied red cherries, and some flintiness. With decanting you can add sweet spices and strawberry flavours and reduce the flintiness.
Palate: Off-dry, medium-plus body and flavour intensity. Round with a thicker mouthfeel. Red fruit, red cherries and raspberries, with some pepperiness and candied cherries toward the finish. A lighter mouthfeel with decanting and a bit smoother.
Finish: A medium length finishing with tart red fruit and red cherries, plus a touch of pepperiness. No change with flavours or length after decanting.
If the flintiness of the wine bothers you, just give it some decant time. Decanting does not cause any major changes to fruit aromas and flavours.
Rating: A lighter salmon colour. Medium intensity aromas of red fruit, candied red cherries, and flint. Fuller-bodied, off-dry with a round, thicker mouthfeel. Medium acidity. Red fruit, red cherries and raspberries, plus light pepperiness. Medium length.
Where Can I Buy These Wines?
These wines are on sale for an insane price of $8.99 at BC Liquor stores till Sept 3, 2022! Buy now for the hot weather and enjoy on your patio.
Did you know that Rios is the Spanish word for Rivers? There are 8 major rivers that flow from the Andes mountains west to the Pacific Ocean in Chile.
