Clery Strawberry White Wine Punch

Versión en español

As soon as the heat of summer starts in Chile and the summer fruit is available, we drink Clery or Borgoña. These strawberry punches, one with white wine and the other with red wine, are very popular in Central Chile.

Clery is versatile, and it's common to add to the strawberries as seasonal fruit like white peaches, yellow peaches, or mango. Depending on availability, you could also use sweet cherries. And probably the crown is for the Strawberry Cherimoya Clery.

Remember to do it a few hours before serving, chill in the refrigerator, and serve in a short glass.

What varieties of white wines are suitable for Clery?

I like using moderately priced Chilean white wines, especially Sauvignon Blanc. If you can find Pipeño, an old-fashioned grape, it also works well.

Chile's geography, climate, and winemaking traditions contribute to producing a wide range of white wine styles, from crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc to rich and complex Chardonnay. Here's an overview of some popular Chilean white wines:

• Sauvignon Blanc: Chilean Sauvignon Blanc is often described as vibrant, with citrusy aromas, tropical fruit flavors, and refreshing acidity. These wines are typically unoaked, allowing the fruit flavors to shine through. The cooler climate regions, such as Casablanca Valley and Leyda Valley, produce some of Chile's finest expressions of Sauvignon Blanc.
• Chardonnay: Chilean Chardonnay ranges from fresh and unoaked styles to more full-bodied and oak-aged versions. The country's diverse terroirs, including regions like Limarí Valley and Casablanca Valley, offer various expressions of Chardonnay, with flavors ranging from citrus and green apple to ripe tropical fruits and buttery notes from oak aging.

• Gewürztraminer: Chilean Gewürztraminer is characterized by its intensely aromatic profile, featuring floral notes, lychee, rose petals, and spices. These wines often have a slightly off-dry or sweet taste, making them an excellent choice for pairing with spicy dishes or enjoying themselves as an aperitif.
• Viognier: Viognier is a lesser-known but increasingly popular white wine grape in Chile. It produces aromatic wines with floral and stone fruit aromas, such as peach and apricot, often with hints of spice. Chilean Viognier can balance freshness and richness, making it an intriguing alternative to more common white varieties.
• Other Varieties and Blends: Chile also produces white wines from other grape varieties, including Semillón, Riesling, Sauvignon Gris, and Muscat. These wines showcase the country's experimentation with different grape varieties and terroirs, offering wine enthusiasts a diverse range of options.

What happens if I use red wine?

Nothing! It's also delicious, and we call that a Borgoña in Chile.

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