A classic summer drink in Chile, burgundy or Borgoña is any punch with fruit and red wine. The most popular one is with strawberries and peaches and this Strawberry Red Wine Punch.
The truth is it’s impossible not to take advantage of the incredible summer fruits in Chile, juicy and with a sweetness that I have rarely found anywhere else. These wine-based punches are delicious and are frequently enjoyed with Sunday lunch.
Fruit is very cheap in Chile; many can access fruit trees in their backyards. I grew up with avocados, cherries, peaches, walnuts, and apricot trees. I was so spoiled!
The great month to visit Chile is March, the end of summer and harvest time, which is perfect for seeing the many wine regions. Colchagua is my favorite, but any is worthy.
What varieties of red wines are suitable for Borgoña?
I like using moderated-price Chilean red wines, especially Pinot Noir, Carmenere, and Merlot. If you find Pipeño, an old-fashioned grape, it also works well.
Chilean red wines are celebrated worldwide for their exceptional quality, diversity, and value. Chile’s unique geography, including its long coastline, diverse microclimates, and varied terroirs, provides ideal conditions for cultivating a wide range of red wine grape varieties. Here’s an overview of some famous Chilean red wines:
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Cabernet Sauvignon is often considered Chile’s flagship red grape variety. Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon wines are known for their rich blackcurrant, plum, and blackberry flavors, herbal notes, and firm tannins. Regions like Maipo Valley, Colchagua Valley, and Maule Valley are renowned for producing outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon wines, showcasing the country’s ability to craft bold and age-worthy reds.
- Carménère: Carménère has become synonymous with Chilean wine, as the country is one of the primary producers of this grape variety. Chilean Carménère wines are characterized by their deep red color, luscious texture, and distinctive aromas of dark fruits, such as blackberry and plum, along with notes of spices and green bell pepper. Central Valley and Colchagua Valley are particularly famous for their Carménère vineyards.
- Merlot: Merlot is another widely planted red grape variety in Chile. Chilean Merlot wines typically offer soft tannins, ripe fruit flavors of plum, cherry, and raspberry, and a smooth, approachable profile. Central Valley and Maipo Valley are prominent regions for Merlot production, where the grape thrives in the warm Mediterranean climate.
- Syrah (Shiraz): Chilean Syrah, also known as Shiraz, produces bold and expressive red wines with intense flavors of blackberry, blueberry, pepper, and smoked meat, often accompanied by a velvety texture and firm tannins. Regions like Colchagua Valley, Elqui Valley, and Maipo Valley are recognized for producing exceptional Syrah wines, showcasing the grape’s versatility across different terroirs.
- Pinot Noir: While less widely planted than other red grape varieties, Chilean Pinot Noir is gaining recognition for its elegant and nuanced expressions. Chilean Pinot Noir wines often exhibit bright red fruit flavors, such as cherry and raspberry, floral aromas, and a delicate, silky texture. With their cooler climates, regions like Casablanca Valley and Leyda Valley are well-suited for growing Pinot Noir grapes.
In addition to these grape varieties, Chile produces red wines from Cabernet Franc, País, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Carignan.
What happens if I use white wine?
Nothing, it’s also delicious, and in Chile, we call that a Clery.
What do you serve with?
Borgoña is enjoyed before the meal. Sometimes, they will be just salted peanuts or chips on the table or a small charcuterie board with salami, queso Chanco, Pichanga, and pickles. In restaurants, usually, you will get a small bread basket with Pan Amasado or Sopaipillas and Pebre.
Borgoña Strawberry Red Wine Punch
A refreshing drink for hot summer afternoons.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
- 1 bottle red wine
- 1 box of strawberries
- 2 medium ripe peaches, optional
- sugar to taste
- 2 tablespoons Cointreau or other liquor
Instructions
- Peel the peaches and cut them into small pieces. Save the juices.
- Add the washed and chopped strawberries. Mix fruit and sugar (start with 2 tablespoons) before adding the wine.
- Add the wine and Cointreau, stir and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, can be up to 6 hours.
- Serve over ice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Quick
- Cuisine: Chilean
How long can the recipe last for if refrigerated?
2 days, the fruit softens overnight, so really is better served sooner than that.
Peaches and strawberries mixed with red wine sounds like a great match, especially with a triple sec like Cointreau. What kind of red wine do you recommend?
My grandfather used to go with cabernet sauvignon for this, but merlot is my choice.