Anakena Cabernet Sauvignon

Anakena Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile's Rapel Valley at 13.5% ABV in a 750ml bottle. The 2020 vintage earned a Silver medal at the 2023 Sakura Awards, underscoring its consistent quality within Chile's competitive value-wine landscape.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Alto Cachapoal, Rapel Valley, Chile  |  Style: Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Winery: Anakena

Production & Heritage

Anakena is based in the Alto Cachapoal area of the Rapel Valley in Chile's Central Valley, a corridor nestled between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The vineyards sit on volcanic soils — a geological trait the winery draws direct comparison to Easter Island, from which the brand takes its name. This volcanic terroir contributes mineral depth and structure to the Cabernet Sauvignon, with the winemaking team focusing on balancing freshness and body rather than heavy extraction.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe blackberry and cassis, moving into plum and cherry notes. Underneath, subtle cumin-like spice and a gentle leathery quality develop with time in the glass.

Taste: The entry is soft and fruit-forward, with ripe blackcurrant and mixed berries dominating the mid-palate. A layer of sweet vanilla from gentle oak contact meets balanced acidity and ripe, supple tannins that give the wine its structure without overwhelming the fruit.

Finish: Medium in length with lingering berry fruit and a faint spice note. The tannins taper smoothly, leaving a clean, pleasant impression.

How to Drink Anakena Cabernet

This Cabernet drinks well at a light chill — around 16–18°C — poured into a standard Bordeaux glass to concentrate the fruit aromas. It also works as a versatile cocktail base: a Cabernet Cobbler makes use of its berry brightness with seasonal fruit and crushed ice; a Kalimotxo pairs the wine's ripe structure with cola for a refreshing, no-fuss summer drink; and a classic Red Wine Sangria benefits from the plum and cassis backbone, which holds up well against citrus and brandy.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners where you want a reliable, food-friendly red
• Introducing someone to Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon for the first time
• Casual backyard barbecues with grilled red meat or sausages
• Building a mixed case of South American wines on a budget

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Anakena Cabernet taste like? It delivers ripe blackcurrant and plum fruit with subtle vanilla and spice, supported by smooth tannins and balanced acidity. The overall profile is fruit-forward, soft, and approachable.

How does Anakena Cabernet compare to Santa Rita 120 Cabernet Sauvignon? Both are value-tier Chilean Cabernets, but Anakena tends toward a softer, more fruit-driven style with a leathery complexity from its volcanic Alto Cachapoal soils. Santa Rita 120 leans slightly more toward red and black fruit intensity with a spicier tannic structure.

Is Anakena Cabernet good for beginners? Yes — its soft tannins, approachable fruit character, and restrained oak make it a straightforward entry point into Cabernet Sauvignon without the tannic grip that can put off newer wine drinkers.

Where is Anakena Cabernet made? Anakena wines are produced in the Alto Cachapoal zone of the Rapel Valley in Chile's Central Valley. The vineyards sit on volcanic soils between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

What foods pair well with Anakena Cabernet? Grilled beef steaks complement the wine's blackcurrant core and tannin structure. Lamb chops with rosemary echo its subtle spice notes. Aged cheddar or manchego match the wine's medium body. Empanadas with a seasoned beef filling bring out the plum and cumin-like undertones. Slow-braised short ribs mirror the wine's smooth, fruit-rich palate.

What sizes does Anakena Cabernet come in? The standard release is available in 750ml bottles, which is the most widely distributed format.

Is Anakena Cabernet worth the price? Anakena Cabernet positions as an entry-level Chilean varietal wine, and it punches above its weight with a Silver medal at the 2023 Sakura Awards. For an everyday red, it represents strong value within the South American Cabernet category.

Why Anakena Cabernet?

What separates this wine from the crowded field of Chilean value Cabernets is the volcanic terroir of Alto Cachapoal — a soil profile that lends a subtle mineral and leathery complexity not typical at this price tier. Its Silver medal at the 2023 Sakura Awards and Commended recognition at the 2022 International Wine Challenge confirm that judges notice the difference. The fruit is ripe but not overblown, the tannins are present but never aggressive, and the overall balance makes it a genuinely versatile bottle. For anyone seeking a dependable, characterful Chilean Cabernet that goes beyond generic supermarket reds, Anakena earns its place on the shelf.