Exploring Chile: Insights from Seña’s Alejandra Chadwick on Wine, Cuisine, and Travel

About Alejandra Chadwick

Alejandra Chadwick, part of the sixth generation of her winemaking family, oversees Seña, known for showcasing the potential of Chilean terroir. She will present a masterclass at the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter London on November 7, focusing on wines spanning from the 1998 vintage to the 2024 release.

Her Journey with Wine

Chadwick's fondest memories of wine are steeped in childhood experiences spent outdoors amidst the vineyards, exploring with her family. The rhythmic talks about wine structure with her father and winemakers shaped her understanding, transforming abstract concepts into relatable ideas through music.

Her relationship with wine flourished organically, guiding her not through career ambitions, but through a cultural narrative inherent in her life. “Wine connects people to a place and a story; it’s about slowing down and being present,” she asserts, reflecting a deep-seated philosophy that resonates with today’s fast-paced lifestyle.

Chile's Wine Diversity

Despite the pivotal moments like the 2004 Berlin tasting that thrust Chile onto the global stage, Chadwick believes many aspects of Chilean wine remain underappreciated. “The diversity across regions, climates, and soils is remarkable yet often overlooked,” she notes, advocating for deeper exploration into how these elements influence the character of the wines.

Looking ahead, she envisions a continued focus on freshness and precision, emphasizing a commitment to organic practices and understanding the land better. Seña, established in 1995 with ambitions to elevate Chile’s reputation in the wine world, exemplifies this ethos with its ongoing commitment to quality and sustainability.

Dining Chilean Style

When it comes to gathering friends and family, Chadwick's ideal gathering involves a relaxed, generous atmosphere, typically starting with machas a la parmesana (Chilean clams with Parmesan) paired with a crisp Chardonnay like Seña's Las Pizarras. The centerpiece of the meal is an asado, where various meats are grilled and enjoyed in a communal spirit, perfectly complemented by an aged Cabernet-based wine, either a Viñedo Chadwick or Seña.

Other pairings near her heart include Viñedo Chadwick with duck confit or roasted pumpkin purée, with Seña harmonizing beautifully alongside lamb. She also savors the match of Chardonnay with seafood, particularly sea urchin, celebrating the synergy between wine and local culinary delights.

Travel Tips for Chile

For those looking to explore Chile, Chadwick advises against haste. “The country’s length and variety require a leisurely pace,” she says, encouraging travelers to appreciate how landscapes shift dramatically. Starting in Maipo, where the cool mountain air enriches the vineyards, then transitioning to the warmer Aconcagua region illustrates the diverse expressions of Chile’s wine.

Food plays an integral role in understanding Chile, with local seafood, Patagonian lamb, and dishes like empanadas offering insight into the culture. Dining suggestions in Santiago include Boragó for innovative dishes using local ingredients, and Casa Las Cujas for authentic seafood experiences.

Chadwick reflects on how the coast captures the essence of Chile’s culinary scene: “Having fresh seafood with a view of the Pacific is unbeatable.” She's particularly enthusiastic about welcoming visitors to their vineyards like Seña and Viñedo Chadwick to experience the country firsthand.

Chadwick’s Dining Experiences Abroad

Upon her travels to London, Chadwick appreciates the city's culinary diversity. Clarette stands out for her, known for its atmosphere and wine selection. Recently, she has enjoyed meals at Hakkasan and Nobu, drawn to their unique culinary fusions. She praises the contemporary Chilean restaurant Mareida, noting how it reflects her roots through its dishes.

Cherished Moments with Wine

For Chadwick, some of the most memorable wine moments occur in vineyards. Her favorites include nostalgic experiences at Viñedo Chadwick, where her family has history, and moments atop the Seña vineyard overlooking the Aconcagua Valley.

Reflections on Wine Collection

When it comes to personal wine collections, Chadwick views it less as a game of acquiring prestigious labels and more about the stories behind each bottle. She mentions a desire to preserve bottles from her children’s birth years to share them on significant anniversaries.

Beyond Wine

Away from vino, Chadwick loves literature, exploring new cuisines, and enjoying leisurely meals with loved ones. Her strong connection to music remains a significant aspect of her life, providing both joy and rhythm to her daily experiences.

For more insights from Alejandra Chadwick, be sure to attend the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter London on November 7 where she will be sharing her expertise and the legacy of Seña.