Chile is maybe the most perfect country in the world for making wine in. There’s lots of space, a great diversity of geography and climate, an abundance of sunshine, relatively cheap labour, low rainfall and the Pacific Ocean and Andes Mountains, which stop it getting too hot and seem to keep the pests and bugs away.
All this has attracted some of the greatest French, American and Spanish winemakers to invest heavily and the result has been great value wines. Chile has built a trustworthy reputation (or even a “brand identity”), for its beautiful expressions of the classic grape varieties, such as, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. But is there more to this country?
Chile doesn’t consume much of its own wine; in fact consumption per capita is lower than in the UK, which is relatively unusual for a big wine producing nation. This means that Chilean wine can be very commercially driven. But we believe that the truly great wines are made with love. We are also big fans of innovation and experimentation. So it is these two groups that we have sought out for you. We call them “The Lovers” and “The Mad Scientists”.
In “The Lovers” category, we have reliable Chilean legends like Viña Leyda and Santa Carolina, who make clean single varietal wines that demonstrate Chile’s strength and love. In “The Mad Scientists” category we have De Martino (who are experimenting with ageing wine in clay amphorae despite the threat of earthquakes), Viu Manent (who keep their intriguing blends secret), Pérez Cruz (who love Chile’s adopted grape variety Carménère so much they put it into almost everything) and Oveja Negra (coming soon – who make white wine out of the red Carménère grape).
Which are you? A lover or a mad scientist?
The best wines from Chile. Find Chilean white wines and red wines at great value. Our range includes Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Pinot Noir and Carmenere. Buy online for Next-Day Delivery. Free Delivery over £100
