All the time Chile continues to develop new sub-areas with their own microclimates in previously unplanted valleys. The Elqui Valley, 400 km north of Santiago and the San Antonio Valley - home to Viña Leyda - are producing world-beating whites. The effect of altitude here mitigates the increasing heat. There are also delightful white wines coming out of the Bío Bío Valley, far down to the south, like the Cono Sur whites made by cool climate king, Adolfo Hurtado. Chardonnay, while offering great everyday drinking, is showing class and breeding further up the scale, both unoaked and oaked. Now that Sauvignon Blanc vines have been correctly identified (previously much grown was its inferior ally, Sauvignonasse) the Casablanca Valley is producing fabulous examples. Quintay is a great result for the greatly talented Alvaro Espinosa, a man inspired by organic and biodynamic techniques. The red wines are equally exciting. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are good, Syrah (Shiraz) is superb and the flagship Carmenère is wonderfully generous. The key is to use different terroirs in the valleys. Alto Maipo is great for Bordeaux blends, Aconcagua seems better, with Leyda Valley, for Pinot Noir. Rapel makes good Merlot while Curicó Valley has a bit more weight for gutsy Cabernet. Rayun, Novas, Coyam, Carmen, Concha y Toro, Cousiño-Macul, Miguel Torres, Falernia, Los Lomas and Viñedos Emiliana all make exceptional wines.