Chilean Explorer Case - Half Dozen

Breaking out of the mass-produced wine market that has sprung up in the Central Valley is the objective for many of Chile’s new-wave winemakers. While the standard wines have always been very acceptable, Chile has a multitude of regions and locations, valleys and slopes where more interesting wines are made and you’ll find a selection here.

The Colchagua Valley is performing very well at present, our new own-label Chardonnay – a feast of juicy tropical fruit, while the Sauvignon, made just outside it, has a lovely herby and citrus edge. Roussanne and Marsanne do very well slightly higher up on Colchagua’s slopes, offering a deep core of flavour to this blend.

Looking to the reds, our Colchagua Cabernet is delicious, not too hefty in flavour, while Chile’s flagship grape, Carmenère, has a rich, chocolatey side from the Cachapoal region. From a little further south in Maule Valley, you’ll get intensity and bright fruit from a blend that gives Southern French wines a good run for their money.