Exciting Chile

I attended a Wines of Chile tasting the other day and my impressions from the Concours Mondial wine Competition were confirmed – yet again. I really do believe that Chile is currently a shining star that delivers great quality and value for money wines.

There were many lovely wines at the tasting, some that were nice, simple everyday drinking, but some that were really terrific wines that offered depth, sophistication and elegance.

Here are three of the stand out wines from the tasting, all of which are also new and exciting wines to the UK:

Errazuriz Aconcagua Costa Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2008

A terrific Sauvignon, herbal aromas mingle with citrus notes while the palate delivers a crisp, crunchy fruit character of lemon and lime citrus together with more exotic passionfruit and a pure mineral and flinty edge. It is concentrated with a delicately creamy ripeness, balanced acidity and a long refreshing finish.

This is the first release from the new Errazuriz Mazanar Estate that is right by the coast in the cool coastal part of the Aconcagua Valley, just north of Viña del Mar, with quality like this the future looks bright for Errazuriz.

£9.99 per bottle – contact the agents, Hatch Mansfield for stockists.

In the interests of total disclosure I must mention that I sometimes do some work for Viña Errazuriz, however the above is my honest and unsolicited opinion.

Botalcura Nebbiolo 2005

This lovely rich offering from the Maule Valley is actually a blend that includes 14% Carignan, which helps to make this wine soft and drinkable.

It is true Nebbiolo though with the classic tar and leathery quality together with the fragrance of roses and cherries and that sensation of inherent sweetness in the fruit, although the wine is dry and savoury.

As you would expect from Chile the fruit is richer than a Barolo giving it a soft and seductive feel that is very enjoyable. A wine to watch.

£19.99 per bottle – contact the agents, Chalie Richards for stockists.

Maycas del Limari Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2007

A lovely limited release from another new and exciting cool region of Chile, the Limari Valley.

The balance here is very good, a lovely weight in the mouth with succulent nectarine fruit enhanced by well integrated, delicately toasty oak and all backed up by fresh acdidity and a poised, elegant finish.

£12.99 per bottle – contact the agents, Concha y Toro for stockists: 01865 873 713.

For more information about Chilean wines see www.winesofchile.org