Chile – Red – 2009
Region: Casablanca Valley
Producer: Vina Morande
Grape: Pinot Noir
Very light brick red in colour, vegetal scent with background of ripe raspberry. Light to medium body with a slight acidity. Fairly forward flavours of cherry and raspberry. Not a tremendous Pinot but definitely good value at this price.
M&S £5.99
Chile – White – 2007 – 14%
Region: Limari Valley
Producer: Tabali
Label: Encantado Reserva
Grape: Chardonnay
Very pale gold colour, crisp aromas of lemon with a rich buttery background. Fresh and mouthwatering with faint flavours of pineapple and peach. So refreshing and beautifully drinkable, the 14% alcohol is barely noticeable. Enjoyed with a crab tagliatelle which it accompanied perfectly. Slightly steep price but reasonable value for a good chardonnay.
Waitrose £8.99
Chile – Sparkling
Region: Maipo Valley
Producer: Vino Undurraga
Grapes: 60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir
Aromas of apple blossom and caramel. Some fizz in the mouth, not much length or finish. Sweet with a bitter aftertaste, reminiscent of an asti or prosecco. The bottle fizzed over on opening, maybe due to the Charmat bottling method? Nothing about this wine was appealing, will definitely not be buying it again.
Majestic £8.99
Chile – Red – 2009 – 14.5%
Region: Casablanca Valley
Producer: Vina Indomita
Label: Tierra Y Hombre
Glowing pinkish red in colour. Medium bodied with fresh acidity and aromas of strawberry and raspberry. Bright flavours of strawberry and cherry making it almost a refreshing drink, although the 14.5% alcohol is fairly noticeable. Overall this is a lovely, easy-drinking wine and was fantastic value when on offer at £4.49. Would still consider buying it at the regular price.
Marks and Spencer £6.49
Chile – Red – 2007
Region: Valle de Limari – North Chile
Producer: Vina Tabali
Label: Los Molles
Dark inky red wine with fruity, slightly smoky aromas of blackberry. Medium bodied with a soft texture and delightful flavours of strawberry and blackberry as well as a vegetal character and hints of cinnamon and pepper spices. Fairly long in the mouth with a reasonable finish. Very enjoyable.
Marks and Spencer £6.99
Chile – Red – 2008
Region: Valle Centrale
Producer: Cono Sur
Very light brick red colour. Aroma and taste of chery and strawberry as well as that difficult to place Pinot character. Soft texture, medium body with good length and finish for such a mass-produced wine. Good value everyday wine.
Waitrose £6.99 for 1 litre bottle
Chile – Red – 2008
Label: Errazuriz Estate
Producer: Errazuriz
A lovely pinot noir. Light brick red colour, strawberry and cherry aromas mixed with an indistinct vegetal character. Light to medium bodied and lightly tannic but with a silky texture and mouthwatering acidity. Abundant flavours of strawberry, cherry and sharp peppery spice. Very good medium length and finish. A really good everyday wine, shall endeavour to keep a case or two on hand while it’s available!
Majestic £8.99
