Chilean Red Wines
Chile is probably the biggest success story in the world of wine in the last ten years. There's a vast array of inexpensive Chilean red wine everywhere, but the quality varies enormously. It's vineyards stretch over seven hundred miles north to south in a series of lush valleys between the Andes and the Coastal Ranges. Just like California, and with a very similar climate, Chile's vineyards are more affected by their location east to west between two mountain ranges, rather than north to south. Whereas east facing slopes of the Coastal Ranges receive less rainfall and warmer temperatures, the best vineyards are sited on the west facing slopes of the Andes, which benefit from cool night time temperatures producing high levels of acidity and good concentration of fruit.
Like Argentina, Chile is capable of producing some world class reds, and some whites too, most noticeably Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. If you avoid the mass produced low end brands it's possible to find some exceptional wines which are fantastic value for money.
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Undurraga Aliwen Reserve Pinot NoirPale ruby with a cherry nose. Very soft and fruity in the mouth with light oak. It's light and silky and very enjoyable. Certainly one of the best quality to price Chilean Pinots I've discovered.
Learn MoreSustainable farming: Yes
Sulphite level: Medium Low
John's Rating:
£10.00 -
Aresti Cabernet SauvignonAresti Estates Cabernet Sauvignon is a delicious, smooth easy drinking wine. Great value.
Learn MoreSustainable farming: Yes
Sulphite level: Medium Low
John's Rating:
£7.99 -
Aresti Reserve MerlotJames Suckling 90 Points
An ideal wine at this price for everyday drinking.
Learn MoreSustainable farming: Yes
Sulphite level: Medium Low
John's Rating:
£9.25 -
Aresti Reserve CarmenereAresti Estates Reserva Carmenere is great value, and delicious for everyday drinking.
Learn MoreSustainable farming: Yes
Sulphite level: Medium Low
John's Rating:
£9.25 -
Aresti Trisquel Assemblage90 Points Descorchados
Aresti Estates Trisquel Assemblage 2011 is a delicious wine. Not as big as the Family Collection blend which is exceptional, but still an excellent example of premium Chilean wine.
Learn MoreSustainable farming: Yes
Sulphite level: Medium Low
John's Rating:
£12.95 -
Aresti Family Colleccion Blend93 Points Descorchados
91 Points James Suckling
90 Points Wine Enthusiast
IWSC Outstanding Silver
Aresti Estates Family Collection Blend. This is the flagship wine from this estate and is a seriously good bottle of wine. Big rich fruit flavours, wonderfully smooth with great length. Superb value.
Learn MoreSustainable farming: Yes
Sulphite level: Medium Low
John's Rating:
£17.99 -
Undurraga Sibaris Gran Reserva MerlotThis Merlot is from their Gran Reserva "Sibaris" range, and comes from the Maipo Valley. Deep ruby/purple. Good legs and a nose of red fruits. Full and velvety in the mouth with red fruit flavours, some oak and a little pepper on the finish.
Learn MoreSustainable farming: Yes
Sulphite level: Medium Low
John's Rating:
£11.75 -
Undurraga Sibaris Gran Reserva CarmenereThis Carmenere is from their Gran Reserva "Sibaris" range, and comes from the Colchagua Valley.
Learn MoreSustainable farming: Yes
Sulphite level: Medium Low
John's Rating:
£11.75 -
Undurraga Sibaris Gran Reserva Pinot NoirDeep ruby in colour with good legs and a dusty nose. Big raspberry and cherry fruit which isn't overpowered by the oak. In fact it has fairly light body for a Gran Reserva. It's very smooth with good acidity, all components of the wine in perfect balance which is not necessarily common with Chilean Gran Reserva wines. Very good wine for the price, and my favourite of their Sibaris range
Learn MoreSustainable farming: Yes
Sulphite level: Medium Low
John's Rating:
£11.75 -
Aresti MerlotA soft and fruity Merlot, great value at this price.
Learn MoreSustainable farming: Yes
Sulphite level: Medium Low
John's Rating:
£7.99
