Several factors make it very competitive compared to many other wine producing regions.
Labour costs are constrained, as are land prices while a flatter terrain allows significant mechanisation – and consequent productivity gains.
Contrast that, for instance, with steeply sloping vineyards in Mosel and elsewhere.
Dry conditions in summer also helps disease control while melting mountain snow means fewer water shortages.
All that helps the “Under £10” wine market appreciably.
Equally, an overall emphasis on quality driven winemaking also trickles down into everyday offerings.
No surprise then that today’s Top Tips features two wines from Chile.
Once again, pictures and any available hyperlinks are included where possible to make it easier to track down the wine in question.
An old friend returns
2023 35 South Cabernet Sauvignon (£7 – instead of £8 until 18 March – with a Nectar card at Sainsbury and 13.5% abv):
After a 10 year absence, it is good to see a return to the UK of Chile’s 35 South brand – it is named after the latitude of its original winery.
The new, modernised styles are aimed very much at UK wine enthusiasts and its white partner was selected in the recent “Six for £50” post.
This red equivalent opens with attractive sweet spice aromas and follows them up with smooth bramble, cherry and raspberry flavours.
Those are supported by good acidity, mild tannin and hints of milk chocolate, vanilla, mint and cedar.
Now for a white
2024 Irresistible Fairtrade Casablanca Chardonnay (£8.15 – instead of £9.15 until 1 April – at the Co-op and 13.5%):
Chile has produced cracking chardonnays recently and this classy example continues that trend.
The country’s big players reacted very positively to the world-wide move away from rich, high octane chardonnay.
They quickly recognised, and capitalised on, the complexity and freshness that variety offers when grown in cooler climates.
Casablanca – an early sauvignon blanc stronghold – with its Pacific derived maritime influences, was a beneficiary of this change.
With opening discreet toasty aromas (presumably from its three months on oak staves), this illustration of Casablanca’s success centres on crisp green apple, pear and ripe melon flavours.
Accompanying components include nippy acidity, a flinty depth and hints of tangerine, citrus peel and crème brûlée.
Anyone who enjoys classic chardonnay should try this one out while the red is a particularly good illustration of cabernet sauvignon at its price.
Join me again on Thursday when the focus switches to the idea of relaxing spending limits but controlling volumes..
