Chile

This 5,000km-long nation along the Pacific Coast of South America has rapidly become one of the most important sources of inexpensive varietal wines in the world. It has the good fortune to possess vast vineyards free of Phylloxera disease, with endless sunshine due to the rain shadow of the Andes - and endless supplies of irrigation water from those very same mountains.

Location
Southern South America, between Argentina and Peru, and bordering the South Pacific Ocean.

Grapes

Red: Merlot, Carmenere (Grande Vidure) and Cabernet Sauvignon
White: Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc

Look Out For
Super-Chilean Bordeaux blends, such as Montes "M", Cousiño Macul's Finis Terrae, Errázuriz's Seña and Almaviva, a collaboration between Mouton-Rothschild and Concha y Toro.

Chile is probably known best for its soft, juicy Merlot and Cabernet, and also its toasty, tropically fruited Chardonnay and crisp, tangy Sauvignon Blanc. However, the winemakers here are increasingly keen on using alternatives to traditional grapes, and their Syrahs and Pinot Noirs are becoming increasingly sought after. One particular grape worth looking for is Carmenere, a variety once believed to be Merlot, which makes a vibrantly fruity and deeply flavoured wine.

Reds share a basic style of plentiful ripe fruit; whites are fresh and generally have good acidity, while aromatic grapes like Gewurztraminer and Viognier can be very highly perfumed. There's also a little deep-coloured rose, with a light, strawberryish taste.

Chile has attracted many foreign investors and collaborators including Robert Mondavi of California (Caliterra), the Rothschilds of Bordeaux's Château Lafite (Los Vacos) and Miguel Torres of Spain (Torres). These estates have either set up operations in Chile, or have formed partnerships with the best Chilean houses.