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Chile

Chile is one of South America's most important wine-producing countries. Occupying a thin strip down the western coast of the continent, it is home to a wide range of terroirs, and an equally wide range of wine styles.

The Chilean viticultural industry is often associated in export markets with consistent, good-value wines, but some world-class reds are also made, commanding high prices. For red wines the initial export mainstays have been Bordeaux varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot,

Like many New World countries Chile has adopted a signature grape variety; here it is Carmenère, once widely grown in Bordeaux. It was thought to be extinct following the European phylloxera outbreaks of the 19th Century, but was rediscovered in Chile in the 1990s. Much of it was mixed up in vineyards with Merlot plants; the Carmenère vines were often assumed to be poorer performing mutations of the former. Once they were identified, and the fruit was allowed a week or two extra on the vine to fully ripen, blends featuring Carmenère and single variety bottlings began to gain traction. (NB this grape variety is usually spelt Carménère - with two accents - outside Chile.)

Pinot Noir from the cooler parts of Chile is beginning to make an impression, and Syrah is increasing in popularity in many regions offering a wide variety of styles. The supporting cast of red wine grape varieties in Chile includes additional bit-part players from Bordeaux; Petit VerdotCabernet Franc and Malbec. Emphasis on the latter has increased in the light of Argentina's success with the variety, though plantings in Chile date back to the 19th CenturyCinsaut and Carignan join Syrah in the Southern French contingent.

White wine plantings are led by Chardonnay – also grown in many differing macroclimates – which can achieve very high quality levels with prices to match, and Sauvignon BlancViognierRiesling and Semillon are among those varieties grown on a smaller scale.

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    Carmenere Herencia

    Santa Carolina

    VOL 75cl

    Vintage 2011

    Current price €78.47
    €78.47 - €78.47
    Current price €78.47
    Original price €87.19
    Original price €87.19 - Original price €87.19
    Original price €87.19

    Current price €78.47
    €78.47 - €78.47
    Current price €78.47
    Original price €87.19
    Original price €87.19 - Original price €87.19
    Original price €87.19
    Save 10% Save %