“Never cook with a wine you wouldn’t drink,” he said. “Though I guess that presupposes that there is a wine I wouldn’t drink.” - Lev Grossman

Chilean winemaking has come a long way over the last 40 years, and even further since it first began way back in the 16th Century. Yeah, the 16th century folks, yet we still refer to them as New World wines!

Chilean wineries have been telling the world their products are unique for decades and for once in the wine trade, it was never just hype. Chile’s remoteness meant its vines were protected from the phylloxera bug that decimated European vineyards in the 19th century with the result that virtually all the wine we drink is from vines that have been grafted with North American Rootstock. Also, the unique climate, partly created by the cool air at night from the Andes, adds to the development of the grapes and increases the flavonoids in the wine.

Yeah, flavonoids... like I know what the hell they are! Anyway, I'm assured they are good for you and also that they have a marked effect on the effect of the wine on your palate.

Anyway, enough technical bull, all I know is that they have gone from exporting loads of three for a tenner merlots to creating some of the worlds finest wines. Its true that they still thrive in the bargain basement, but who would have guessed in the 80’s that they would be producing wines as good as the world class Casa Real a few decades later? Casa Real is around the fifty quid mark by the way but if you get a chance, buy it because it really is better than casual sex!

There's a silky richness to their reds with all the bordeaux varietals thriving there but for most of us, its their Merlots and Carmenare that still come out on top. Lately though, I've been drawn to their whites, particularly their chardonnays which used to taste like someone had added vanilla flavour to battery acid. I've grown as fond of their unoaked Chardonnays as their barrel fermented versions and thats saying something for me.

Anyway, hit the chilean aisle folks but as always, don't go cheap!

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Terra Noble Reserva Especial Carmenere

Lovely fruity aroma with silky smooth autumn fruits on the palate. Soft tannins and a really good mouthfeel.

Oddbins £12

Emiliana Organic Chardonnay

A lovely hint of lime on the nose leads into a palate dominated by creamy, nutty flavours. It's got a really long finish as well which is usually the hallmark of a far more expensive wine.

Marks & Spencer £7

Lapostolle Grand Selection Merlot

Lapostolle have long been favourites of mine but even I was taken back by just how rich and smooth this was. Ripe red berries on the palate with creamy tannins and a lovely silky finish.

Winedelivered.co.uk £13.99