Jamie Goode

Our vino supremo uncorks a host of hot Chilean reds

Thanks to its varied climate, Chile has a real talent for wine making. Once known for cheap ones, it now makes some superb varieties, as these seven prove.

Viña Leyda Reserva Pinot Noir 2020 Leyda Valley, Chile, 13% ABV, £12, Tesco

This has lovely strawberry and cherry aromatics with a hint of cedar spice and herby notes. The palate is supple and textural, showing real Pinot Noir character.

LFE Marea Syrah 2020 Aconcagua, Chile, 14.5% ABV, £15.99, Majestic

An ambitious Syrah that delivers real intensity with bold black cherries and blackberry notes, with added hints of tar and spice.

Ignacio Recabarren Casablanca Merlot, 2020, Chile, 14% ABV, £13.50, The Wine Society

Merlot is a red grape variety that wine geeks love to hate, but in the cooler climate of the Casablanca Valley it’s made fleshy. This is a ripe red and black-fruited Merlot with a touch of spicy oak.

Emiliana Vigno Carignan, 2016, Maule Valley, Chile 14% ABV, £19.99, Majestic

Carignan is a variety widely grown in the Maule Valley of southern Chile, where the vineyards can be old and irrigation is rare. This is a bright, vivid red wine with juicy fruit and some sour cherry notes on the finish.

De Martino Viejas Tinajas Cinsault, 2018, Itata Valley, Chile, 12.5% ABV, £15.99, Virgin Wines

This is made from Cinsault vines in the Itata Valley, first planted by the Spanish in the 16th century. It’s matured in ancient clay amphorae called tinajas. The result is a light, delicious, sweetly fruited red of real elegance.

Tierra Y Hombre Pinot Noir 2021, Casablanca, Chile, 13.5% ABV, £7.50, M&S

The Casablanca Valley, with its granite soil and cool-ish climate, has a talent for Pinot Noir, and this example has a lovely texture to its juicy berry fruits, with savoury herbal hints adding interest. Great value.

Miguel Torres Digno País 2020 Maule Valley, Chile 13% ABV, £7.99 Waitrose

Also brought by the Spanish, País is the original wine grape of Chile and is ideal for lighter reds. Once despised, it’s now back in fashion and this juicy, fruity red, with its sappy freshness, is a great example of it.