Characterised by well-priced, excellent-quality bottles compared to other, more famous, wine-making countries, Chile is arguably South America’s best-kept secret.
But why? After all, it’s been planting and producing grapes since the 16th century and is home to every variety we know and love, from white to red.
Firstly, Chile is relatively isolated from the rest of the world – surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and Andes Mountains – while it received a bad reputation in the early days thanks to exporting its cheapest, sweetest wines. Secondly, many of its grapes were banned in the 17th century under Spanish rule with the powers that be eventually ordering its vineyards to be burnt to the ground.
Luckily, Chilean producers denied such demands and their vineyards flourished with the introduction of French vines in the 19th century. Later, the rest of the world was dealt a devastating blow when a pest called Phylloxera destroyed vineyards and wreaked havoc, while Chile’s geography ensured it remained – and still does – unblighted by the plague.
And so, Carménère – a variety originating from the Médoc region of Bordeaux – came to fruition. But it doesn’t stand alone. Other iconic reds hailing from Chile include Cabernet Sauvignon, its crowning glory, Syrah – also known as Shiraz – Malbec, Pinot Noir and País, while whites often come in the form of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Even like-for-like aren’t made equal, though, due to vast differences in climates across each wine-making region. There’s the sheer scale of the country – stretching more than 2,700 in length – as well as terrain ranging from windy coastline to arid desert.
Sarah Benson, Co-op wine buyer, says: “We’re seeing Chilean wine continuing to grow in popularity after many shoppers discovered the exceptional quality and great value that this South American country offers during Covid, when experimentation of origin and varieties in the wine aisle were more common as customers looked to replicate much-loved restaurant and bar experiences at home.”
She adds: “We expect this trend to continue with Co-op sales of Chile’s signature Carménère comparable with much more well-known Rioja, for example. In response, we’ve boosted our offering with bottles celebrating regional diversity together with new and interesting styles for shoppers looking to expand their wine-drinking repertoire.”
Just in time for red-wine drinking season, we've rounded up the best Chilean wines to get your lips around. Tell only who you must.
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Co-op Irresistible Carménère
Flying off the shelves at your local Co-op, this Carménère – more associated with French winemaking than Chilean – is deep and concentrated with aromas of blackcurrant, red cherry and vanilla and flavours of plum, fig and preserved fruit. Deliciously complex.
Buy now £8.50, Co-op
M&S Santa Elena Sauvignon Blanc
Fruity and crisp, this zippy Sauvignon Blanc hails from the mountainous winemaking region of Aconcagua in Chile and serves up flavours of lime and gooseberry that are perfectly suited to seafood and salads. A winner for mid-week meals.
Buy now £7.00, Ocado
ASDA Extra Special Carménère
Rich and concentrated with black-fruit flavours, this Carménère – which narrowly escaped extinction by travelling to Chile from Bordeaux – is the perfect partner for comfort-food classics like hearty roasts or rich casseroles. Spicy and herbaceous notes provide a very pleasing finish indeed.
Buy now £7.50, ASDA
Harvey Nichols Errazuriz Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature Chilean Sparkling Wine NV
Rich and creamy, this is a cracking alternative to a premium Champagne at a fraction of the price.
It’s made purely from Chardonnay grapes using the traditional method so beloved by France and is aged in oak barrels for seven months (like all the best, from Bollinger to Louis Roederer and Krug). Expect toasted sourdough, dried flowers and citrus sorbet on the nose and poached pear, blossom honey and roasted nuts on the palate.
A talking-point on any table.
Buy now £33.00, Harvey Nichols
Adnams Chardonnay
Exactly what an unoaked Chardonnay should be. Fresh, round and expressive, this Chilean variety is bursting with aromas of pineapple, minerality and fruity flavours. We rather like it as a vibrant aperitif, but it’s just as drinkable with salads, pasta or seafood. The epitome of easy drinking.
Buy now £8.49, Adnams
M&S Expressions Carménère
A classic example of Chile’s namesake grape featuring dark berry and plum flavours spiked with peppery spice. A velvety texture makes for seriously easy-drinking. Team with carnivorous dishes and BBQ favourites to bring out the best of the bottle.
Buy now £10.50, Ocado
Co-op Irresistible Casablanca Valley Pinot Noir
A multi-award-winner for good reason with ripe-cherry aromas, refreshing flavours and a light body so typical of a Pinot Noir. Can the premium Irresistible label from Co-op do no wrong? Clearly not, if this easy, breezy bottle is anything to go by.
Buy now £9.00, Co-op
Harvey Nichols Errazuriz Aconcagua Costa Syrah 2018
A light and aromatic take on Syrah, this Chilean red offers notes of pink peppercorn, blueberry and almond croissant – yes, really – with refreshing flavours that pair well with winter warmers. Excellent bang for your buck.
Buy now £19.00, Harvey Nichols
Sideral Viña San Pedro
A rich blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Carménère and Cabernet Franc grapes, Sideral is naturally complex but well-balanced and rounded. Aromas of black cherry, treacle and red pepper make way for a rich, soft and juicy palate. Worth every penny.
Buy now £24.00, Great Wine
Mud House Chile Sauvignon Blanc
Fruity and crisp – as you’d expect of a Sauvignon Blanc – this Chilean take on the tipple is rich and intense.
But the best bit? It’s lower in price than the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc from Mud House, making this our new go-to for mid-week dinners and Friday-night takeaways.
Buy now £9.50, Tesco
By Amazon Our Selection D.O. Aconcagua Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
Crisp and zesty with lemon and lime flavours, the ripe flavours of this Sauvvy B are perfectly balanced with mineral notes and a zingy finish. A fresh and lively bottle that proves Chile can do Sauvignon Blanc just as well as Australia or France.
Buy now £7.46, Amazon
De Martino Estate 25th Anniversary Carménère 2019
Winemaker De Martino exported Chile’s very first Carménère to the UK back in 1996 and this bottle celebrates its 25th anniversary. Created exclusively for Virgin Wines, the special edition is delicate, sweet and fruity while it’s sustainably made using age-old techniques.
Buy now £23.99, Virgin Wines
Selfridges Caballo Loco Grand Cru Sagrada Familia
With a reputation for powerful wines, the name of renowned Chilean winery Caballo Loco – translating to ‘Crazy Horse’ – couldn’t be more apt. This energetic red is no exception, dark and vibrant in colour and complex and fruity in flavour.
Buy now £32.99, Selfridges
Adnams Ventisquero Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
Ruby-red in colour, this Cabernet Sauvignon from Ventisquero Wine Estates – which owns vineyards across all of Chile’s main winemaking regions – is a balanced and fruity number. The aromas are heavenly: red and black fruit with notes of black pepper, caramel, tobacco and chocolate.
Buy now £11.99, Adnams
Flatiron Merlot Reserve 2022
Showing Argentina that it can also create notable Merlot, this Chilean spin on the crowd-pleaser is all juicy plum, forest-fruit and spicy vanilla flavours with a generous and rounded finish. Just the ticket for steaks.
Buy now £6.99, Warehouse Wines
