Chile, with its ideal climate and natural irrigation continually fuelled by the melting Andean snow, has to be the top contender for the "value for money" market. It produces some of the worlds most attractive and fruity wines of the world : full, generous reds from Cabernet Sauvignon and merlot, and appealing fresh tropical fruit-flavoured whites from Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc grown in the cooler regions of Casablanca.
The UK is still Chile's number one export market. Its winemakers continue to impress with their efforts in one of the most dynamic corners of the wine producing world today.
VINTAGE REPORT
2004 Severe Spring frosts damaged the white wine production which will be considerably down on the previous years. Apart from a little late rain at the end of the harvest, the reds benefited from good growing conditions.
2003 A very good harvest. The best aspect was the dry harvest conditions which meant that there was no pressure to bring the grapes in too early. Demand for Sauvignon has rocketed, especially from the cooler areas.
2002 Heavy rains caused difficulties for growers in the south, but the northern regions of Maipo and Casablanca had a typically long dry summer producing quality grapes.
CHILE HAS TO BE THE TOP CONTENDER FOR THE VALUE FOR MONEY MARKET
