REDHANDED

Extending 2653 miles, north to south and on average just 110 miles east to west, Chile is a country of extremes.

In the north, the Atacama Desert is the driest place on earth. By contrast, the southern tip of Chile is only a few hundred miles from Antarctica. But it’s the close proximity of the Andes Mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west that calls the shots, enabling Chile to produce some of the most interesting, diverse and food friendly wines on the planet.

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With dependable summers and plentiful Andean melt-water, ideal locations, harvest times and winemaking techniques, blends were quickly identified which means we can now enjoy Chile’s best ever wines. Here’s a look at three key wine categories and what to drink and eat from each.

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Cool Climate Quality

Chile’s coastal regions are cooled by the Pacific Ocean, allowing vineyards to be planted closer to the equator which results in wines with higher acidity and elegant aromas. One such outstanding area is Leyda Valley, located less than seven miles from the Pacific. Here dynamic wineries such as Garcés Silva and Viña Leyda produce world class sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, pinot noir and syrah.

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2010 Amayna Sauvignon Blanc Barrel Fermented,

Viña Garcés Silva, Leyda Valley, £21

Available from: www.sohowine.co.uk

Amayna produce limited quantities of classy wines made in an old world style. Their beauty is extraordinary, gold and glistening in the glass with intense floral aromas of fresh exotic fruits. On the palate you can almost taste the ocean as the acidity hits and then gives way to rich notes of vanilla, honey and a long creamy finish. Try this with lobster from Pembrokeshire for the perfect food match.

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2013 Las Brisas Pinot Noir, Viña Leyda, £13.50

Available from : www.greatwesternwine.co.uk

From a regional pioneer, this 2013 pinot noir is from the vineyard Las Brisas and again highlights the Pacific’s influence. It is aromatically fresh and complex on the nose, with hints of red cherries and a subtle wild herb note. In the mouth it’s juicy with ripe berries and a lovely ocean influenced crispness! Try with some line caught seabass and fresh truffles.

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Value wines

Price has long been the curse and the lifeblood of Chilean wineries. Plentiful sub-£6 Chilean sauvignon blancs and cabernet sauvignons have led to wide recognition and financial stability, but it has masked where the real value is: at £10-£15.