Chile out: five great February buys

These bottles offer bang for buck



Montes Limited Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2009

This wine comes from the cool coastal region of Leyda Valley. Its colour is pale straw–lime with a bouquet of cut grass, nettles and passion fruit on the palate. It’s fresh and lively with flavours of elderberry and gooseberry and a thread of minerality that lingers long on the palate. Serve it with shellfish or goat cheese. (Vintages # 342857, $14.95)



Concha Y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay 2008

The Limariฬ Valley is one of the newest growing regions. Cooled by Pacific Ocean fog, it produces wines in a more elegant style. This Chardonnay with its golden straw colour has a nose of ripe pear, toasty oak and fresh citrus acidity. Lots of extract and flavour here with a hazelnut finish. Pair this wine with roast chicken or grilled salmon. (Vintages # 342857, $17.95)



Casa Lapostolle Merlot 2008

Winemaker Andrea Leon adds 15 per cent Carmeneฬ€re to this variety, giving it a very dense purple colour. The oak is deftly handled, projecting a bouquet of vanilla, blueberry and black fruits with an engaging floral note. There is a juicy, sweet core to this medium- to full-bodied, but it finishes firmly with ripe tannins. Match it with duck breast or lamb cutlets. (Vintages # 405712, $16.95)



Cousino Macul Antiguas Reservas Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

This is one of the oldest wineries in Chile, dating back to 1856. Its earliest wines were made by French-trained vintners, and that tradition remains to this day. Cousino Macul Antiguas Reservas Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 tastes very much like a red Bordeaux but with New World ripeness. Notes of cedar, blackcurrant and black cherries tantalize the taste buds. The tannins are ripe and supple. Partner it with beef stew or mature cheddar. (LCBO # 212993, $15.45)



Miguel Torres Santa Digna Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2006

The same winery brings you quality wines from Spain. This Cabernet Sauvignon from Curico, two hours south of Santiago, is dense purple- black in colour with a smoky, blackcurrant and plum bouquet. It’s full- bodied with spicy, oaky tones melded with sweet fruit but well structured. An ideal wine for red meat dishes, especially lamb or braised ribs. (Vintages Essential # 177451, $14.95)

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