{"title":"Chilean Wine","description":"\u003cp\u003eChile has built its modern reputation on Carmenere, a grape once grown widely in Bordeaux before phylloxera wiped it out there, only for cuttings mistaken for Merlot to survive and thrive in Chile's isolated valleys. It's since been correctly identified and now stands as the country's signature variety, producing smoky, spice-edged reds with a distinctive green pepper note. Beyond Carmenere, Chile's long, narrow geography, squeezed between the Andes and the Pacific, gives producers an unusually wide range of climates to work with, from warm inland valleys to cooler coastal sites suited to varieties like Pinot Noir. If you'd like to compare against South America's other major wine-producing country, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/argentinian-wine\"\u003eArgentinian Wine\u003c\/a\u003e is worth a look, and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/merlot\"\u003eMerlot\u003c\/a\u003e covers the variety Carmenere was once mistaken for.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"montes-classic-cabernet-sauvignon","title":"Montes Classic Cabernet Sauvignon 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMontes Classic Cabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/strong\u003e is a smooth, fruit-forward Chilean red made from 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot. Ripe cherry, strawberry and plum are joined by touches of tobacco and vanilla, leading into a balanced, medium-bodied palate with silky tannins and an easy, satisfying finish. A dependable crowd-pleaser for braised beef, steak, paella, cannelloni or lasagna.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRuby-red in colour. The nose offers great expression of fruit, such as cherry, strawberry and plum, with a delicate touch of tobacco and vanilla. The palate is balanced, with silky tannins, medium body and an enjoyable finish. Fruit was sourced from Montes' Finca de Apalta and El Arcángel de Marchigüe estates in the Colchagua Valley. Following a short cool maceration and fermentation, a portion of the wine was matured in French oak for eight months.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hancocks","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182009835887,"sku":"100077","price":149.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/MontesClassicCabernetSauvignon.jpg?v=1785109068"},{"product_id":"montes-classic-malbec","title":"Montes Classic Malbec 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMontes Classic Malbec\u003c\/strong\u003e is a smooth, generous Chilean Malbec with plenty of dark fruit and just enough oak to add warmth and complexity. Blueberry, blackberry and ripe plum are joined by sweet spice, vanilla and toasted notes, while the medium-bodied palate is shaped by silky tannins and a long, rounded finish. The fruit comes from Montes' Apalta and El Arcángel de Marchigüe estates in the Colchagua Valley, bringing together richness, freshness and savoury detail. Approachable enough for an easy weeknight red, it has the flavour and structure to work particularly well with spaghetti bolognese, grilled steak or firm, mature cheeses.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2022 wine is made from 100% Malbec grown at the Apalta and El Arcángel de Marchigüe estates in Chile's Colchagua Valley. The vineyards have granite-derived soils, with Apalta influenced by the Tinguiririca River and Marchigüe experiencing greater wind, solar exposure and lower rainfall. The grapes were selected by hand before a 10 to 15-day fermentation using selected yeasts. Extended skin contact added roundness and body, followed by full malolactic fermentation. Forty percent of the wine was matured for six months in new French oak barrels. It contains 14.5% alcohol and 2.5 grams per litre of residual sugar.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hancocks","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182010425711,"sku":"100096","price":149.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/MontesClassicMalbec.jpg?v=1785013877"},{"product_id":"de-martino-estate-carmenere","title":"De Martino Estate Carmenere 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDe Martino Estate Carmenere\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGrown on De Martino's own vineyards in Isla de Maipo, this Carmenere is a classic expression of Chile's signature red grape. Deep ruby in colour with a violet edge, it opens with fresh, intense aromas of ripe dark berries, black pepper and warm spice. The palate is soft and approachable, with ripe, well managed tannins, a fresh core of fruit and balanced acidity carrying through to a lingering finish. It is an easy, generous style of Carmenere, equally suited to a Tuesday night dinner or something a little more special. At 13% ABV, it offers plenty of character and drinkability without asking too much of the drinker.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat the winery says: De Martino has been based in Isla de Maipo, in Chile's Central Valley, for generations, and the Estate range draws on fruit grown on the family's own vineyards there. This Carmenere shows the grape's typical deep ruby red colour with violet hues, built on fresh, intense aromatics of ripe dark berry fruit layered with black pepper and spice. The palate is soft textured with ripe tannins, balanced by good acidity and a fresh fruit core that lingers on the finish, a style consistent across recent vintages of the Estate Carmenere.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dhall \u0026 Nash","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182027858287,"sku":"100606","price":299.88,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/DeMartinoEstateCarmenere2024.jpg?v=1783922295"},{"product_id":"concha-y-toro-casillero-del-diablo-merlot","title":"Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Merlot 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConcha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Merlot\u003c\/strong\u003e is a smooth, medium-bodied Chilean red built around ripe cherry, plum and red berry fruit, with liquorice, chocolate, vanilla and a gentle smoky edge. The palate is silky and balanced, with low astringency, fine tannins and a pleasingly dry finish, making it easy to enjoy without feeling anonymous. Sourced from Chile's Central Valley, where Mediterranean conditions meet Andean influence, this is a dependable crowd-pleaser for pasta, mushroom risotto, soft cheeses or lightly spiced meats. A smart pick when you want generous Merlot flavour and very little fuss.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCasillero del Diablo places this Merlot in its Reserva range, with fruit from the Central Valley. The winery describes alluvial, rocky and stony soils, including hillside sites with granitic subsoil, and a Mediterranean climate marked by influence from the Andes. It characterises the wine as medium-bodied, silky and smooth, with cherry and liquorice aromas, touches of toffee and vanilla, flavours of chocolate and red berries, and an elegant, balanced finish. Serve at 18 to 20°C with soft cheeses, pasta, risotto or lightly seasoned meat.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the experts say:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSam Kim, Wine Orbit, 4.5 Stars and 90 Points (2022)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003e\"Attractively ripe and fragrant, the wine shows sweet plum, dark cherry, floral, green olive and almond notes, leading to a succulent palate that's supple and lingering. Well supported by fine-grained tannins, finishing fruity and pleasingly dry. At its best: now to 2027.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"EuroVintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182033690991,"sku":"100779","price":119.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/ConchayToroCasillerodelDiabloMerlot2022.jpg?v=1783645760"},{"product_id":"concha-y-toro-casillero-del-diablo-carmenere","title":"Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Carmenere 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConcha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Carmenere\u003c\/strong\u003e brings together ripe plum, blackberry and red berry flavours with dried herbs, earthy spice and a subtle savoury edge. Predominantly Carmenere with a small portion of Cabernet Sauvignon, this dry Chilean red is medium-bodied, smoothly textured and gently supported by oak, with enough tannin to handle a hearty meal without becoming hard work. It is a dependable choice for grilled sausages, roast lamb, mushroom dishes or vegetables straight from the barbecue, particularly when you want generous flavour and an easygoing style.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe 2023 blend is 90% Carmenere and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile's Central Valley. The region combines a Mediterranean climate with notable Andean influence, while vineyard soils include alluvial, rocky and stony ground alongside slopes with granitic subsoil. Light oak ageing for eight months supports the wine's wild berry, plum, coffee and spice characters. The palate is medium-bodied with defined tannins and a long finish. Serve at approximately 16 to 18°C.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the experts say:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCameron Douglas MS, camdouglasms.com, 89 Points and Recommended (2023)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003e\"Dry on the plate with a fruity core from red berries and non-fruit flavours, some violets and plums then back to soil.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInternational Wine and Spirit Competition, Bronze Medal 2025 (2023)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003e\"Ripe strawberry and dark fruit aromas lead into a smooth palate of velvety blackcurrant and freshly cut herbs.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"EuroVintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182033723759,"sku":"100780","price":119.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/ConchayToroCasillerodelDiabloCarmenere2023.jpg?v=1783645682"},{"product_id":"concha-y-toro-casillero-del-diablo-pinot-noir","title":"Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Pinot Noir 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConcha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Pinot Noir\u003c\/strong\u003e brings a bright, easy-going take on Chilean Pinot Noir, led by strawberry and raspberry fruit with a subtle cedar edge. Lively acidity keeps the palate fresh, while soft tannins and a smooth berry finish make it uncomplicated in the best possible way. Part of Concha y Toro's enduring Casillero del Diablo Reserva range, it offers polished, crowd-friendly drinking without demanding a special occasion. Serve it lightly cool with grilled salmon, roast chicken, mushroom pasta or a cheeseboard, and keep a second bottle nearby when dinner stretches into another round.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCasillero del Diablo describes the wine as fresh, with strawberry, raspberry and a delicate touch of cedar. The palate combines lively acidity with wild berry flavours. The fruit is grown in Chile in a coastal, semi-arid climate on colluvial soils associated with riverbank areas. The winery recommends serving it at 14 to 16°C and pairing it with oily fish, Italian dishes and a range of cheeses.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the experts say:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSam Kim, Wine Orbit, 4 Stars (2022)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"EuroVintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182033756527,"sku":"100781","price":119.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/ConchayToroCasillerodelDiabloPinotNoir2022.jpg?v=1783645626"},{"product_id":"concha-y-toro-casillero-del-diablo-shiraz","title":"Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Shiraz 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConcha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Shiraz\u003c\/strong\u003e delivers the generous, dark-fruited style that makes Chilean Shiraz such an easy crowd-pleaser. Black cherry and ripe blackberry lead the charge, followed by pepper, cedar, chocolate and a gentle touch of toasted oak. It is full-bodied and rounded, with soft tannins and fresh acidity keeping the ripe fruit nicely balanced. Made with Central Valley fruit by Concha y Toro, this is a dependable red for barbecues, relaxed dinners or whenever the menu calls for something bold but approachable. Try it with smoky ribs, tomato-rich pasta or creamy mild cheeses.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the winery says:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Shiraz comes from Chile's Central Valley, where the vineyards benefit from a Mediterranean climate influenced by the Andes. The wine has a deep purple colour, with aromas of black cherry and ripe blackberry integrated with cedar, chocolate, spice and lightly toasted oak. Full-bodied and rounded, it balances intense fruit with soft tannins and lively acidity, leading to a long, fresh finish. The winery recommends serving it with tomato-based Italian dishes, white meats in creamy sauces or soft cheeses.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the experts say:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"EuroVintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53182033789295,"sku":"100782","price":119.94,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/2252\/6319\/files\/ConchayToroCasillerodelDiabloShiraz2023.jpg?v=1783645498"}],"url":"https:\/\/stolencellar.co.nz\/collections\/chilean-wine.oembed","provider":"Stolen Cellar","version":"1.0","type":"link"}