Antiyal

Chilean red blends
Whether a mix of grapes, vineyards, vintages or regions, blending is a staple of Chile’s wine industry – and key to its consumer appeal, says PETER RICHARDS

Four Star Wines highly recommended

ANTIYAL, MAIPO VALLEY 2004
(16.6pts/20)
‘Opulent aroma of cassis, coffee, dark chocolate and spices. Austere minty notes with firm tannins. Well balanced and delicious. From 2008.’ (LW)

Kuyen, Maipo Valley 2005
(15.6pts/20)
‘Full and rich. Raspberry, bacon fat and spice on nose and palate. Long, ripe finish. From 2008.’ (KL)

Although many people would not immediately associate Chile with blended reds, it is undoubtedly one of the country’s strongest and most historic wine styles. Continue reading

2007: Planet Earth Awards
For the first time in its 24-year-old history, The International Wine Challenge presented trophies for responsible winemaking.

These were presented at an awards dinner in London on September 12. The Champion Sustainable Trophy 2007 was awarded to Bald Hills Pinot Noir 2005, Bald Hills Vineyard, New Zealand; the Champion Organic Trophy 2007 was awarded to the Hans TschidaSamling Trockenbeerenauslese 2005 from Austria; and the Champion Biodynamic Trophy 2007 was won by Champagne FleuryMille?sime 1996. Jean-Marie Chadronnier, CEO of Bordeaux negociant CVBG-Dourthe-Kressmann (Dourthe), was given a Lifetime Achievement award and Alvaro Espinoza, the biodynamic Chilean winemaker, was named Personality of the Year. Espinoza owns, with his wife Marina, a biodynamic estate in Chile and is principal organic and biodynamic consultant to Emiliana Organicos, which owns the largest single biodynamic vineyard in the world.

Alastair Maling MW from Villa Maria(New Zealand) won the White Winemaker of the Year award and Samantha Connew from Wirra Wirra Vineyards (McLaren Vale, South Australia) won the Red Winemaker of the Year award.