The panel of judges, including Dan Jago, Buying Director of Tesco; author and wine writer Peter Richards,  and  William

Reed’s wine Editor Graham Holter, analysed entries in three categories

o       Chile’s most innovative wine packaging

o       Chile’s most innovative wine style

o       Chilean Personality of the Year

The results were announced at the Gala Dinner of the Annual Wines of Chile Awards held at the historic Palacio Cousiño in Santiago.

Chile’s most innovative wine packaging:

Shortlist:

Cono Sur Brut Sparkling NV – Cono Sur

G7 – the 7^th Generation – Carta Vieja

50cl – “perfect size for two to share” – San Nicolas Wines

And the Winner is....

o       Maycas del Limarí – Concha y Toro:the packaging for this dynamic new range of wines from the Limarí Valley takes its inspiration from Inca culture—the word ‘maycas’ means ‘plot of land’. The labels also depict an Inca calendar that represents the dates of picking and bottling, and the colours and label elements reflect the freshness and luminosity of the Limarí region.

Chile’s most innovative wine style:

Shortlist:

Morandé Edición Limitada Carignan 2004

Valdivieso Single Vineyard Pinot Gris 2007

Viña Leyda Pinot Noir Rosé 2006

Emiliana Orgánicos Novas Chardonnay/Marsanne/Viognier 2006

And the Winner is...

o       Botalcura Vineyards Nebbiolo 2005: this is the first Chilean wine to be made from Nebbiolo. Winemaker Philippe Debrus welcomed the challenge that Botalcura’s small parcel of Nebbiolo vines presented, but is happy that it represents the unique terroir of this part of the Maule Valley. The wine includes a small amount of old vine Carignan (14%). The judges loved its elegant, restrained style and the freshness of fruit—a unique and different style that perfectly reflects Chile’s diversity.

Chilean Personality of the Year:

Shortlist:

Mario Pablo Silva – Owner - Viña Casa Silva

Andrea Illabaca – PR Manager - Viña MontGras

And the Winner is...

o       Adolfo Hurtado – MD and winemaker - Viña Cono Sur: Adolfo is one of Chile’s most talented winemakers.  He manages to combine the running of the dynamic Cono Sur winery with his ability to stamp his mark on Chile’s growing credentials for high quality and diverse winemaking. Adolfo is especially pioneering Pinot Noir and Riesling with great authority.  But it is his charm and charisma that sets him apart and engenders loyalty amongst his staff, and respect from buyers, journalists, and fellow winemakers. Adolfo is truly one of Chile’s greatest ambassadors.

The judges also wanted to make a very special award ‘Outstanding contribution to Chilean exports’.  The person who for many years has been the ‘face’ and personality of Chile’s export scene, and with whom a night in Bellavista (a trendy and lively suburb of Santiago) is always an experience not to be missed - the charismatic, the brave:

Cristian Sotomayor – Viña Valdivieso

For more information – contact Michael Cox – UK Director Wines of Chile

Tel: 01344 872229 michael@winesofchile.org.uk