It always comes as a surprise to those of us who live here that not everyone is aware of all that Chile has to offer. It is a country of tremendous diversity, striking beauty, and, of course, great wines. Today, thanks to the recent UK Sommelier Summit, Europe now has 11 new converts who will help spread the news.

Wines of Chile invited 10 leading sommeliers and wine buyers plus an influential wine writer to spend a whirlwind week of wining and dining while getting to know the country’s vast array of regions and terroirs, wineries and vineyards, wines and the people who make them. Chilean sommelier Ricardo Grellet, the recent winner of Chile’s Best Sommelier competition, accompanied them throughout the week. At the close of their tour the group sat—rather exhausted and quite content—before the members of the Chilean wine industry to offer their comments on their visit and provide information about how to best promote Chilean wine in the UK on-trade.

Michael Cox, Wines of Chile’s UK Director Michael Cox, Wines of Chile’s UK Director

The session began on a sobering note about the economy from Wines of Chile UK Director Michael Cox. The global economic crisis affects everyone in the industry, but the good news about the bad news is that consumers are now—more than ever—looking for more quality for less money, and that is what Chile does best. In other words, the silver lining is that Chilean wines offer an outstanding price to quality ratio and consumers are increasingly aware that they can afford to continue drinking excellent wines without destroying the family budget simply by taking a closer look at what Chile has to offer.

The sommeliers followed, always beginning with words of amazement about what they found here: “diverse terroir, exciting wines, bright sunshine, blue skies, warm friendship, and extraordinary hospitality.”

As Roberto Della Pietra of Rousillon mentioned, “I had high expectations, but was not prepared for the country’s great hospitality. It’s fantastic. You certainly don’t get that kind of hospitality in Italy.” French sommelier Frederic Billet (The Renaissance/Chancery Court Hotel) was also impressed by the friendliness and cooperation among members

Frederic Billet , Food and Beverage Director at Renaissance Chancery Court Hotel of the industry, “that would never happen in France,” he said.

Nigel Lister (Asia to Cuba) was not alone in confessing that he had expected to spend the majority of the week tasting Cabernet Sauvignon. “I was impressed by the diversity of varieties produced here; it was a real eye opener.” He, like many others in the group, stressed that he looks for fresh, food-friendly wines, and was happy to find that “Chile embraces the poetry of Neruda in its wines; that’s what I look for: elegant poetic wines that match my foods.”

Terry Threfall, Head Sommelier & Wine Buyer, Chez Bruce

The other members of the panel nodded in agreement as Canadian born sommelier Terry Threlfall (London’s Chez Bruce Restaurant) summed up what several in the group had mentioned: “The aromatic whites—dry Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Viognier—really stand out. The lengthy, cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc loaded with mouthfeel and balance have real elegance and class, and one of the best meals we had here was served with a very exciting Pinot Noir from Bío Bio. And the lighter, spicier, elegant Syrah—I’m going to buy some of that for myself!” He also commented that Chilean Pinot Noir does quite well in his restaurant and that Carmenère is exciting and has huge sales potential.

Chile’s dry Mediterranean climate and natural geographic barriers make it a naturally ecologically friendly country—a point not lost on this group. Social awareness and sustainability are increasingly important considerations in the UK, and several members of the group expressed that their customers want more green products.

Chris Losh, the journalist of the group, was definitive: “Organics—More—Please!” He went on to say, “Chile has the best wine climate in the world, no question. Chile is genuinely green, and organics are also a great marketing tool, so why not have 80% of your wine organic or biodynamic?”

What many people do not realize is that many Chilean wineries have always operated at close to organic levels without feeling the need to seek out certification.

Chris Losh, Editor, Imbibe Magazine

What all the sommeliers made clear is that unlike many commercial products, wine is about stories. Consumers are more apt to select a wine they know something about and want to hear stories about the regions and people that produce it. And while there is certainly no recipe for good wine, when you start with one part Andes Mountains and one part Pacific Ocean, then add clear sunny skies, ideal soils, warm days, cool breezes, great vines, the right technology and a healthy dose of human enthusiasm, the outcome is sure to be something worth talking about. As these 10 sommeliers—and their customers—now know.

The participantste in the 2008 Sommelier Summit:

Spanish-born Alvaro Marco García is the Head Sommelier and Wine Buyer at Theo Randall & London’s InterContinental Hotel.

Roberto Dell Pietra (Italy) is the Head Sommelier at London’s Michel-star Roussillon Restaurant.

French Sommelier Frederic Billet is the Food and Beverage Director at Renaissance Chancery Court Hotel in London.

Mark Deamer (England) was the Chef Sommelier at The Greyhound at Battersea in London.

Michael Harrison is the Sommelier and Wine Buyer at George Fine Dining

Nicolas Angelina is the Wine and Spirit Buyer and Consultant for Noura Restaurant Group, which includes locales in the UK and the Middle East

British former actor Nigel Lister is Head Sommelier at Asia de Cuba at St. Martins Lane Hotel in London.
French-born Olivier Marie is the Wine Buyer and Head Sommelier at Coq d’Argent in London.

Terry Threlfall, originally from Vancouver, is the Head Sommelier & Wine Buyer at London’s Chez Bruce Restaurant.

Will Buckland creates the winelists for 20 different restaurants as the Group Sommelier for the Glendola Leisure Restaurant Group.

English journalist Chris Losh is the editor of Imbibe Magazine, dedicated to the UK on-trade