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Caliterra winemaker tips Malbec to do big things in Chile

Published:  16 September, 2015

A leading Chilean winemaker thinks Malbec could be a grape with a big future in the country.

Rodrigo Zamorano at Errazuriz-owned Caliterra says Chile could offer a softer take on the grape than Argentina, for whose producers it has become a popular varietal in the UK on-trade.

Zamorano told harpers.co.uk: "We have done a lot of research on the strengths of our property and discovered that Malbec could be one of these.

"Consumers are drinking more and more Malbec but we're only going to succeed if we offer a different style to Argentina. Our coastal climate and granite soil will help a lot with this and we can produce quality wine that is softer and less sweet.

"I don't think Argentina will let go of the market for Malbec but Chile can offer something different to consumers who might be getting a bit bored with very ripe styles. There's an opportunity to have something that's a little bit more elegant, lower in alcohol and not so sweet."

Malbec makes up 52% of the blend of Caliterra's premium Dstnto label, the 2015 vintage of which is on its way with a limited production of just 240 cases, a small increase on last year's first vintage.

"We have been working for five years to makes wines that are fresher and with less alcohol and less oak and Dstnto is one of the results," added Zamorano.

Dstnto and other Caliterra wines are distributed in the UK by Hatch Mansfield.

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