Five incredible, world class South American wines packed with style and excitement to accompany this week’s Thomasina Miers recipes.
2011 Casillero del Diablo, Sauvignon Blanc, Chile (£6.98, reduced to £5.00, until 20 June, Asda; £7.99, reduced to £5.99, until 17 July, Tesco). Very tangy, dramatically crisp and loaded with impossibly bright citrus fruit this is one of the liveliest whites imaginable. With a zesty, uplifting finish this is perfect wine for the Broad bean, pea and new potato quesadilla recipe.
2011 de Gras Merlot, Reserva, Colchagua Valley, Chile (£9.49, Noel Young Wines tel. 01223 566744; £8.50 www.harperwells.com). From one of the finest estates in Chile, this is a spectacular, plum and cherry-soaked red with stunning, cinnamon-spiced oak barrel notes and serious class. Bursting with energy and with five strong years ahead of it this is a must-buy, splendid red.
2011 Dominio del Plata, Torrontès, Argentina (£7.99, Marks & Spencer). The torrontès grape is a quirky, mouth-watering number with fragrant grapefruit nuances and a lovely sprightly finish. The nose is tropical and charming and it is the perfect, thought-provoking white for the stunning Salmon and avocado ceviche with lime dish.
2009 Serie Riberas Syrah, Concha y Toro, Chile (£12.19, Morrisons). This fabulous wine is an amazing work of art and it is made by the brilliant Marcelo Papa. With a massive, wild, untamed palate of blackberries and pepper and a huge structure, with firm tannins, this heroic red is made for massive meaty dishes and it is a total and utter star.
2010 Catena, Chardonnay, Mendoza, Argentina (£12.49, Waitrose). The slick, smooth, sultry chardonnay grapes, grown at high altitude, are epic in this top class wine. With clever use of oak this is one of the finest South American chardonnays around. It is rich and lusty and made for dreamy fish and chicken main courses.
