RISING STARS: New Zealand & Chile (Click for more detail)

For some time now, Divine Fine Wines has picked out New Zealand and Chile as the main countries to watch in the New World, along with Argentina. We are pleased to see that wine awards and trade figures appear to be confirming this.

Divine Fine Wines has always been a big fan of Kiwi wines, as we believe they exude high quality; distinctive expression; and elegance - and at affordable prices. They also place high emphasis on environmentally friendly methods, with minimal use of pesticides and chemicals - that is increasingly important in our minds.
New Zealand wine regions have growing conditions similar to those of the Loire and Burgundy, hence the success of their sauvignon blanc; chardonnay; and pinot noir wines.
Exports this year have jumped 62% according to the official trade organisation, and the number of wineries has doubled since the mid nineties. The country exported 50% of its producion in 2003, with the UK being New Zealand's biggest importer, taking 44% of its wine. The US takes 26% and Australia 19%.

Chile is showing a similar rate of progress. We recently visited The 2004 Wines of Chile Trade Tasting in London, and found the venue (Lords Cricket Ground) packed with 97 stands, and over 1,000 wines. There were many excellent wines, and few poor ones. Among the reds, Chile's indigenous grape, Carmenere, shone brightly. We are backing that grape to lead Chile's charge up the World ratings, and you will find a brilliant example (Casa Rivas Gran Reserva - rated 5 stars by Decanter) in our wine list.
Chile is gaining ground fast in the UK, with volume up by 15% in the year to June 2004, and market share now up to 6% - ranking it 6th. Mentions of Chile in the consumer press have doubled in the last year, and only two countries get more mentions (France & Australia).
So, we recommend that you watch New Zealand and Chile over the next few years, and make an effort to try their wines.