Producer Spotlight - Viña Errázuriz

Viña Errázuriz: Chilean Wine with Something to Prove

If you know your Chilean wines, Viña Errázuriz is probably a name you've come across.They're not one of the big players churning out supermarket bottles by the million - they're a family-run estate with a point to make: that Chile can do premium wine just as well as anyone else.

Founded back in 1870 by Don Maximiano Errázuriz in the Aconcagua Valley, the winery has always been about showing what Chilean wine is really capable of. These days it's in the hands of Eduardo Chadwick - a fifth-generation family member (with a very British-sounding surname thanks to his great-great-grandfather). Chadwick has been a driving force in changing how Chilean wine is seen around the world. He's spent years convincing people that Chile isn't just about cheap-and-cheerful bottles, and his efforts paid off in a big way with the famous 2004 Berlin Tasting. In a blind tasting, Errázuriz wines went head-to-head with some of Europe's finest and came out on top. It caused a bit of a stir.

At the heart of what they do is the Don Maximiano Founder's Reserve, a Bordeaux-style blend that's well worth seeking out if you like structured, elegant reds that age beautifully. But it's not all about the high-end wines. Their Aconcagua Costa series is also worth a look, especially if you're into fresher, cooler-climate styles. These wines come from vineyards nearer the Pacific and deliver bright, mineral-driven whites that offer great value for money.

If you've not tried Vina Errázuriz before, it's a good time to give them a go - with 10% off their wines this month, there's every reason to see what all the fuss is about.