KAI stands out in Giles Luckett’s recommendations for South American wines, alongside Aconcagua Alto and MAX

Earlier this year, Giles Luckett, a seasoned wine expert with over 30 years of experience in the industry having worked with prestigious wine merchants and brokers, explored Chile’s renowned wine regions, discovering the country’s exceptional terroir, which makes it an ideal home for a wide range of grape varieties, including Pinot Noir. Yet, it was the Carmenere grape that truly captivated him. Originally from the Iberian Peninsula and rediscovered in Chile in 1994, Carmenere has thrived in the country’s unique climate, producing wines of remarkable quality.

In his recommendations, Luckett highlighted six exceptional Carmenere wines, starting with Errazuriz MAX, which he described as one of the best bargains in the variety. He also recommended Aconcagua Alto Carmenere 2019, noting its bold character, making it ideal for pairing with rich meaty pies, baked cheeses, or casseroles. Finally, Viña Errázuriz’s flagship KAI 2019 stood out as one of the top-tier Chilean Carmenere, and in Luckett's view, the best. A world-class wine that’s superb now but will age beautifully, becoming an excellent match for rich, full-flavoured dishes. These wines showcase Chile’s growing reputation for world-class wine production and demonstrate Carmenere’s ability to compete with the world’s finest.