Chilean Fairtrade wine returns

Chile’s first Fairtrade winery, Los Robles, is set for a return to the UK off-trade.

The winery was bought by Viña Cono Sur in 2009 and has been revamping its range and set-up.

Staying true to the ethos of Fairtrade wine, Los Robles has been busy supporting a number of small-scale growers in Curico in acquiring Fairtrade status.

Los Robles’ new head winemaker, Jorge Fuenzalida, said: “It has taken some time to get everything in place, because we wanted to ensure that we were working with growers who will really benefit from Fairtrade involvement.

“That means working with a lot of small holdings and individuals which is very complex.”

The company has designed two new ranges for distribution, including a Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon/Carmenere.

La Fonda, named after a Chilean national celebration involving communal eating and drinking, is aimed at supermarkets, while Los Almendros (the almond trees) is targeting independents.

Fuenzalida began working for Viña Concha y Toro in 2002. He was one of the first Chilean winemakers to become involved in the Fairtrade project and has huge experience in raising the quality of small producers.

He is determined to prove that Fairtrade wineries and the resulting wines are more than capable of being high-end products.

Finally, for those whose phone runs out of battery at the London International Wine Fair, stop by Cono Sur’s stand and they will let you recharge your mobile for free.

However, it’s not quite as simple as that. In order to recharge your phone you will have to use your legs.

Using the Amazing Bicycle Powered Generator you will be able to pedal away and recharge your handset. This is part of Cono Sur’s involvement with Magnificent Revolution, which uses bicycles to educate people on energy consumption.

Alternatively for the exercise shy, make sure it’s fully juiced before you leave the office.

Rupert Millar, 17.03.2010